Plamena Cox

Share your military spouse story:
I am a foreign-born Air Force spouse of 15 years, a dedicated connector, and a passionate advocate for the military community - especially in championing the education, employment, and well-being of military members, their spouses, and families. Recently, I achieved a significant milestone by graduating from American Public University (APU) with a Bachelor of Science in Public Health. This accomplishment is particularly noteworthy given the unique challenges faced by international students as well as foreign-born military spouses. My academic excellence has earned me recognition on the Dean's List at APU for several quarters, as well as invitations to prestigious organizations, including the National Society of Leadership and Success, the Golden Key International Honour Society, and the National Society of Collegiate Scholars. My professional background is rooted in providing executive-level administrative and managerial support. My talents and skills have directly contributed to the growth of many non-profit organizations, small businesses, Fortune 500 companies, and the 99 Force Support Squadron at Nellis AFB. Over the past decade, I have dedicated over 1,000 volunteer hours to supporting the military community, addressing the diverse needs of base organizations, military personnel, and their families. I've directly supported the Military and Family Readiness Center operations at March AFB and the Thrift Shop at Nellis AFB. In addition to these roles, I have also served as the Key Spouse for the 11th ATKS at Creech AFB, a squadron with over 100 members, and for the 12th TRS at Randolph AFB, a squadron with over 600 members. Under my leadership, the 11 ATKS Key Spouse Program was recognized as the 432d Operations Group Winner for the 1st and 4th Quarters 2019. Currently, I volunteer with Hiring Our Heroes as Network Lead for the Nevada Military Spouse Professional Network and as the Administrative Coordinator for the Nellis Area Spouses Club.

Share an example of your leadership experience within the military community:
While stationed at Randolph AFB, my husband was assigned to the 12th TRS squadron, a squadron dedicated to training new Lieutenants. Recognizing the growing need for a dedicated Key Spouse to support the influx of new service members and their families, the Commander appointed me based on my prior experience as a Key Spouse, my commitment to the military community, and my ability to find solutions. Within 1 short month, I set up a program to answer all initial questions of service members and their families. As a result of this, quarterly New Spouse Commander Briefings were held. I ordered magazines and resources which I provided to all new service members and their families, helping them get familiar with all things military life. I collaborated with the MFRC on the design and draft of a base-wide Key Spouses newsletter. I was also invited to represent the squadron at the JBSA Workforce & Transition Alliance meeting with the Five & Thrive Initiative for Military Families and Spouses.

Describe your involvement in the military community:
I have dedicated my time to supporting military families and enhancing their quality of life through various roles. At March AFB, I managed operations and resources for the MFRC. At Nellis AFB, I maintained Thrift Store operations and inventory, while at Creech and Randolph AFBs, I led Key Spouse programs, launched initiatives, and organized events, earning recognition for the 11 ATKS Key Spouse Program in 2019. I’ve designed welcome packages, collaborated with local organizations, and represented the 12th TRS at JBSA’s Workforce & Transition Alliance meeting. As Data & Research Chair for In-Dependent.org, I focused on military spouse wellness, representing the organization at the 2022 Military Influencer Conference. In 2024, I led the Nevada MSPN under HOH, creating professional networking opportunities, organizing workshops, and providing career resources. I also serve as Administrative Coordinator for the NASC and have held multiple roles supporting the 99 FSS at Nellis AFB.

Describe how you support your community:
My servant's heart and dedication to my community have empowered me to support and serve others countless times. While living in Germany, I had the privilege of working with the Deutscher Kinderschutzbund and Mehrgenerationenhaus, a nonprofit organization advocating for the rights of children and young people across the country. Its goal is a child-friendly society in which the intellectual, psychological, social and physical development of children and young people is promoted. In my role, I led educational programs for both children and adults, published a cookbook to aid the organization's fundraising efforts, organized book bazaars in collaboration with the city of Wittlich, partnered with local newspapers to promote the organization's initiatives, and served as a front office manager.

What do you advocate for? Why?
I am passionate about sharing resources, knowledge, and experiences with fellow military spouses, especially because I faced significant challenges and limited support when I first joined this community. My goal is to empower others by passing along what I have learned, ensuring that no military spouse feels alone or unsupported on their journey.

How have you spread the message of your platform/advocacy?
I have been a dedicated military spouse, actively volunteering and serving as an advocate for military families. My commitment to this community has led to numerous opportunities to represent military spouses and families across a variety of platforms. I have been invited to speak and represent installations and organizations at events such as New Spouse Commander Briefings, JBSA Workforce & Transition Alliance meeting with Five & Thrive Initiative for Military Families and Spouses, the Military Influencer Conference, the COMACC Spouse Engagement Luncheon with the ACC Commander’s Spouse, New Spouse Orientation events through the MFRC, and local Chamber Networking events.

What do you hope to accomplish with the AFI Military Spouse of the Year^® title?
I am dedicated to continuing my service to the military community by addressing the unique challenges faced by many foreign-born military spouses, particularly in navigating education, professional development, and their contributions to the American job market. Additionally, I am a passionate advocate for health and wellness, with a strong focus on fostering healthy habits. Combining my educational background with this passion, I aim to create community gardens that promote health-conscious practices and encourage healthy eating.