Cynthia Giesecke

Share your military spouse story:
For the past 24 years, my life as a military spouse has been a journey defined by resilience, adaptability, and an unwavering passion for supporting military families. At the heart of everything I do, whether as a volunteer or a paid professional, has been the steadfast commitment to serving those who share the unique challenges and triumphs of military life. Military families have been my inspiration and my purpose. I have walked alongside them through deployments, relocations, and the myriad transitions that come with serving our nation. Throughout my journey, I have embraced every season of being a military spouse. I have experienced the joy and challenges of being a stay-at-home mother, the fulfillment of volunteering, the complexities of working as a Department of Defense contractor, and the responsibilities of serving as a Congressional staffer. I have ventured into entrepreneurship, discovering the strength that comes from forging my own path, and I have dedicated myself to public service as a federal civilian. Each of these roles has shaped me, but it is my work as a volunteer that stands out as the most rewarding. Volunteering has not only allowed me to give back to the community that has given me so much, but it has also gifted me with an incredible network of fellow spouses and professionals who enrich my life. My story is not just about my roles or titles; it is about the enduring spirit of service and the profound connections that come from standing shoulder-to-shoulder with others who understand the unique fabric of military life. It is about finding purpose in giving back and creating a legacy of support and empowerment for future generations of military families.

Share an example of your leadership experience within the military community:
I have dedicated five years to the Fort Belvoir community as a Belvoir Spouses' Club board member, serving as scholarship chairperson and now President. As scholarship chairperson, we raised over $60K in scholarships and community outreach grants. Now, as President, my focus has been on fostering inclusion and modernizing traditions to address the evolving needs of military spouses. With more spouses seeking employment to support their families and personal growth, traditional expectations for full-time volunteering are no longer sustainable. Facing a shortage of volunteers, I assembled a team of dynamic leaders and reimagined how our club operates, creating space for working spouses to contribute. While our work is ongoing, this shift has sparked meaningful conversations and inspired other clubs to recognize and support employed military spouses. Our mission remains clear: to adapt, innovate, and serve the Fort Belvoir community with purpose.

Describe your involvement in the military community:
Even with the demands of a full-time job, I am deeply committed to serving and strengthening our community. As President of the Belvoir Spouses' Club, we organize meaningful events that foster connection and camaraderie among military spouses. My dedication to empowering and mobilizing others extends beyond the local level. We strive to collaborate with other military service organizations to leverage our capacities. As a board member for the Secure Families Initiative and Secure Families Foundation, we work "to amplify the voices of military partners, parents, kids, and veterans, advocating on critical issues such as foreign policy, national security, and democracy." Additionally, I joined Strength in Service, a nonprofit organization "devoted to empowering military spouses in the social work field." Through these roles, I strive to build bridges, support families, and advocate for the values that strengthen our communities and nation.

Describe how you support your community:
Even now, as I work full-time, my dedication to supporting military families remains steadfast. I engage with them in various capacities, ensuring their voices are heard, their needs are met, and their contributions are celebrated. The skills I have gained through volunteering—leadership, advocacy, and a deep understanding of community needs—are tools I joyfully share with others. Empowering military spouses to recognize their own potential and embrace their own journeys is a privilege I hold close to my heart. What drives me most is the joy of sharing the knowledge, experiences, and resources I have accumulated over the years. I believe in the abundance that comes from collaboration and the strength of a community that lifts each other up. This belief fuels my continued service and inspires me to advocate for and support military families in every way possible.

What do you advocate for? Why?
I passionately advocate for creating inclusive spaces where all military spouses feel seen, celebrated, and supported in their unique journeys. Each narrative, perspective, and experience contributes to the rich tapestry of our community. My advocacy stems from a deep belief in the power of connection—people need people, even when we think we don't. I strive to be the person who reaches out, ensuring no one feels alone in a crowded room. If someone stands alone, I invite them to sit with me. I will gather a group to foster new connections if someone seeks companionship over coffee. My mission's core is fostering a sense of belonging and unity within our community. By strengthening these connections, we ensure that every military spouse knows they are not alone and that their presence matters.

How have you spread the message of your platform/advocacy?
As President of the Belvoir Spouses' Club, I’ve encouraged countless military spouses to get involved by meeting them where they are. Through organized events and collaborations, I’ve fostered an environment where diverse perspectives are acknowledged and valued. This experience allowed me to shape meaningful initiatives and inspire greater participation. Additionally, as a caregiver to my mother during her illness and after her passing, I’ve gained a deep understanding of the complex challenges that come with military life and caregiving for aging or sick loved ones. This perspective has informed and enabled me to connect with others more deeply. While I may not aspire to become an influencer, I firmly believe in the power of one-on-one conversations and personal interactions. These connections allow me to share a message that resonates deeply and creates a lasting impact within our community.

What do you hope to accomplish with the AFI Military Spouse of the Year^® title?
With the AFI MSOY title, my mission is to foster further a sense of belonging while amplifying the voices of our military spouse community. I aim to showcase the diverse stories, resilience, strength, and contributions that define our spouses. By emphasizing the importance of community building and forging meaningful partnerships, we can unite to work for the common good. Through mentorship, storytelling, and collaborative initiatives, I aim to cultivate a community where every spouse feels empowered, valued, and equipped to make a meaningful impact.