Julia Priftis

Share your military spouse story:
Ten years ago, a chance dinner in Annapolis changed my life forever. There, I met my future husband, a Naval Academy student, while I was studying at nearby Towson University. What started as love at first sight blossomed into a journey that would shape my entire world. Life as a military spouse has taught me the art of adaptability. With two energetic kids in tow, we've moved across cities and countries, each relocation bringing new challenges and opportunities. Our first posting in Jacksonville opened my eyes to a calling I never expected. Working with at-risk mothers through the judicial system, I witnessed humanity at its darkest and brightest moments. When COVID hit and my husband deployed for a year, I transformed challenge into opportunity. Instead of putting life on hold, I earned my master's in Marriage and Family Therapy while juggling full-time work and motherhood. This experience fueled my passion to support military families, leading me to pursue a doctoral degree in Developmental Psychology. My dissertation focused on how deployments affect spousal depression and children's attachment to their service member parents – research born from both personal experience and professional dedication. My work with the Military Spouse Advocacy Network (MSAN) inspired me to create practical parenting resources for military families. I channeled this knowledge into my first book, a hands-on guide covering everything from communication and boundaries to attachment styles and deployment cycles. It's the resource I wish I'd had when starting this journey. Now stationed in Germany on a PEP tour, I continue to grow and adapt. The military lifestyle has given me more than just experiences – it's blessed me with an extraordinary community and friendships that will last a lifetime. Home transcends mere geography; it's about thriving and finding joy, regardless of where the military sends you.

Share an example of your leadership experience within the military community:
One of the most remarkable experiences in my life that showcased my leadership within the military community was serving as the secretary on the Family Readiness Group (FRG) board during a deployment. This role allowed me to deliver vital information, support, and assistance to families in need. I took the initiative to help spouses, especially those with children, in creating effective budgets and providing them with the resources necessary to thrive during the challenging times of a lengthy COVID-19 deployment. I organized efforts to drop off essential items like diapers and food to those spouses who required extra help. Throughout my tenure on the FRG board, I played an active role in meetings and worked diligently to foster a robust support network for all spouses and families.

Describe your involvement in the military community:
My military community journey began as an FRG secretary during my husband's deployment, where I helped families connect with their service members and provided crucial support. This role taught me the value of transparency and inclusivity. Later, working with a mental health nonprofit for military families broadened my perspective on their needs. I helped establish an emergency hotline for military spouses and developed a comprehensive crisis resource list. Now, as an Ambassador for the Military Spouse Advocacy Network (MSAN), I connect spouses with essential resources and help build community bonds. Living remotely inspired me to focus on supporting isolated military spouses abroad, ensuring they feel connected to our resilient community despite the distance. This led me to write my first book a practical, conversational guide to help military families thrive, especially those hesitant to seek help directly. I am dedicated to helping every military spouse unlock their full potential.

Describe how you support your community:
Encouragement and motivation stand as essential pillars within the military community. There are moments when those serving may find these qualities both within reach and yet challenging to maintain. My deep-seated passion for the military family inspires me to uplift every spouse I encounter, especially when they face hurdles in nurturing these vital traits. I take great joy in being their enthusiastic supporter. Through my platform, I strive to empower military spouses to flourish in any situation they find themselves in. I aim to be that guiding light during dark times, helping them to thrive and blossom wherever they are planted. Working with all these amazing spouses it inspired me to create parenting resource that is available through social media that are available to anyone. Collaborating with MSAN and military spouses through my parenting resources has allowed me to build connections and offer invaluable support to spouses through empowerment, networking, and shared knowledge.

What do you advocate for? Why?
Military spouses navigate a world filled with uncertainty while wearing countless hats. We assume various roles, including travel agent, secretary, driver, and accountant, among others. Balancing these responsibilities, we manage daily life while also grappling with the emotional complexities that come with being married to a service member. The spectrum of feelings stress, anxiety, sadness, anger, joy, excitement, and more can be overwhelming. I am passionate about ensuring that military spouses feel heard, understood, and inspired. My goal is to equip them with the tools they need to empower themselves and those around them. Often, our own career aspirations and desires may take a back seat to support our service members and their missions. I am dedicated to being a source of support for all military spouses, providing them with the space to feel, grow, and find strength. I advocate for every spouse and family to flourish, even during challenging times, not just in moments of ease.

How have you spread the message of your platform/advocacy?
I have proudly embraced the role of a military spouse for over eight years now. Throughout this journey, I have taken on the roles of advocate, supporter, and motivator for fellow military families. Utilizing my platform and voice, I have empowered these families to thrive even in the toughest of circumstances. One of the most fulfilling aspects of my experience has been serving as a listening ear, a friend, and a confidant. Residing in North Germany, away from other military families, has taught me how to make my voice resonate, even from a distance. I have honed my skills in outreach and have flourished in various environments, which has equipped me with the knowledge and tools to help other spouses discover their own potential. As an ambassador for MSAN and through my social media channels, I have had the privilege of assisting numerous families in enhancing their connections, improving communication, and building their self-confidence.

What do you hope to accomplish with the AFI Military Spouse of the Year^® title?
I want to begin by expressing how truly honored I am to have received this nomination. Connecting with so many incredible spouses has been nothing short of inspiring, as each of their stories resonates deeply. Holding this title empowers me to advocate more effectively for military families, ensuring that the voices of spouses who often feel overlooked are heard. Balancing the roles of a parent and a partner can be incredibly challenging, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed while trying to support everyone around you. My goal is to reassure each spouse that they are not alone in this journey. I want you to know that your feelings are valid and that you matter. I see you, I hear you, and I am committed to being an advocate who helps you forge deeper connections with yourself, your children, and your partner. Together, we can cultivate a strong community that allows every spouse to thrive and grow.