Alexandra Luning

Share your military spouse story:
When I married my husband in October 2015, he had grown up in a military family and was nearing the end of his first enlistment, while I had been raised in Michigan with no military background and little understanding of the life I was stepping into. We met unexpectedly at a brunch event in San Antonio, and loving him meant learning how to find my place within a structure that felt both established and unfamiliar. Early in our marriage, we experienced the loss of our first son while far from family, an isolating season that shaped my understanding of the importance of support and connection. As our family grew, so did my identity as a military spouse. I became an Air Force Key Support Liaison, built a small business, and navigated an extended pandemic PCS to Germany that left us in limbo with young children. Today, I serve as President of Goodfellow Spouses & Community, focused on ensuring military families feel supported, connected, and seen.

Describe any leadership positions or provide an overview of your leadership contributions within the military community.
I have served for over 8 years as a Key Support Liaison, supporting military families through transitions and crises, building trust between spouses and unit leadership. This role has shaped my ability to lead with discretion, empathy, and accountability. I currently serve as President of a volunteer-driven nonprofit dedicated to supporting military families through advocacy and outreach. In this role, I provide strategic direction, oversee governance and partnerships, and lead large-scale initiatives, including executing legacy programs with record-breaking results. I lead diverse volunteer teams, manage cross-sector collaboration, and ensure mission alignment while navigating complex, real-world challenges. Beyond non-profit leadership, I serve on the San Angelo Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Committee and engage in civic leadership as a volunteer deputy registrar. These roles allow me to represent military families while strengthening civilian–military relationships.

What programs or projects are you currently involved in that support the needs of military families?
I currently serve as President of Goodfellow Spouses & Community, leading programs that support military families through outreach, advocacy, and community building. I oversee large-scale initiatives such as Cookie Caper and collaborate with base leadership, volunteers, and community partners. I serve on the San Angelo Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Committee and work to strengthen civilian–military relationships. I have served on the Military Spouse Appreciation Day committee for 2 consecutive years. I have also helped establish and support inclusive, engaging playgroups at both Ramstein AFB and Goodfellow AFB to facilitate connection and reduce isolation for military families. Additionally, I remain engaged in civic matters through the local school board and city council, which support military families’ long-term well-being.

What moments best reflect your impact on building inclusive community among military spouses?
Early on, as a Key Support Liaison, I prioritized creating spaces where spouses felt safe seeking support regardless of rank, background, or experience. Later, while living overseas at Ramstein AFB and again at Goodfellow AFB, I helped establish and support playgroups that welcomed new, often isolated, military families, recognizing that meaningful moments of connection are often the first step to belonging. As President of Goodfellow Spouses & Community, I have prioritized accessibility by building programs that encourage military spouses to engage at their own capacity, without minimum participation requirements. I intentionally design initiatives that welcome spouses across ranks, life stages, employment statuses, and family structures. Across each setting, my focus remains the same: creating environments where military spouses feel seen, supported, and empowered to belong and lead.

Identify your main advocacy effort and describe your personal connection to the cause.
My primary advocacy focus is building inclusive, accessible community support for military families, particularly spouses and young families navigating isolation, transition, and lack of access to resources. My connection is personal. I entered military life without prior exposure, far from family, and experienced firsthand how isolating loss, relocation, and constant change can be without strong community support. These experiences shaped my commitment to ensuring military families feel welcomed, informed, and empowered. Whether through nonprofit leadership, playgroup development, or civic engagement, my advocacy centers on reducing barriers to connection and ensuring families are supported not only during crises, but throughout everyday military life.

Summarize your advocacy outreach strategies, including any events, media involvement, or other communication efforts.
My advocacy outreach combines community engagement, public-facing leadership, and collaborative communication. As President of Goodfellow Spouses & Community, I regularly communicate with military leaders, civic partners, and community stakeholders to advocate for military families. I work closely with local media and organizations to promote initiatives such as Cookie Caper and community support efforts. I also serve as a volunteer deputy registrar in Texas, supporting civic engagement through voter registration, and serve on the San Angelo Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Committee to elevate military family perspectives in civilian spaces. Through events, public speaking, and strategic partnerships, I communicate clearly, professionally, and effectively across military and civilian audiences.

What do you hope to accomplish with the AFI Military Spouse of the Year^® title?
As AFI Military Spouse of the Year, I hope to amplify the importance of inclusive, community-driven support for military families. I aim to use the platform to strengthen connections between military families, base leadership, and civilian communities, and to advocate for systems that reduce isolation and improve access to resources. I also hope to model sustainable, engaged leadership that reflects the diverse experiences of today’s military spouses. This title would allow me to expand collaboration, elevate underrepresented voices, and reinforce that strong military communities are built through connection, civic engagement, and consistent support.