Penney Letrud Samons

Share your military spouse story:
My journey as a military spouse has been one filled with a second chance at love, lots of adventure and beautiful new friendships. Its a reflect of personal growth, professional ambition and like any other spouse, sacrifice. As a young woman, I never imagined that I would find myself encompassed by this lifestyle. I have absolutely no regrets! I have seen much of the United States. Our son has learned from so many different kinds of people and cultures...it was all so worth. If you asked me again if I would marry a Sailor....the answer would always be YES!

Share an example of your leadership experience within the military community:
When I first married by husband, I quickly volunteered to become the Family Readiness Group President for his command. I must admit that was an crash course on leadership that pushed me head first into family advocacy and support. I learned very quickly that camaraderie and kindness were key to successful leadership. I also learned that volunteering my time was a gift to others and to myself.

Describe your involvement in the military community:
My involvement in the military community has become all encompassing and I wouldn't have it any other way! I work for the United Through Reading. Our mission is to strengthen military families' literacy, emotional bonding, and overall well-being through the shared power of reading aloud. I am a volunteer consultant for Comfort Crew for Military Kids. I am also coming up on my fifth year of teaching Budget 4 Baby Workshops in three locations for the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society!

Describe how you support your community:
I try my best to as involved as possible. My job makes that very easy because I come into contact with military families on a daily basis. It also affords me the opportunity to work with other great nonprofits and help them with their mission. I've worked with Operation Homefront, Operation Gratitude, MSORC, NMCRS, AES...and so many more!

What do you advocate for? Why?
The definition of "family" is so fluid and that's a beautiful thing! I just want all of the families that make up the U.S. Military to be loved, supported and seen!

How have you spread the message of your platform/advocacy?
I occasionally share on my social media platforms but I don't do a lot of "tooting my own horn." I like to let my work speak for itself. For example, if I meet a family that received a book from UTR a few years back remembers that I gave it to them...I happy enough with that. If I meet a family that is striving to do better with their finances because they took the B4B Workshop...then I have done enough to spread the word of my advocacy.

What do you hope to accomplish with the AFI Military Spouse of the Year^® title?
If I were to be awarded the AFI Military Spouse of the Year title, I hope to embody its true meaning. I want to be a spouse that is known far and wide for supporting all of our communities and spreading compassion.