Jessica Whatley

Share your military spouse story:
My husband and I met in freshman English class. He was the goofy kid who made jokes and doodled on his assignments. I vividly remember our teacher telling him, “Michael, if you spent as much energy on your artwork as you do your assignments, you’d be an A student.” We started dating our junior year of high school and never looked back. When we graduated, he wanted to join the Air Force, but I pleaded with him to choose a different path. After earning degrees in music production and business, we married at 21 while I finished my undergrad in Education. He asked again to join the Air Force, but I couldn’t bear the thought of being apart. I graduated college, he found work in his field, but it still didn’t feel right. He asked once more to join, and this time, I agreed. One year later, he left for basic training. The adjustment to being a military spouse wasn’t easy. I struggled through every phase—leaving home, adjusting to life in Wyoming, enduring my husband’s first deployment while I was pregnant, facing endless TDYs while teaching full-time, and navigating postpartum depression. It was hard—there’s no sugarcoating it. Now, almost 13 years later, after 3 PCS moves and preparing for our third deployment this fall, my husband and I would joke that I was a terrible military spouse. I never came on base, I wasn’t involved. Instead, I immersed myself in our communities, volunteered at our church, and focused on my friendships. I stayed in my “civilian lane.” But after our most recent PCS to MacDill AFB, something shifted. I decided to embrace my role as an "experienced spouse" and began asking, “How can I help?” That’s how I ended up writing this profile and being nominated. I’m now committed to connecting spouses, supporting them, and helping them navigate this incredibly difficult journey we’ve chosen to travel.

Share an example of your leadership experience within the military community:
I hold a degree in Special Education from Ohio Dominican University and have taught in public classrooms in Wyoming and Illinois. When my youngest son was diagnosed with special needs, we decided homeschooling would be the best option for him. After moving to Florida, we chose to homeschool both our boys. I joined the MacDill Homeschoolers Facebook group, quickly becoming an active participant. Eventually, I was asked to lead the group and have since worked to strengthen the community and connect homeschooling families. I encourage other military spouses to lead and engage within the community. I also offer a "Homeschooling 101" session, specializing in special education accommodations, to help new homeschooling families navigate their journey.

Describe your involvement in the military community:
Outside of the homeschooling community, I also spearheaded the redevelopment of the MacDill Protestant Women of the Chapel ministry. I work closely with the Chaplain and regularly attend church on base. Recently, I was invited to join the Protestant Advisory Council to help support and guide church ministries. In addition, I co-lead our local monthly book club, which has been a wonderful way to welcome new friends into my home and encourage my introverted friends to step out of their comfort zones. I also participate in a local BUNCO group that meets monthly.

Describe how you support your community:
I actively support my community by fostering connection, providing resources, and creating growth opportunities. As a special education advocate, I help families navigate accommodations and homeschooling, offering "Homeschooling 101" sessions focused on their families individual needs. I also coach military spouses, helping them build confidence in their homeschooling journey. Beyond education, I’m involved in social and community activities. I lead and participate in local book clubs, creating spaces for people to connect and form friendships. I’m also active in the MacDill Protestant Women of the Chapel ministry and the Protestant Advisory Council, supporting the church’s outreach efforts. Additionally, I participate in a local BUNCO group and help organize social events, ensuring opportunities for people with diverse interests to build relationships. Through these efforts, I aim to create an inclusive environment where individuals and families can thrive.

What do you advocate for? Why?
I advocate for meeting people where they are, creating a safe and encouraging environment to navigate their up's and downs. I want people to feel comfortable, heard, and validated. I want to be someone they can turn to, while also holding them accountable and striving for growth. I advocate for spouses to help where they can, include who they can, and ask "how can I help?". I advocate for our military kiddos. I want every child to access the best education that fits their needs, whether that's in the public or home school environment.

How have you spread the message of your platform/advocacy?
I maintain an active presence on Facebook and social media, where I serve as the administrator for several pages, including our homeschooling page, PWOC page, and book club page. I regularly post updates, ideas, meet-ups, and opportunities for involvement. I also share resources on our military spouses’ Facebook page and make it a point to personally reach out to address questions and concerns. To help spread my contact information beyond the base community, I use business cards. I’ve earned the nickname "Jess Be My Friend Whatley" because I genuinely enjoy meeting new people—not for myself, but to connect them with others who could benefit from a friendship. My goal is to foster meaningful connections within the community.

What do you hope to accomplish with the AFI Military Spouse of the Year^® title?
As a nominee for AFI Military Spouse of the Year, I am committed to advocating for the resources and support that military spouses and families need, with a focus on mental health, community development, and building strong, inclusive relationships. I will actively push for initiatives that promote flexibility and inclusion, ensuring military families can thrive in all areas of their lives. I am particularly passionate about supporting and advocating for the home school community, working to provide resources and create opportunities for families to succeed. I strive to raise awareness of the critical role military families play in supporting the overall mission, highlighting our contributions both at home and within the military community. My goal is to continue fostering a supportive environment that empowers military spouses and families to grow, connect, and make meaningful impacts.