Mindy Evans

Share your military spouse story:
I am a proud Navy spouse of 24 years. My own journey, as passionate military spouse volunteer, started our first year in the Navy. Several more experienced spouses took me under their wing to provide sage wisdom, companionship, and mentorship. Ever since being moved by their inspiration, I have felt the need to pay it forward to other new spouses in the military. Their willingness to reach out and help others, sparked a fire in my heart to connect and assist as many spouses possible. I have always been an active member of the spouses club wherever we were stationed. Serving in every board position imaginable, from chairman, secretary, treasurer, to advisor, lead to inevitable leadership roles. While stationed at Naval Air Station Fallon, NV and Naval Hospital Pensacola I proudly served as president. Most recently while stationed in Newport, RI, I started an active role as the Scholarships and Grants chairman before becoming President of the Military Spouses of Newport. I have always received personal satisfaction participating in the local spouses clubs and enjoy mentoring the younger spouses. It seems like yesterday when I was in their shoes. The most humbling part is how much I learn from them.

Share an example of your leadership experience within the military community:
When I was president of the Military Spouses of Newport (MSON), membership consisted of all types of spouses. It wasn't just medical, surface warfare, or aviation, it was everyone united under one group. My greatest satisfaction was creating fundraising events that allowed spouses to connect with each other. Fundraising events were a way to not only raise money, but a way to bring together spouses to socialize. Socializing with other spouses, I believe, is the key to building a strong support network and spouse community. Raising funds that continue that support through charitable donations allows our spouse community to reach out to those beyond our membership. In 2024 our proceeds went to scholarships for local high school graduates and trade students. Our grants were donated to local community organizations that had a direct impact on military dependents or veterans. Under my leadership, with the help of an amazing board, we dispensed $27,000 in scholarships and $9,000 in grants.

Describe your involvement in the military community:
From my husband’s first year in the military to our current duty station I have been involved with a spouse organization. Over the years, I have helped out at local thrift stores, Wreaths Across America, organized Angel Trees for military dependents, military ball committees, fundraising for scholarships, grants, and military events. This past year, while president of the Military Spouses of Newport, my focus was on providing scholarships and grants to local entities that supported military kids and families, while creating multiple events every month for spouses to come together and connect. Most recently, at our new duty stationed Camp Lejeune, I have created a 2nd Dental Battalion spouse network that previously did not exist. Throughout my time in the military I have always being an advocate for the military and especially the military spouse when interacting in the community.

Describe how you support your community:
I am most passionate about helping spouses connect with each other. Military spouses live a unique lifestyle. Connecting with others spouses who understand and can offer support is key to making the most of each duty station. Connecting with the local community also creates a network of support for military spouses. Fundraising for MSON, by connecting and meeting with local businesses created awareness of the spouses on base. While networking with spouses and businesses, a tradition of MSON was to create an informational guide book called The Pink Book. This coveted book contained information about the local area, which businesses provided military discounts, local entertainment for families, and inside information passed down by other spouses. Being part of a spouse’s club that put together a book that offered insight to spouses on ways to connect with each other and the community was a highlight of my time in Newport.

What do you advocate for? Why?
I advocate for creating spouse networks that work for all military spouses. I truly believe that a good spouse organization can make a huge difference, not only on the member but on their entire family. I enjoy mentoring younger spouses to provide them with insight into military life. There is always uncertainty to being newly married, having the first child while being new to the military, or moving to a new duty station. Sometimes spouses need reassurance and to have a personal connection with someone who has been in similar situations. I also get satisfaction from interacting with other spouses. It can be rejuvenating.

How have you spread the message of your platform/advocacy?
I have spread the message by attending local spouse functions, hosting coffees with spouses at local coffee shops, and participating in book clubs. I mostly advocate word of mouth by interacting with people, but when I was president of the Military Spouses of Newport, I would post events and other things on the club's Facebook page. In 2011, my two boys and I had a photoshoot for Military Spouses magazine which was the photo used for an article about PCSing.

What do you hope to accomplish with the AFI Military Spouse of the Year^® title?
I hope to show that the medical/dental spouse community is an active part of the military and can make a difference in military spouse's lives. By being engaged in my spouse's command with many junior officers and newly married enlisted spouses, I want to show them there is a community out there for them to belong and they are not alone.