Rachel Smith

Share your military spouse story:
My military spouse journey began 20 years ago when I met the love of my life, an Air Force Airman stationed at Davis-Monthan AFB. Our friendship blossomed into a partnership rooted in love, resilience, and shared purpose. After graduating college, I joined him in Hawaii, where I began my career assisting military service members with their educational goals as an enrollment counselor. Hawaii taught me the true meaning of ‘ohana’—a family united in unconditional support—and inspired my commitment to military families. Each duty station brought unique opportunities and challenges. In New Mexico, despite the established Jewish community, I upheld traditions by hosting holiday celebrations and strengthening the bonds of our military family. Singing at Cannon AFB’s Holocaust Memorial underscored my dedication to unity and remembrance. After my childhood best friend was murdered in an act of domestic violence, I found my voice as an advocate, working with lawmakers to pass Genna’s Law, addressing firearm safety and alcohol consumption. During my husband’s 18-month deployments, I supported military families as a Key Spouse through mentorship programs and morale-building events. In Las Vegas, I utilized my Master’s in Psychology to work as a psychiatric triage clinician and led a military liaison role at Hope for Heroes, breaking barriers to mental health care for veterans and their families. A transition to teaching at a high-risk Title 1 school allowed me to foster resilience in students during virtual learning, blending art and mental health. Globally, I volunteered in Israel during wartime, participating in a documentary advocating for peace and supporting families affected by conflict. Back in Virginia, I lobbied to combat antisemitism and secured expanded funding for Jewish institutions. Being named the Joan Orr Military Spouse of the Year Wing Winner reflects my dedication to uplifting military families and fostering inclusivity.

Share an example of your leadership experience within the military community:
Throughout my journey as a military spouse, I’ve embraced leadership roles that positively impact the military community. As a Key Spouse and Mentor, I developed programs to help new military families navigate challenges and build supportive networks. I organized morale-boosting events for over 140 unit members, ensuring families felt seen and connected, especially during deployments. Advocacy has been central to my leadership. After losing my best friend, I worked to pass Genna’s Law, addressing firearm safety. I also participated in a global documentary advocating for peace during wartime in Israel and lobbied in Virginia to combat antisemitism, securing expanded funding for Jewish institutions through the Nonprofit Security Grant Program. These experiences highlight my dedication to creating positive, lasting change for families and communities.

Describe your involvement in the military community:
My involvement has spanned Key Spouse mentorship, organizing inclusive events, and EFMP advocacy. I’ve connected families to resources, hosted interfaith celebrations, and supported spouses navigating PCS moves and deployments. Passionate about EFMP, I’ve helped families with 504 Plans and IEPs, ensuring they understand their rights and resources.  Through mentorship and advocacy, I’ve created spaces for families to build resilience and connection, ensuring no one feels alone in their military journey.

Describe how you support your community:
I support my community by advocating for EFMP families, ensuring access to medical and educational resources. I organize inclusive events, foster connections, and educate families on their rights. Guided by the principle of Pirkei Avot, “Who is wise? One who learns from all people,” I prioritize mutual support and connection. Whether hosting morale events, mentoring spouses, or lobbying for legislative changes, my goal is to ensure military families feel seen, supported, and empowered.

What do you advocate for? Why?
I advocate for mental health, EFMP support, and inclusivity. My mental health advocacy focuses on breaking the stigma surrounding seeking help and promoting access to care, including mental health screenings as part of routine evaluations. EFMP efforts ensure families have the resources they need for medical and educational support, such as 504 Plans and IEPs, empowering parents to advocate for their children. Inclusivity fosters connection and support for all families, regardless of faith or background. These priorities stem from my family’s experiences with complex medical needs and my dedication to creating a military community where every family feels valued and supported.

How have you spread the message of your platform/advocacy?
I've amplified my platform through a global documentary advocating for peace during wartime in Israel, mentoring EFMP families, and raising awareness about mental health through speaking engagements. As a Key Spouse and Mentor, I’ve built networks of support, connecting spouses with vital resources and empowering them to advocate for their families. These efforts have elevated critical issues, fostering connection, inclusivity, and resilience within the military community.

What do you hope to accomplish with the AFI Military Spouse of the Year^® title?
With this title, I aim to amplify mental health advocacy, reducing stigma and improving access to care for military families. I will enhance EFMP support, collaborating with leadership to address gaps in resources for children with special needs. Lastly, I hope to foster inclusivity by creating spaces where all families feel connected and supported, regardless of their background. This platform will empower me to continue uplifting military families, ensuring they feel valued and included.