Amanda Walz

Share your military spouse story:
A seasoned spouse told me early on in this journey that "it doesn't do anyone any good to be miserable where they are." Logically, I understood what she meant, but over time - slowly, and never perfectly - I learned to live that out. Our military story wasn't supposed to be forever. Four years and then we'd be back to "real life." Until that quietly shifted. We stopped waiting for the next thing and started living where we were. Sixteen years later, moves, deployments, TDYs, and lots of life lived through screens and across time zones - I've learned that presence is a choice. In every new place, I've searched for the good. When I couldn't find it, I've tried my best to create it. I've walked into the room full of strangers and, years later, left with chosen family. My military story is one of choosing vulnerability, joy, and connection. Not because it's easy, but because it's how I've learned to thrive, serve others, and be the good wherever the Air Force takes us.

Describe any leadership positions or provide an overview of your leadership contributions within the military community.
I am an advocate for children and families - and my goal is always connection and community. As a KSL for years I bridged the gap between families and leadership. Guiding spouses through ups and downs, listening and fostering open communication and belonging - while advocating for support at multiple levels. Currently, I serve as the Peterson, Schriever, Cheyenne Mountain Spouses' Club President, where my focus is creating opportunities for authentic connection between spouses. Through charitable giving we are able to strengthen and brighten our corner of the world a little bit more. I also lead the Peak Resource Center a place for military families to access food and essential items in a low barrier, dignified, and loving atmosphere. Advocating for the unique needs of the military community, and raising community awareness is an honor I do not take lightly. In all of my roles I hope to lead by example, and create spaces of belonging for all military families.

What programs or projects are you currently involved in that support the needs of military families?
I currently serve as the President of the PSC Spouses' Club, an organization that serves the spouses and families of three military installations in the Pikes Peak region. Just a few years ago this club was in danger of dissolution - leaving the spouses without a place to land and connect. Over the last two years, we have reimagined what a modern spouses' club's role is. We have listened to what today's military families truly want and need. We have created events that offer opportunities for authentic connection, we've tied into, and aligned our mission with, the heartbeat of the base culture and we have strengthened partnerships through our time, talent, and funding. Through essential programs like The Peak Resource Center, our Thrift Shop, and our charitable grants and scholarship programs we not only tangibly support military families, but give spouses and military members the opportunity to lead and volunteer - strengthening our military and local communities.

What moments best reflect your impact on building inclusive community among military spouses?
To best sum up my impact on building an inclusive military spouse community the words access, transformation, and spouse-centered come to mind. Revitalizing the PSCSC was done by intentional advocacy - sitting with new spouses, working spouses, spouses who had never "fit" in to traditional spouses' groups and truly listening to what their families needed to thrive. Those conversations revealed real gaps: food insecurity, a lack of accessible resources, and a need for connection. In response we created The Peak, a low barrier spaces where rank, branch, and base were irrelevant and shared experiences mattered most. I've been able to watch spouses walk into our spaces, for the first time, unsure but hopeful, and see them return - often in roles that support and create belonging for other spouses. Those moments - meeting immediate and tangible needs - while empowering spouses' to create community for each other - truly illustrates the inclusive, resilient community I hope to create.

Identify your main advocacy effort and describe your personal connection to the cause.
My core advocacy effort is family readiness because I truly believe that is inseparable from mission readiness. Military families face unique challenges: repeatedly rebuilding community, long separations, stigma within the community surrounding the need for help, and navigating constant transitions. My dedication to this mission is deeply personal. I have been the spouse who felt isolated, left behind, overwhelmed, and unsure who to turn to for help. Those experiences fuel my drive to ensure military families can access support and resources without fear or barriers. In my leadership positions I focus on meeting both tangible needs - food access, resources, and financial relief, and intangible needs like - connection, dignity, belonging. By creating systems that are low barrier and family centered - I advocate for stronger families so their service member can focus on the mission knowing their loved ones are safe and supported.

Summarize your advocacy outreach strategies, including any events, media involvement, or other communication efforts.
I firmly believe that people do not care what you know until they know that you care, which is why my advocacy begins with listening. I intentionally listen to spouses and service members to understand both immediate needs and systemic challenges, then translate those lived experiences into actionable conversations. I regularly communicate these needs to installation leadership in formal briefings and informal settings, ensuring spouse perspectives are represented in decision-making spaces. I regularly support events targeted to spouses where they gain knowledge about resources and community programs - empowering them through access. I regularly engage local government officials, faith-based leaders, and community partners and advocates to elevate military family issues and advocate for policies and resources that strengthen families. This approach allows me to communicate effectively across audiences while keeping military spouses at the center of the conversation.

What do you hope to accomplish with the AFI Military Spouse of the Year^® title?
If selected as AFI Military Spouse of the Year, I hope to stand in the gaps for military families - those quietly struggling, those who don't know yet what community, or resources are waiting for them, and to remind them that none of us face this life alone. In this role I look to remove the stigma for those who are reluctant in asking for help shifting the perception from one of failure or weakness, to one of strength and readiness. I want to use this platform to amplify their voices and champion the real needs of our community: food insecurity, community, and accessible support. By spreading the stories of our shared experiences, advocacy, and working alongside leaders and policy-makers, I hope to turn awareness into action. My goal is to break down barriers, expand access, and reinforce the truth that I know deep in my heart: mission readiness begins with family readiness - through strong, supported, resilient families.