Sasha Rentfro

Share your military spouse story:
I’ve been married to my high school sweetheart, Matt, for nearly 14 years. We got married and moved to our first duty station a year after graduating high school. Our journey together has been an adventure, filled with six PCS moves, one deployment, and countless experiences that have shaped the person I am today. From navigating moves between the East and West Coasts to our overseas assignment in Okinawa, Japan, military life has challenged me in unimaginable ways, but has also blessed me with a second family along the way. In the early years, I stayed busy with a full-time job and attending college while Matt juggled the demands of his career, often working long hours and night shifts. However, everything changed when I became a mom. Just before COVID, we welcomed our first child. For the first time, I stepped away from a traditional career to focus on raising our son. When we moved to Okinawa, I immediately immersed myself in volunteering. I became the Camp Lester Mayor, an advocate for the USMC PCS Advocacy Council, and the Finance Officer on the American Welfare and Works Association (AWWA) Executive Board. I also work for the Marine Gift Shop, a nonprofit organization that donates all of its profits to local and military organizations. Over the years, I’ve learned each PCS brings its own set of challenges, but I always remind myself to keep a positive outlook on our new location. It might not have been our first or even fifth choice, but we will make it our temporary home. This journey hasn’t been easy, but it has shaped me into someone I’m proud to be. It’s taught me resilience and empathy. Above all, it reminded me that no matter where we go, there’s always a way to make a difference—whether it’s through helping families navigate the PCS process, advocating for needed change, or just being there as a listening ear for a fellow spouse.

Share an example of your leadership experience within the military community:
I currently serve as the Pacific Lead Advocate for the USMC PCS Advocacy Council (UPAC). I began volunteering with UPAC in 2023 as the Okinawa and Household Goods Specialist, where I assist Marines and their families with understanding the PCS process. In the summer of 2024, I was appointed as the Pacific Lead Advocate, where I oversee three advocates across the Indo-Pacific region. My responsibilities include tracking trends, reporting findings to HQMC, ensuring timely responses to inquiries on our Facebook group, and managing the creation and distribution of content posts. This role has allowed me to lead with purpose, streamline communication, and provide direct support to Marines and their families navigating PCS transitions.

Describe your involvement in the military community:
Shortly after arriving to Okinawa, I was selected to serve as the Camp Lester Mayor, acting as a liaison between my on-base housing neighbors and camp leadership. This role sparked my passion for volunteering and being involved in the military community. I soon began volunteering with the USMC PCS Advocacy Council (UPAC), an organization that partners with HQMC to facilitate the flow of information regarding PCS-related topics, track PCS trends, and advocate for USMC families. Additionally, I work as the Accounting Manager for the Marine Gift Shop (MGS) aboard Camp Foster, a non-profit organization that donates all of its profits to local and military organizations in Okinawa. Lastly, I serve as the AWWA Finance Officer, supporting initiatives that benefit military members and their families, as well as contributing to local Japanese organizations. Through these roles, I’ve been able to contribute to the military community both here in Okinawa, as well as virtually around the globe.

Describe how you support your community:
The majority of my volunteer time is dedicated to UPAC, an organization I truly look forward to supporting every day. Almost daily, I assist families with navigating the PCS process, with a particular focus on helping those transitioning to Okinawa. A key aspect of our work at UPAC is adhering strictly to policy, ensuring the information we provide is accurate and reliable, as opposed to personal experience. When we received orders to Okinawa, I discovered the USMC PCS Support Pacific Region Facebook group managed by UPAC. After experiencing the overseas move to Okinawa, it motivated me to volunteer with UPAC. I set a personal goal: If I could help just one family have a smoother PCS experience, I’d make a meaningful impact on the USMC community. Over the past two years, I’ve had the privilege of assisting numerous Marine Corps families. Knowing I’ve been able to make their transitions a little easier is incredibly rewarding and reinforces my passion for this work.

What do you advocate for? Why?
My primary focus as an advocate is supporting families through the PCS process. At UPAC, we track trends and challenges shared on social media and present these findings to HQMC to drive awareness and change. While there is still work to be done, I am confident in the dedication and expertise of the Marine spouses who volunteer with UPAC. Together, we are committed to advocating for positive improvements in the PCS process. I also believe there is a significant opportunity to continue educating families about the policies surrounding PCSing. With a better understanding of these policies, families can ensure they receive the full benefits they are owed, making their transitions smoother and less stressful.

How have you spread the message of your platform/advocacy?
Anyone who has been stationed in Okinawa will agree that the majority of information is obtained through Facebook. The PCS council manages two closed Facebook groups, which I often share if I come across PCS-related posts in local Okinawa groups. Additionally, UPAC is responsible for creating and maintaining five detailed checklists, which are accessible on the USMC PCS Resources website and Marine Online (MOL). These resources aim to provide accurate and reliable guidance for families navigating the PCS process.

What do you hope to accomplish with the AFI Military Spouse of the Year^® title?
If I were to receive the AFI Military Spouse of the Year® title, my goal would be to bring more attention to the challenges military families face, especially when it comes to the PCS process. Through my work with UPAC, I’ve seen how overwhelming moving can be, and I want to help make the process smoother for others by advocating for clearer policies, better resources, and more education about benefits. This title would give me a chance to speak up for military spouses and build stronger connections within the community. Ultimately, I want every military family to feel supported and informed, making their transitions and military life a little bit easier.