Kari De Longpre

Share your military spouse story:
Eighteen years ago, I entered military life, navigating deployments, uncertainty, and a close-knit community. As a young spouse, I joined spouse boards, served as an Ombudsman, and supported others during my husband’s deployments. The connections I built with other spouses gave me strength and purpose. In 2018, after the birth of my second daughter, I faced debilitating postpartum depression, anxiety, panic attacks, and suicidal ideations. I hit rock bottom when I went to the ER, fearing a heart attack, only to learn it was a panic attack. Overwhelmed by shame, I feared the stigma of mental health and its potential impact on my husband’s career. For a time, I put on a brave front, hiding my struggles. Eventually, I recognized I couldn’t fight this alone. With the support of my family, friends, and a dedicated medical team, I rebuilt myself—first as a person, then as a mother, and finally as a spouse. Sharing my journey publicly became a turning point, breaking the stigma of mental health within the military community and fostering authentic connections with others who were struggling. While stationed overseas in Japan, I had an experience that clarified my purpose. I supported a military-connected individual through a mental health crisis, and in that moment, I felt profound peace. I knew I was meant to walk alongside others on their mental health journeys. Despite challenges, I pursued a Master of Social Work from the University of Oklahoma, interned with an active-duty command, and worked to enhance mental health care for shipboard sailors, advocating for suicide prevention and reducing stigma. Today, as a social worker, I remain dedicated to increasing access to quality mental health care for military-connected individuals. This journey would not have been possible without the unwavering support of my daughters, my spouse, and the military community, who inspired and empowered me every step of the way. Together, we ensure no one walks this path alone.

Share an example of your leadership experience within the military community:
My leadership journey centers on advocacy, addressing critical challenges within the military community. In Yokosuka, Japan, I led efforts to combat food insecurity caused by COVID-19, supply chain disruptions, and the complexities of OCONUS living. Families relying on Commissary supplies and WIC-O benefits faced significant hardships. I mobilized local support, engaged Commissary and WIC-O leadership, and escalated efforts to base and federal representatives, resulting in immediate changes for families. As a graduate social work student, I identified challenges for online military-connected students, including time zones, relocations, and childcare. I designed a survey to gather insights and presented findings at a professional development event, facilitating discussions to address these issues. These experiences reinforced my commitment to identifying systemic challenges and working collaboratively to create solutions.

Describe your involvement in the military community:
Over the past 18 years, my involvement in the military community has grown alongside my personal development. In the early years, I used social media, then a new tool, to connect and support new spouses as a spouse club board member. I volunteered as an Ombudsman twice and later mentored other Ombudsmen overseas, sharing insights and offering guidance. I also volunteered for the Red Cross, using their social media to foster connections and support military families. As head coach of Navy Youth Sports Run Club, I created a 6-week running curriculum designed to build confidence and teamwork skills, positively impacting many children. I mentored over 20 new coaches, helping them grow in their roles. I also embraced countless unofficial opportunities to build community—whether in our commands, neighborhoods, or through day-to-day interactions. My focus has always been to create connections, empower others, and ensure that military families feel supported and included.

Describe how you support your community:
I support my community by creating spaces where every military spouse feels they belong. Not every spouse feels they have a community, and I strive to build connections so that no one feels alone. Through planned command events, neighborhood gatherings, and using networks to connect people during moves so they have a soft place to land and a friendly face ready to assist, I work to foster meaningful relationships and cultivate connections rooted in shared experiences and acceptance of diverse backgrounds. I believe in leading with authenticity and vulnerability, sharing my own experiences to create deeper, more genuine connections. My focus is on meeting spouses where they are, empowering them to build strong networks, and ensuring they feel valued and included. By advocating for resources and promoting unity, I aim to create communities where every spouse can thrive, knowing they are part of something bigger and supported by those around them.

What do you advocate for? Why?
I advocate for accessible, high-quality mental health services for military-connected individuals, focusing on breaking the stigma surrounding mental health care in the military. I am passionate about fostering a compassionate and inclusive environment that empowers military spouses and families to thrive beyond basic needs. This includes advocating for stronger suicide prevention and intervention strategies within the military community. Additionally, I strive to build social health and connections among military families, as emotional resilience is key to overall well-being. I am also dedicated to creating pathways for military spouses to enter the mental health field, supporting them in overcoming barriers like the challenges of postgraduate education, and helping them pursue meaningful careers while navigating military life.

How have you spread the message of your platform/advocacy?
I have spread the message of my advocacy through social media, using it as a tool for connection and to amplify important conversations. I am passionate about using written language to communicate and advocate, publishing articles on various online platforms to address challenging topics and the struggles military spouses face. I also write personal articles about my own struggles as a military spouse, hoping to resonate with others and spark dialogue about these challenges. I’ve sat on panels with military and civilian leaders, discussing sensitive issues to raise awareness and create solutions. I am committed to asking challenging questions whenever I meet someone connected to my platform, seizing opportunities to promote my platform. I use my personal knowledge and research to create meaningful conversations that challenge the status quo. In my role as a social worker, I continue networking and advocating for military families, ensuring their stories and needs are heard.

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 families particularly in the area of mental health. I aim to use this platform to continue breaking the stigma surrounding mental health care and increasing suicide prevention programs, while fostering an environment that empowers military spouses to thrive beyond basic needs. This recognition will allow me to connect with other advocates and leaders, collaborate on impactful initiatives, and create lasting change for military families. I also hope to inspire and mentor military spouses, helping them find their voices and pursue their aspirations, particularly in fields like mental health. Ultimately, I want to ensure military families have the resources and support they need to lead resilient, fulfilling lives.