Betzy Mcdermitt

Share your military spouse story:
My husband and I had been married a few years when he joined the Air Force, and I discovered I was pregnant just two days before he left for BMT. When he finished BMT and tech school, we move to Tucson, Arizona- one month before my due date. When my son was born, it was our first year as parents, away from family and friends, and so much uncertainty (a NICU stay, medical concerns, and confirmed allergies to name a few). I experienced firsthand the isolation military families can face—and the strength spouses develop in response. As a new mother far from family, I navigated deployment, TDYs, and life on base while seeking connection. Groups like the Catholic Women’s group, the Davis-Monthan Spouses Club, and MomCo became lifelines, helping me build community and make Davis-Monthan feel like home. My story is one of faith, presence, and advocacy—quiet service that sustains families and supports the mission.

Describe any leadership positions or provide an overview of your leadership contributions within the military community.
My leadership within the military community is grounded in service, initiative, and relationship-building. I am actively involved in faith-based and spouse-led organizations, including the Military Chapel of Catholic Women, where I support spiritual growth, fellowship, and outreach for military families. I have taken on a board position within the DMAFB Spouses Club as the Marketing and Special Activities Chair. I have created flyers and communicated events for military spouses at the base. Organized Mama Meet Ups for mothers with young children to have a space to meet and find community. I have also helped the Community Events Chair put together materials for Gift Wrapping at the BX Exchange and Cookie Crunch events which have impacted base and community wide.

What programs or projects are you currently involved in that support the needs of military families?
I serve on the leadership team of the MomCo group at Pantano Christian Church in Tucson, where I help connect military mothers to both the organization and the broader community. In this role, I support military spouses in finding belonging, accessing local resources, and becoming aware of opportunities throughout the Tucson area. Much of my involvement is hands-on and relational: checking in with spouses during deployments or transitions, sharing parenting and medical advocacy resources, and helping families navigate unfamiliar environments. Together, these efforts reduce isolation and strengthen community among military spouses.

What moments best reflect your impact on building inclusive community among military spouses?
One of the most meaningful reflections of my impact has been creating mama meet-ups that foster inclusive, family-friendly community among military spouses. These gatherings provide a safe and welcoming space for spouses to attend with their children—an important consideration for many military families—allowing for connection, adult fellowship, and mutual support. This has been especially impactful for spouses whose partners are deployed or TDY, as well as those who are new to the area and have not yet found their community. These meet-ups encourage open conversation around parenting, military life, and available resources, naturally connecting spouses to both formal and informal support networks. By intentionally creating accessible, judgment-free spaces, I help strengthen belonging and resilience among military spouses.

Identify your main advocacy effort and describe your personal connection to the cause.
My primary advocacy focus is supporting military spouses and families navigating early parenthood, medical complexity, and isolation. As a mother of young children—including one with confirmed food allergies and early medical challenges—I understand firsthand how overwhelming military life can feel when health concerns are layered onto frequent transitions and limited local support. This lived experience drives my commitment to ensuring families have access to accurate information, compassionate support, and inclusive community. I am especially passionate about advocating for spouses who may feel hesitant to speak up or unsure where to turn.

Summarize your advocacy outreach strategies, including any events, media involvement, or other communication efforts.
My advocacy outreach is grounded in relational and behind-the-scenes communication. I work primarily through one-on-one support, small-group engagement, and digital platforms to connect military spouses with resources and community. I have experience with social media marketing, using online platforms to share information, promote events, and elevate military spouse stories. Through thoughtful written communication, private outreach, and digital engagement, I foster connection and encourage participation without requiring public visibility. This communication style allows me to collaborate effectively with organizations and support advocacy efforts with clarity, consistency, and authenticity.

What do you hope to accomplish with the AFI Military Spouse of the Year^® title?
If selected, I hope to use the AFI Military Spouse of the Year title to amplify the voices of military spouses whose service often goes unseen—particularly young families and those navigating medical or caregiving challenges. I want to advocate for inclusive, family-centered support systems and help bridge gaps between resources and the spouses who need them most. I also hope to encourage spouses who may not view themselves as leaders to recognize the impact of their presence and service. My goal is to strengthen connection, collaboration, and belonging across the military community.