Hope Daupert

Share your military spouse story:
My journey as a military spouse began in 2007 when I met my husband, who was preparing to attend Officer Candidate School (OCS). In 2009, we welcomed our first daughter, Irelynn, into the world—just as my husband graduated from OCS. At that time, we were a traditional Guard family. While duty station changes and training were part of our routine, it still felt like uncharted territory for me. In 2011, our family grew with the arrival of our son, Emmett. That same year, my husband transitioned to operational support orders. While this marked a significant shift for our family, I learned the meaning of adapting and learned to navigate between different orders, training schedules, and family adjustments. In 2016, I experienced our first PCS move to Fort Polk, Louisiana, where we spent a year. It was a mix of excitement and apprehension—meeting new people and adjusting to a different military lifestyle. That year was a turning point for me, reshaping how I viewed my role as a military spouse. After returning from Fort Polk, my husband was hired into the Active Guard Reserve (AGR) program, which allowed us to settle back in the state where our military journey had begun. Since 2017, my husband's full-time role has taken him further from home, with duty stations moving from Michigan City, Indiana, to Terre Haute—both locations over two hours away. During these years of separation, I learned the true meaning of resilience. It was also during this time that I began volunteering with the National Guard Association, seeking ways to stay connected to the military community, support others facing similar challenges, and find my own sense of belonging. Through it all, I've learned that being a military spouse isn't just about supporting your partner. It's about navigating challenges together, even when physically apart, and knowing that your commitment to each other is stronger than any distance.

Share an example of your leadership experience within the military community:
As Chairperson of the Communications Committee for NGAI, I connect service members, retirees, and their families with essential information and resources. In this role, I ensure that Soldiers, Airmen, and their families stay informed about critical benefits, events, and fundraising initiatives, while also providing them with regular updates on activities and opportunities. I work hard to promote town hall meetings, which provide service members and their families with a direct opportunity to engage with legislators, voice concerns, and advocate for their needs. I am also deeply involved in gathering input from service members and their families to understand their unique needs and challenges. By actively listening to the concerns of the National Guard community, I am able to work closely with the legislative team to develop and advance legislation that addresses these needs, ensuring that those who serve have the resources and support they deserve.

Describe your involvement in the military community:
I have volunteered and worked with the National Guard Association of Indiana since 2017. I work closely with the Casualty Affairs Office to assist with the payout of death benefits and provide guidance on alternative funding sources when no death benefit is available. I also educate soldiers, airmen, and their families about the various benefits available to active, traditional, and retiring servicemembers. I help provide information on financial assistance to service members and families in need. Through clear communication and comprehensive support, I help ensure that military families are well-informed and equipped to navigate the complex landscape of military benefits during times of loss or transition.

Describe how you support your community:
I support my community by ensuring that people are aware of programs and resources that can benefit them. I stay knowledgeable about both military and non-military programs that provide support and make it a point to share this information with those who might need it. For several years, I have volunteered at our local Youth Baseball and Softball League, a role that has allowed me to directly contribute to the youth of our community. My involvement has ranged from helping to organize and stock concessions to running the league’s social media and website. Each of these tasks plays a part in ensuring the smooth operation of the league and creating a positive experience for players and their families. Beyond my formal volunteer work, I always try to make myself available to those in need. Whether it’s offering a helping hand to a neighbor, providing guidance to someone seeking assistance, or simply being a listening ear, I try to be present and offer support when needed.

What do you advocate for? Why?
We all live with the reality that death is inevitable. Unfortunately, none of us knows when that moment will come. I often witness firsthand the profound struggles faced by families who suddenly find themselves without the financial means to lay their loved ones to rest. Every day, these brave servicemembers face risks, not just in their military service but also in their civilian lives. Yet, many go without the vital death benefits they and their families deserve. The truth is that bills don't stop—mortgages, car payments, and everyday expenses continue, regardless of the tragedy. It is important that we ensure our servicemembers have access to the death benefits they need. I’ve seen families devastated by loss, only to be further burdened with financial uncertainty. The ability to provide an immediate check so that a family can focus on grieving rather than scrambling to pay for a funeral or keep up with bills is invaluable.

How have you spread the message of your platform/advocacy?
My advocacy efforts include briefing our service members on the various life insurance options, how these benefits work, and the steps they can take to secure them. I make myself available to support other programs within the Indiana National Guard, offering assistance whenever they have questions or need guidance about life insurance benefits. I also provide relevant documentation, so that units and service members have up-to-date resources to share and refer to when making decisions about their benefits. Staying informed is essential to my role. I regularly attend informational trainings and conferences to keep up with the latest updates and changes to life insurance benefits. By staying current, I can provide accurate and timely information, ensuring that our service members have all the tools they need to make the best decisions for themselves and their families.

What do you hope to accomplish with the AFI Military Spouse of the Year^® title?
Being named the 2025 Armed Forces Insurance Spouse of the Year would be an incredible honor, providing me with the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals who are dedicated to improving the lives of our servicemembers and their families. This recognition would also give me a platform to advocate for the causes I care about on a larger scale. Above all, I hope it will inspire other National Guard spouses to embrace the opportunity to take an active role within the military community, showing them that their voices and contributions matter.