Allysia Hughes

Share your military spouse story:
A couple years before I became a military spouse, I attempted to take my own life. For years afterwards I struggled and although I came close several times, I never attempted again. In 2010, my husband and I got married and I became a military spouse. Our first move was quite a culture shock but home ended up being wherever the Air Force sent us. It was here that I got to live out my dream of being a teacher after completing my degree in Elementary Education. The dream didn’t last long though between military moves and giving birth to my three boys. As much as I loved being a spouse and a mom, I felt like I was losing my identity and was “just” these things. Rediscovering myself took a shift in my dream of teaching and the support of friends who nudged me into a career of volunteerism. It also took losing my Dad ultimately to suicide, making me a suicide survivor–both an attempt and the loss of a loved one–that gave me a unique perspective that’s helped me to support others.

Describe any leadership positions or provide an overview of your leadership contributions within the military community.
Although I have been a military spouse since 2010, it wasn’t until around 2017 that I truly embraced that title when some friends encouraged me to be President of the Scott Spouses’ Club. I had no prior experience in leadership nor with spouses' clubs, so although I was nervous, I jumped into the role wholeheartedly. I consider this nudge from my friends to be the catalyst that started my volunteer career within the military community. Since 2017, I have held several volunteer positions for both local and global organizations like Cub Scouts of America, USO, spouses’ clubs, the Air Force’s Key Support Program (formerly Key Spouse Program), Joint Spouses’ Conference Hawaii, the Military Spouse Advocacy Network, and Inspire Up Foundation’s Giving Tuesday Military.

What programs or projects are you currently involved in that support the needs of military families?
I currently work full-time as Program Manager with the Leadership Institute for Military Spouses by Military Spouse Advocacy Network. In this role, I help to run leadership and mental health and wellness programs that are offered free to military spouses worldwide. When I’m not busy working or spending time with my family, I’m volunteering. I currently volunteer for Military Spouse Advocacy Network as an Air Force Spouse Mentor where I directly support, empower, and educate military spouses worldwide. I also act as a Five & Thrive Community Representative for Joint Base San Antonio. More locally, I am a Key Support Liaison Mentor for my husband’s squadron and Advisor on the Governing Board of the Lackland Spouses’ Club. Additionally, I help to spread kindness as a Giving Tuesday Military Ambassador.

What moments best reflect your impact on building inclusive community among military spouses?
These have been less of singular, high-profile events, but rather a series of deeply human connections. Through a steady presence and vulnerability, I’ve worked to create spaces where spouses feel seen and valued–often in ways I don’t immediately witness. After sharing my story with a group of military spouses, a spouse reached out with her own story, saying that my vulnerability gave her courage to be vulnerable too. Not everyone is ready to share their story, so I share mine to give courage and hope to those who may be facing battles. By being intentionally approachable, I help remove barriers that prevent spouses from seeking connection or support. That impact shows up when others come to me with questions, are in need of support, or when they recognize me in passing and stop to say hello. Reminders that small moments can carry lasting meaning. Through openness and authenticity, I foster an inclusive community where spouses are met without judgment and seen as individuals.

Identify your main advocacy effort and describe your personal connection to the cause.
My main advocacy effort centers on building supportive, informed communities that educate, empower, and uplift military spouses. As a teacher at heart and a suicide survivor—both of an attempt and the loss of a loved one—community, support, education, and empowerment are deeply personal to me. Every role I’ve taken on is rooted in these interconnected pillars. Education leads to empowerment, empowerment strengthens support, and together they create resilient, inclusive communities. What may appear as separate advocacy efforts are, in reality, one mission: ensuring no spouse feels alone, uninformed, or unseen. I help to ensure that other military spouses don’t have to navigate the same hardships I’ve faced—feeling lost, unsupported, or without community. I know firsthand the power of a strong community, one that reminds you of your light when you can’t see it yourself. Every military spouse deserves access to knowledge, support, and the confidence to recognize their own value.

Summarize your advocacy outreach strategies, including any events, media involvement, or other communication efforts.
I don’t feel as if I do anything extraordinary to support my advocacy efforts. It’s a part of who I am to help educate others and to work to build a community so others feel supported. Too many times have I felt alone in my milspouse journey and I don’t want anyone else to feel that way. I get involved with organizations that give me the opportunity to do these things. In my roles with Military Spouse Advocacy Network and the Air Force’s Key Support Program, I get to share the plethora of resources available to us military spouses while being a support for others. As Advisor with the spouses’ club, I not only get to help plan social and philanthropic events that directly impact our base and surrounding communities, but I also empower fellow board members. Over the past few years I’ve shared my story often; not because I’ve done anything remarkable, but because I’ve seen how sharing your story can give confidence to others, remind them they are not alone, and give them hope.

What do you hope to accomplish with the AFI Military Spouse of the Year^® title?
“‘One person can’t save the world all by themselves’ [...] ‘Perhaps,’ he replied. ‘But one person can move thousands to follow and those thousands can move millions. Surely you’d have to agree that millions of people working together can change the world.’” –Shen from The Soulweaver by Heidi Catherine. I’m not quite like Shen and move thousands, but if I can help one spouse feel seen, heard, supported, or empowered, those millions of people moved seems achievable. My actions may seem small when compared to others, but it’s often the small things that make the biggest impact. I stand alongside spouses, cheering them on as they move mountains. Whether it’s boulder by boulder, pebble by pebble, or just working their way to lift that rock that seems so heavy, I’m there providing resources and a listening ear, cheering them on through big and small successes. If honored with the MSOY title, I don’t have any grand plans; there’s already so much good in the world, I strive to amplify it.