Kyah Spriggs

Share your military spouse story:
My father was a pilot in the Air Force, my grandfather served in the Army, and my brothers all joined the service right out of high school. So when I met my husband Michael and he told me he was in the Louisiana National Guard he got bonus points in my book for having a heart to serve. After a few dates Michael invited me over to his house for dinner, where I met some of his army buddy’s. One of them being chief of the family programs division for the LA Guard. Chief asked me, what I did for a living and I responded, I’m a suicide interventionist. Chief went on to inform me the guard had a vacant position for a suicide prevention coordinator role and proceeded to interview me at the dinner table. 2 month later I officially accepted the position and have loved every day of working with the service members since. My husband is AGR (Active Guard Reserve) so he serves as the training NCO of his unit. One of my favorite things about him, is how he cares for his soldiers. May it be a ride to the airport, someone to hang out with when they are feeling lonely or a welcoming dinner around our kitchen table, my husband and I believe in taking care of our soldiers both in and out of uniform. I am the proud mother of a beautiful 9 year old son, named Eli, so when I met Michael I told him we were a package deal. If he learned to love me, he would have to learn to love him also. He did so with no hesitation. Despite our skin tones being different, Michael accepts us and embraces the life we are building together. The military is a gumbo pot of all different backgrounds and cultures and I love that our family represents that. It is a privilege and honor to be loved by a soldier.

Share an example of your leadership experience within the military community:
In the role of risk reduction coordinator, I manage a state program for the Louisiana National Guard. Not only have I briefed State commanders on data and created an initiative for action to decrease suicide in the guard but I have also hosted events to create hope and taught class to create a suicide safer community.

Describe your involvement in the military community:
I currently serve as the state risk reduction coordinator for the Louisiana Army National Guard. In my role, I oversee the substance abuse program and suicide prevention program for over 10,000 soldiers. I also serve as the FRG leader for my husband‘s unit. A couple of months ago, a young service members stopped by my office. He informed me that he was unemployed, about to be homeless and struggling in several areas of his life. I called our service member family programs team and in one day, we got him a grant, built his resume, connected him with a family member he could stay with and completed an intervention which gave him hope moving forward. It was so fulfilling to see his life change just from simply reaching out for help.

Describe how you support your community:
As the founder of six feet above, I have dedicated my life to increasing hope and decreasing the number of suicides in our community. I currently sit on the board of a nonprofit called the Extra mile, this organization supports individuals struggling with homelessness, substance abuse and mental health problems in our community. I am also involved with the young professionals group of central Louisiana. I believe being an active member of Central Louisiana is important, that’s why I try to attend at-least 1 event in the community per week to support our economy and meet new people. By staying connected to members of the community, I am further extending my web of resources and building that sense of unity in Central Louisiana. I also have hosted several events in the community, such as an annual mental health and wellness festival and vision board/goal setting parties for new year.

What do you advocate for? Why?
For the last 10 years of my life, I have been advocating for mental health awareness and suicide prevention across the state of Louisiana. Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death for people ages 10-34 and very little people are talking about the impact mental health has on our communities. When I was 16, I was diagnosed with bipolar dressing and suffered in silence for many years. I felt alone and ashamed of my diagnoses. When I was 22 years old, I attempted to take my life by jumping off of a bridge in central Louisiana. Thankfully, I got a second chance at life and I decided I would dedicate my life to not only living my life on purpose, but helping other people do the same. I started an organization called six feet above and we host event in the community to raise awareness and create hope for all ages. As a speaker, I have shared my story of resilience with over 15,000 people across the state of Louisiana. My message is simply to remind people that hope saves lives.

How have you spread the message of your platform/advocacy?
If you good Kyah Iles on google, the 988 crisis lifeline is the first thing to pop up. I have dedicated my life to helping people fight those silence battles associated with depression. I am very vocal on social media about statistics, personal struggles and resources for mental health. I have trained and/or shared my story with thousands of people across Louisiana. Most people who know me, associate me with my platform and being known for what I’m most passionate about is an honor.

What do you hope to accomplish with the AFI Military Spouse of the Year^® title?
Suicide is currently the leading cause of death for service members in the US. If I were to gain the title of AFI Military Spouse of the year, I would use the platform to encourage service members and promote resource education. I would continue to advocate for all of the people who are fighting silent battles by reminding them that they are not alone and their best days are still ahead. All while equipping service members with the tools to have hope and keep fighting through their bad days.