Jennis Stewart

Share your military spouse story:
In 2018, during Hurricane Florence, I met my wife while she was stationed at Camp Lejeune, and I was a Police Sergeant in Atlantic Beach. Long shifts gave us time to talk constantly, and our connection quickly grew. A month later, she left for TBS in Virginia, and I prepared to continue my career in Florida to be closer to family with my daughter. Despite our brief time together, we took a leap of faith and embraced a long-distance relationship— a first for both of us. After graduating from the Police Academy, I joined the Hollywood Police Department while my wife completed TBS and received orders for a lengthy MOS school in California. The distance and demanding schedules were challenging, but we made it work—driving cross-country, taking flights, and relying on countless FaceTime calls to stay connected. After two years of long-distance, we were overjoyed to marry in 2020. Like many military families, we faced a tough decision: continue living apart or have one of us leave our career to prioritize our marriage. After much reflection, I made the difficult choice to leave the career I loved for eight years and move to her new duty station at Camp Lejeune, bringing our story full circle. We remained there until 2022 when we received orders to MCRD Parris Island. With our daughter and newborn son, we embraced yet another transition. Upon arrival, we had just a week to settle in before my wife returned to work, leaving me feeling isolated and overwhelmed at a new base, managing two children and a home on my own. Determined to find my place, I sought opportunities to connect with fellow spouses and give back—just as I did as a Police Officer. That’s when I discovered the impact of volunteering with Private Peppers and becoming a Family Readiness Assistant (FRA). Three years later, now serving as the Vice President of the Spouses’ Club and thriving through seven recruit training cycles, I have found joy and purpose serving families and giving back to my community.

Share an example of your leadership experience within the military community:
In 2024, I was honored to be elected VP of the Parris Island Spouses Club. Recognizing a need for leadership in planning and executing events, I took on the role of Social Chair, leading multiple successful events benefitting our Scholarship and Philanthropic funds. These initiatives provide meaningful support to military families and the Beaufort County community, fostering a culture of giving and connection. Additionally, this is my second year on the Scholarship Committee, where I help to ensure deserving military families receive educational assistance. For the past three years, I have also served as a FRA, prioritizing inclusivity and connection by organizing events and collaborating with battalion leadership and fellow FRAs to create opportunities for spouses to build strong support networks. These experiences have strengthened my skills in teamwork, event management, and advocacy—skills I hope to apply on a larger scale that align with the responsibilities of the AFI MSOY role.

Describe your involvement in the military community:
I spearheaded the rebuilding of the Little Library in one of the neighborhoods on base and continue to help stock multiple Little Libraries, ensuring families have access to books and fostering a sense of community that will endure long after I leave the island. For the past three years, I have also volunteered with Private Peppers, a philanthropic sub-club of the PISC, supporting new Marines on Family Day whose loved ones cannot attend. In this unique program, exclusive to MCRD Parris Island, I have helped strengthen morale by distributing prepaid cell phones to the new Marines to call home and passing out baked goods for them to enjoy—rain or shine. Additionally, I have contributed to morale-boosting initiatives such as 'Cookies for Kindness,' where volunteers distribute baked goods to Marines across MCRD Parris Island and MCAS Beaufort. These experiences have allowed me to actively support and strengthen the military community in meaningful and lasting ways.

Describe how you support your community:
Understanding the challenges of military life, I am committed to building a strong community by encouraging spouses to participate in events that provide connection. I lead a monthly Book Club, offering a welcoming space for spouses across the Tri-Command to engage in fun discussions, step out of their comfort zones, and form new friendships. This initiative helps combat the isolation that often comes with military life. Beyond social events, I actively promote participation in MCCS-hosted competitions to raise vital battalion funds and strengthen bonds among families. My participation in fundraising efforts directly supports events such as family pool parties, meals for Drill Instructors during Basic Warrior Training (BWT), and Month of the Military Child celebrations, all of which enhance morale and bring families together. Through these efforts, I strive to create an inclusive environment where spouses feel valued, supported, and inspired to take an active role in our community.

What do you advocate for? Why?
I advocate for strengthening connections among military spouses through community engagement, recognizing their sacrifices and the challenges of military life. Many put careers on hold to support their service members, facing frequent moves, job recertifications, and the challenge of being the 'new person' every few years. Through engagement, volunteering, and scholarships for continuing education, I aim to empower spouses. Whether by organizing activities, facilitating networking, or supporting initiatives that recognize their contributions, my goal is to ensure every spouse feels valued and heard. The friendships formed provide vital support through training cycles, career transitions, and the unique demands of military life. Ultimately, I advocate for a thriving spouse community where resources and encouragement are available, and their sacrifices are recognized and celebrated.

How have you spread the message of your platform/advocacy?
As an Executive Board member and Social Chair for the PISC, I help manage our social media presence by creating informative flyers, responding to community inquiries, and promoting upcoming events to keep members engaged and informed. I have also collaborated with MCFTB to amplify our message and reach more military families through their monthly newsletter. Additionally, as a FRA, I serve as an administrator for the training company's Facebook page, sharing key updates and event details to support families throughout the training cycle. Beyond social media, I engage with new Drill Instructor families by attending DI Meet and Greets, where I provide valuable insights and answer questions about their service member’s new assignment. To further support incoming families, I have created informational pamphlets to help navigate their transition and stay connected to company events. Through these efforts, I ensure military spouses are well-informed and integrated into the community.

What do you hope to accomplish with the AFI Military Spouse of the Year^® title?
Being nominated for the Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year® title is an incredible honor. Over the past three years, I have grown in my ability to connect, support, and empower fellow military spouses, and if selected, I hope to further expand these efforts on a larger scale. My goal is to advocate for greater spouse involvement within military communities and provide guidance to those who may feel uncertain about how to get started. Relocating to a new duty station, far from home and familiar support systems, can be overwhelming. However, I believe that through meaningful connections, shared experiences, and mutual support, military spouses can not only navigate these challenges but truly thrive. With the AFI MSOY platform, I aspire to encourage spouses to engage, find their sense of belonging, and build lasting support networks that will serve them throughout their journey in military life.