Tiffany Leary

Share your military spouse story:
Before my husband and I got married, I had already moved across the country, served in the domestic peace corps, got a head start on college, and visited a number of states around the country. When he started med school and applied for the HPSP (med school scholarship), I didn’t realize my world travels were about to begin! I had to put my schooling on pause. Timing in life is difficult, which is never clear until all stories unfold. After med school, we were civilian deferred, meaning we had to find a civilian residency. I this was during the housing crisis. I was forced to find three part time jobs to replace a full time job! Once we joined active duty, I was able to resume my schooling. Our first assignment, Eielson, was only 3 years, so I focused on completing my associate’s degree. Next we were sent overseas to Misawa. Oh, how I love Japan! I taught English, danced in festivals, I found my own private beach (okay, I was the only gaijin -American- who ran on this beach), taught cooking classes to the locals, and more. Japan stole my heart! The Air Force sent us back to the states, my hubby furthered his career at Wright Patt, I finished school, we did an unaccompanied at Incirlick, and then we went back to Japan. This time we got to spend time at Yokota Air Base. Oh, how I loved the trains in Tokyo, teaching English, and escaping to a private island in Tokyo bay (oh, it’s not a secret now!). I say it again, Japan is amazing! We finished our second OCONUS tour and the Air Force sent us to Moody AFB, a place filled with more heritage and history than I ever knew. Plus alligators! (A new joke, why did the gator cross the road? Still not sure, but it caused me to slam on my brakes!!!!). Our tour was cut short in the most fun way! My beloved’s boss said ‘well, I have bad news and I have good news!’ We were promoted and leaving after 10 months! AND we had the opportunity to go back to Japan! This time to Kadena, completing the Japan trifecta!

Share an example of your leadership experience within the military community:
At our first base, I stepped up to the role of president of the OSC for one year. With a board of officers and chairs, I helped take on the social and charity aspect of the Eielson community. Moving on to Misawa, I filled in the role of Parliamentarian for a short spell. At Wright-Patterson, I was able to partake of the community where there were many retirees that supported the military. It was a refreshing environment. Heading back to Yokota, I wasn’t looking for a role in the spouses’ club, I participated in our squadron’s events with our squadron leadership. As my husband’s rank changed, so did my role. His boss’ spouses were now my colleagues. At Moody, the spouses’ social groups had been dispersed. As a social butterfly myself, I thought I was being punished a little! I joined the key support liaisons, library ladies, the ever so lovely Moody darling (you know who you are, Dr. Greene!), and command spouse. But Kadena is now my oyster!

Describe your involvement in the military community:
From day one, I have attended heartlink, become a key spouse (now a key support liaison), and attended all of our squadron gatherings at every base. I volunteered at the thrift store as much as I could when I was president at Eielson. I specifically remember sitting by the fire at the club at Eielson and directing a riveting ‘Game of Things’ round with my best friend and the general! That’s how casual the community was! Volunteering was how I found out about new ways to get involved and support the mission. If I needed to bake cookies to keep airmen excited for their jobs, that’s what I was going to do! In both Georgia and Ohio, we lived off base and we still own our property. We are looking forward to returning to our beautiful country one day….. and we’re happy to have choices! Our neighborhood in Georgia is filled with military neighbors, and even though I’m in Japan, they’re still watching out for me. I do feel close to them!

Describe how you support your community:
Currently, I live in a remote corner of base With our extreme weather, we have to stay updated, provide physical aid during disasters, and even greet each other, and provide encouragement to keep going strong. In the med group, I love to visit the different offices and bring joy and smiles. I know, after a long day of work, a little comic relief and a big smile can lighten the tension give the day a different feel. If anything, I joke that my name is tif-funny, so people know I’m supposed to be funny! Since my degree is in Spanish, I have begun tutoring on all of our bases! It’s slow-going on every new location, but I love what I do. By word of mouth, friends fill each other in on my ability to help with their kids’ homework and studying. I even get requests from past locations because language doesn’t change! FaceTime helps! Being a key support liaison also connects me to other people and resources. It really is a heart of the military and the soul of the spouses!

What do you advocate for? Why?
I advocate for JOY! There is a lot of heaviness in this world. I myself have been through a lot, too. In high school, I had an AVM rupture in my cerebellum that triggered a stroke. It was a series of unfortunate events that was hedged by a miracle. I am living proof that modern day miracles still happen!

How have you spread the message of your platform/advocacy?
I once heard someone say ‘hope is the key to joy in tribulation.’ I always want joy, I always want to hold onto hope. I love to send people notes of encouragement and pray with my friends who are struggling.

What do you hope to accomplish with the AFI Military Spouse of the Year^® title?
I want to spread hope and joy, this is what I want to be known for. Wouldn’t it be great to change the way we see the milso life? We know it’s hard, we know it’s often disappointing, but just wait until you see how joyful and rewarding it can be! It would be nice to leave a legacy of joy!