Ashley Dixon

Share your military spouse story:
My military spouse journey has been an adventure far outside my comfort zone. I met my spouse on a blind date, married into the military with no prior military background, and over our 15 years together have navigated six PCS moves—Texas, Hawaii, Kansas (twice), Colorado, Germany, and soon South Korea—along with two deployments, one rotation, and more TDYs than I can count. Along the way, I am raising Savannah (10) and James (9), building a small business as a Certified Financial Planner®, and leading within my community. Military life has taught me that change is constant. With each move, deployment, or extended absence comes the need to rebuild—community, routines, and support systems. Through my Dare to Lead™ training, I gained clarity around the values I have long leaned into: efficiency and adaptability. I rely on these values to focus my energy on what matters most, creating stability for my family even in seasons of uncertainty.

Describe any leadership positions or provide an overview of your leadership contributions within the military community.
From the beginning of my military spouse journey, I have found belonging through spouse organizations and consistently served in leadership and board roles. I am currently in my second year as President of the Wiesbaden Community Spouses’ Club, following roles as Administrative Vice President and Digital Communications Chair. At previous installations, I served as FLSC Volunteer Coordinator, FHSC Treasurer, and FHSC Golf Scramble Chair. I also currently serve as the USAREUR-AF HHBN SFRG Family Liaison and previously served as a Company FRG Fund Custodian. Beyond spouse organizations and units, I currently serve as Chairperson of the Aukamm School Advisory Council (DoDEA), Aukamm PTA Popcorn Chair, a CYS volunteer soccer coach, and a Girl Scout parent volunteer. In every role, I focus on collaboration and follow-through to ensure programs remain accessible, sustainable, and responsive to military families’ needs.

What programs or projects are you currently involved in that support the needs of military families?
As WCSC President, I sit on the CR2C Family & Social Working Group, advocating for improvements in EFMP support, schools, mental health resources, and relocation processes. I maintain active working relationships with Garrison Leadership and MWR, ensuring family concerns are communicated through meetings with senior leadership as well as public forums such as town halls, AFN, and Stars and Stripes. As Aukamm SAC Chairperson, I represent families at both the school and installation levels through the Installation Advisory Committee. In each role, I focus on efficient communication and collaboration, helping leaders better understand and respond to the realities military families face in our community.

What moments best reflect your impact on building inclusive community among military spouses?
Building an inclusive community remains a central focus of my presidency at the Wiesbaden Community Spouses’ Club. During my tenure, we introduced a lower-cost add-on spouse membership, expanded evening programming to better support working spouses, and began relocating our clubhouse to improve accessibility and create space for broader, community-inclusive events. We also strengthened relationships with installation and community partners, creating space for collaboration and a more connected, supportive network for military families. By expanding no- and low-cost outreach programs to the entire community—not just members—we intentionally reduced barriers to participation. These efforts reflect the shared vision of our Board of Governors: a community where every military spouse, regardless of rank, employment status, or season of life, has access, feels welcomed, and knows they belong.

Identify your main advocacy effort and describe your personal connection to the cause.
My advocacy centers on being a listening voice. Our communities are full of noise, but meaningful change requires voices—and voices require seats at the table. Seats come from being known, and being known requires stepping outside of comfort zones. I model this by saying yes—to volunteer roles, meetings, and conversations that feel uncomfortable. By leading with adaptability and intention, I empower spouses to find their voice and advocate for themselves and others. When spouses are heard, families and communities are better equipped to thrive.

Summarize your advocacy outreach strategies, including any events, media involvement, or other communication efforts.
Public speaking becomes easier through practice. As WCSC President, I regularly accept invitations to events and awards ceremonies on behalf of our organization for community grants, outreach initiatives, and scholarships. When asked if I would like to speak, I always say yes. Each opportunity amplifies military spouse experiences and reinforces the purpose behind our volunteerism. Through these engagements, I strive to communicate clearly and consistently, ensuring spouse voices remain visible, understood, and central to conversations shaping the quality of life for military families.

What do you hope to accomplish with the AFI Military Spouse of the Year^® title?
As we prepare for our seventh PCS—an OCONUS-to-OCONUS move—and my spouse’s upcoming battalion command, the AFI Military Spouse of the Year® title would strengthen my ability to advocate at senior leadership levels and elevate spouse voices during periods of transition and change. After four deeply engaged years in Wiesbaden, I know I am not ready to slow down. Military life continues to evolve, and our support systems must evolve with it. I hope to continue stepping forward—listening, leading, and helping build communities where military families feel supported, empowered, and able to thrive.