Donna De Natale

Share your military spouse story:
Before I met my husband, I wasn’t sure if I wanted marriage or kids. Let alone the idea of dating someone in the military. The possibility of constant moves, deployments and what ifs. I was focused on my career. I decided to focus on myself and find my peace. That journey led me to Hawaii, where I visited my cousin stationed there. Thanks to what I like to call “seven degrees of Kevin Bacon”—I met Will. I was living in Florida, and he was stationed in Hawaii with two years left there. A long distance relationship is never ideal but something about him made me want to take a chance. Over the next two years I made sure my travels brought me back to Hawaii as often as possible. Each visit we grew closer, and over 13 years ago, I put my faith in fate and fell in love. Before Will, I often wondered what my purpose in life was. Meeting him gave me the answer: my purpose was my family. But it wasn’t always easy. The distance, two demanding careers, endless sacrifices, and moves across thousands of miles made things challenging. We didn’t rush into marriage. Instead, we committed to navigating life together, taking two separate lives and making them one. Though life hasn’t always gone as planned, we’ve faced it all together, love and loss. We wanted more than one child, but that wasn’t in the cards for us. We have one incredible son, now nine years old. We’ve grown as individuals, but even more importantly, we’ve grown together. I am so proud to be Will’s wife, a military spouse, an Army wife—even if I secretly hum “Anchors Aweigh” during the Army-Navy game for my dad, Will doesn’t mind. He’s my partner, best friend, and biggest cheerleader, no matter what idea I come up with or how often I volunteer him for something. What began with chance turned into a lifetime of love. What feels like a lifetime already, I look forward to forever more with him.

Share an example of your leadership experience within the military community:
I have demonstrated leadership within the military community by actively engaging in initiatives that bring families together and foster connection. As a volunteer in the school and PTO President, I’ve helped create programs that support military children and bridge the gap between parents and educators for elementary school encompassing two buildings, 220 staff and 1800 students. In Scouts, I mentor young leaders, organizing activities that build confidence, teamwork, and resilience for one of the largest and active packs in the region. Additionally, I took the initiative to start a community-wide Trunk or Treat event with the PTO and base hospital, providing a fun and inclusive space for families to connect and celebrate. What started as an event with 1500 patrons, has grown to over 6000 people looking forward to this event. Through these efforts, I have worked to create a stronger, more unified military community that thrives on connection and mutual support.

Describe your involvement in the military community:
I am deeply involved in the military community through consistent engagement in programs and events that support families. As a PTO volunteer, I collaborate with educators and parents to create initiatives that address the unique needs of military children. In Scouts, I dedicate my time to helping young leaders grow while fostering a sense of connection for their families. I also actively participate in base and garrison initiatives, contributing to events that encourage community building and inclusivity. My focus is on supporting military families through consistent involvement and ensuring they feel valued, heard, and supported.

Describe how you support your community:
I support my community by creating inclusive opportunities for all military families to connect and thrive. Through my involvement in school and PTO, I work to ensure military children and their families feel supported and valued, advocating for resources that address their unique needs. In Scouts, I mentor young leaders while fostering a sense of belonging for both kids and parents. I actively participate in base events and have helped organize free or low-cost activities open to all families, such as Trunk or Treat and community gatherings. These initiatives provide a welcoming environment where families can build connections and feel part of a larger community. My focus is on inclusivity, ensuring every family feels supported and empowered, no matter their background or circumstances.

What do you advocate for? Why?
I advocate for military kids because they are resilient, adaptable, and deserve unwavering support as they navigate the unique challenges of military life. Frequent relocations, long separations from loved ones, and the pressures of adapting to new environments can take a toll on their well-being. I work to ensure military kids have access to strong educational support, extracurricular opportunities, and safe spaces to connect with peers who understand their journey. Through my involvement in schools, Scouts, and community events, I strive to celebrate their strength while addressing their needs. By advocating for military kids, I’m helping build a foundation of stability, confidence, and belonging for the next generation of leaders and changemakers.

How have you spread the message of your platform/advocacy?
I have spread the message of my advocacy for military kids through a variety of platforms, ensuring my efforts reach and resonate with the community. I utilize the PTO Facebook page, website, and other social media channels to share resources, promote events, and highlight the unique challenges and strengths of military children. These platforms allow me to connect with families, educators, and community leaders, fostering engagement and collaboration. By leveraging social media, I’ve been able to amplify my message, raise awareness, and encourage others to join in supporting military kids and their families. My focus is on creating accessible, impactful communication that inspires action and strengthens our community.

What do you hope to accomplish with the AFI Military Spouse of the Year^® title?
With the AFI Military Spouse of the Year title, I hope to amplify my advocacy for military kids and families, creating greater awareness and access to resources that address their unique challenges. I want to expand programs that foster community connection, resilience, and support for military children through schools, Scouts, and inclusive family events. This title would provide a platform to collaborate with leaders, organizations, and fellow spouses to ensure all military families feel valued and empowered. Ultimately, I want to inspire others to build stronger, more connected communities that celebrate the strength and sacrifices of military families while equipping them to thrive in every aspect of life.