Leander Johnson

Share your military spouse story:
Kendrix and I met Summer 2005 when I was a fresh high school graduate. What started as a summer fling turned into a life-long commitment, because I had no idea that it would take me leaving my hometown of Houston, Texas to meet my future spouse in Jackson, Mississippi during the start of my freshman year of college. Our journey was never easy and having a loved one in boot camp doesn't make it any easier. I can recall sending and receiving letters counting the days that we can reunite at boot camp graduation in Great Lakes, IL. After a year and a half of meeting each other we decided to go our own separate way, but we've always kept in contact. It was not until 2014 we both took a leap of faith and decided that we would reunite and marry. Like anyone who marries into the military community you are at the mercy of numerous moves, rebuilding your career, and establishing another community. However, I would not trade the experiences for anything in the world. Being in the military community I have met various people through command function, especially the ones that require me to cook. It also allowed us to open up our homes to those service members that were not able to be with their families for the holidays.

Describe any leadership positions or provide an overview of your leadership contributions within the military community.
An example of leadership experience within the military community would be helping to support family day for the new chief spouses.

What programs or projects are you currently involved in that support the needs of military families?
I help with command fundraisers.

What moments best reflect your impact on building inclusive community among military spouses?
My contribution to the community would be profession which is teaching high school math.

Identify your main advocacy effort and describe your personal connection to the cause.
I advocate for people, especially young students, to be themselves and to be smart individuals who can add more positivity to the world around them, and to enjoy life because time has an expiration.

Summarize your advocacy outreach strategies, including any events, media involvement, or other communication efforts.
Through conversation

What do you hope to accomplish with the AFI Military Spouse of the Year^® title?
Recognition that this lifestyle is hard and worth it.