Katie Williams

Share your military spouse story:
In 2012, I began my journey as an enthusiastic and wide-eyed Air Force spouse. Over the past 12+ years, I've navigated moves to Texas, Nebraska, Japan, and back to Nebraska while helping other spouses find their way. I've worked in three marketing roles with the Force Support Squadron (FSS). I served as a Key Support Liaison, volunteered on the Offutt Enlisted Spouses Club (OESC) board, and supported others as a personal trainer and special needs aide. My experiences, weathering four deployments and countless 'fly days,' taught me the importance of community and support. Through every challenge, I reminded myself that I am not alone. This mindset drives my passion to ensure other spouses have access to the necessary resources and connections. Whether it's networking, providing a listening ear, or offering a helping hand, I strive to give others the same support that got me through tough times. My ultimate mission is to create a supportive, welcoming environment for every military spouse, no matter where they are on their journey.

Share an example of your leadership experience within the military community:
In 2024, as President of the Offutt Enlisted Spouses Club (OESC), I demonstrated strong leadership by overseeing several successful events that boosted the morale of spouses and their families. These included Military Spouse Appreciation, the OESC Bazaar Fundraiser, the OESC Scholarship program, and the Winter Wonderland holiday event. I worked closely with base leadership and community representatives to ensure the events were impactful and well-supported, reaching as many Airmen, spouses, and families as possible. My role required strategic planning, collaboration, and effective communication, all of which are essential skills for the AFI MSOY role.

Describe your involvement in the military community:
I actively support my community through multiple channels. As a volunteer with the spouses club and a Key Support Liaison, I engage in various committees and attend social events to foster connections among spouses. Professionally, my role with the Force Support Squadron (FSS) allows me to market MWR events at Offutt AFB, ensuring Airmen and their families are aware of available resources. I promote these events both officially and personally, through social media and word of mouth, to ensure maximum participation. Additionally, I represent both FSS and OESC by presenting at the MFRC's Newcomers briefings, helping incoming spouses feel welcome and informed. My diverse involvement demonstrates my commitment to supporting and strengthening the military community.

Describe how you support your community:
I support my community by sharing vital information and spreading the word about events, resources, and support available to help military families thrive. I know it's not always easy to be away from loved ones, so I strive to be a helpful resource for those in need, ensuring they can find the support that best suits them. As a volunteer, I stay 'plugged in' to what's happening, working diligently to connect others with resources. I assist with fundraising and publicity for events, ensuring they provide a fun, supportive experience for spouses and their families. Through these efforts, I foster inclusiveness and create a positive impact, supporting all military spouses and strengthening the community.

What do you advocate for? Why?
I advocate for everyone to have a fair shot at growing into a space and thriving. We all hear those adages like "Bloom where you are planted" and "You've gotta make the best of it!" Those phrases can make new or incoming spouses feel like they are failing if they don't bloom. Sometimes, you get planted, wilt a little, and maybe some leaves die. Then, you trudge forward and wrap around the stem of another plant for some support, and eventually, you grow upward and onward. Sharing resources and helping spouses and families to find connections to a new place is critical for their success. When families and spouses succeed, we all win. We create an environment where that is the standard and hope exists and is available to all.

How have you spread the message of your platform/advocacy?
I speak in person every month at meetings with our club of 65+ members. I share the information on social media and via email to ensure everyone is up to speed on social events and volunteer efforts in our community. As a Key Support Liaison, I use social media to share relevant events and news, and I visit with fellow squadron spouses in person monthly. As a marketing specialist for the Force Support Squadron, I assist in putting out information on our base website and social media platforms, and I even attend in person (most times with my husband and kids in tow!) to help ensure the success of Morale, Welfare, and Recreation events.

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 intend to continue providing information and support to others. I hope this light on me, and my efforts will reflect and shine outward onto all available to others. I want to continue supporting spouses during the difficult times of this military life, such as navigating deployments and TDYs, getting help with EFMP resources, powering through outstanding circumstances, overcoming and living with mental health struggles, and so on. Having this notch on my belt allows me to share support and love with others in an even louder way. I hope to continue advocating for and supporting military spouses with all I've got!