Ashley Corrigan

Share your military spouse story:
My journey as a military spouse spans more than 12 years and is deeply intertwined with my roles as a mother and a nurse. Navigating frequent moves, deployments, and the uncertainty of military life while raising two children—including one with special needs—has shaped who I am. As a registered nurse with both a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Nursing, I’ve had to personally and professionally navigate complex healthcare systems, TRICARE insurance, and special education services. These experiences taught me how challenging—and essential—it is to advocate fiercely for our families. Through it all, I’ve found strength in the resilience of the military community. I’m passionate about supporting fellow military spouses and parents by sharing knowledge, guidance, and lived experience, so they feel empowered to advocate confidently and create positive change for their families.

Describe any leadership positions or provide an overview of your leadership contributions within the military community.
I have taken on several leadership and advocacy roles within the military and local community. I actively support military families by helping them navigate TRICARE options, access appropriate healthcare and special education resources, and advocate for their children’s unique needs. I have also worked to raise awareness for rare genetic conditions, including Kabuki Syndrome, by educating others and supporting affected families. During my husband’s command, I founded and led a Booster program, coordinating fundraising initiatives that supported squadron morale and provided assistance to both military and civilian families. Additionally, I have served in leadership roles within children’s ministry and Vacation Bible School, helping organize programs, mentor volunteers, and support families. Through these efforts, I strive to lead with compassion, organization, and advocacy to strengthen our community.

What programs or projects are you currently involved in that support the needs of military families?
It’s rare to find someone who truly speaks the same language without translation, and my lived experience allows me to connect authentically with others. I am an Air Force spouse of more than 12 years, currently stationed at Joint Staff J7 in Suffolk, VA, and a mother of two children, one with complex medical needs. I am a Family Nurse Practitioner with BSN and MSN preparation and a background in Labor & Delivery. Both my personal and professional journeys have given me a deep understanding of military life, TRICARE, healthcare systems, and special education. Advocating for my own family fuels my passion for empowering other military spouses to confidently advocate for theirs. I was selected as one of only 50 participants nationwide for MSAN’s Military Spouse Leadership Development Program (Harvard NPLI) and have completed over 30 hours of Psych Hub mental health–informed training. I strive to lead the way I live—steady, prepared, compassionate, and present when it matters most.

What moments best reflect your impact on building inclusive community among military spouses?
My impact on building an inclusive military community is reflected in moments where I bridged gaps, advocated for well-being, and ensured access to critical resources.I supported service members and families transitioning between military and civilian life—especially those relocating from overseas—by helping them navigate cultural, logistical, and emotional challenges.I provided direct mental health support through connection and timely intervention for a service member within my husband’s command experiencing divorce and suicidal ideation, reinforcing a culture of care and belonging. I also advanced inclusion for diverse service members and their families, particularly children, by advocating for understanding and support within academic settings. Additionally, I guided military and civilian members through complex healthcare and insurance systems to promote equitable access to care. These efforts reflect my commitment to trust, inclusion, and resilience across the military community.

Identify your main advocacy effort and describe your personal connection to the cause.
My primary advocacy focuses on ensuring access to resources for those who cannot always advocate for themselves—especially children—while breaking down the cultural, social, and emotional barriers that too often prevent support. This work is deeply personal. As the mother of a 12-year-old daughter with complex medical needs due to Kabuki Syndrome, I have firsthand experience navigating healthcare systems, school environments, and special education services that are often overwhelming and inaccessible. Through this lived experience, I advocate for inclusive healthcare, stronger educational supports, and meaningful special education services that honor each child’s unique needs. I collaborate with community members and organizations to expand knowledge and amplify impact, believing collective effort is essential for sustainable change. My advocacy is rooted in love for my daughter and a commitment to building a more compassionate, accessible future for all children.

Summarize your advocacy outreach strategies, including any events, media involvement, or other communication efforts.
My advocacy outreach focuses on collaboration, education, and community engagement. I work closely with other parents, educators, healthcare providers, and community organizations to share resources, increase awareness, and improve access to healthcare and special education supports. By openly sharing my lived experience navigating complex systems, I help inform and empower others who may feel overwhelmed or unheard. I engage in ongoing communication through community meetings, school-based collaboration, and support networks to break down cultural, social, and emotional barriers to access. Through collective dialogue and partnership, I aim to amplify voices—especially for children who cannot advocate for themselves—and promote sustainable, inclusive change for families.

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 use the platform to create meaningful, lasting impact for military families—especially children and individuals who cannot advocate for themselves. I want to amplify access to inclusive healthcare, mental health support, and strong educational and special education systems by breaking down cultural, social, and emotional barriers that prevent families from receiving help. Drawing from my lived experience as a military spouse, nurse, and mother of a child with complex medical needs, I hope to empower other spouses with knowledge, confidence, and community so they can advocate effectively for their families. Ultimately, my goal is to foster compassion, collaboration, and positive change by helping build systems where military families feel seen, supported, and empowered to thrive.