Brittney Rabens

Share your military spouse story:
I was born and raised in Sarasota, Florida, never imagining a life beyond my hometown. Marrying my childhood sweetheart after college began a journey shaped by service, sacrifice, and unexpected purpose. Early in our Air Force life, while stationed in Bethesda, Maryland, we welcomed our daughter, Madison. Complications during her birth led to an emergency hysterectomy, abruptly changing our dreams for our family. That season of loss reshaped my understanding of resilience, faith, and empathy—and taught me how deeply being seen and supported matters. While stationed at Eglin Air Force Base, hope was restored through the adoption of our second daughter, Jocelyn, an immeasurable gift and a reminder that families are built in many meaningful ways. With a degree in Elementary Education, frequent moves and deployments required flexibility and perseverance, but service remained constant. From classrooms to community programs across the country, I learned that wherever we land, connection and compassion can turn uncertainty into purpose. After 23 years, 10 moves, 5 deployments, and 2 command tours, these experiences shape how I lead today—with empathy, intention, and a commitment to ensuring no military family feels unseen or unsupported.

Describe any leadership positions or provide an overview of your leadership contributions within the military community.
My leadership focuses on strengthening family readiness through clear communication, trust, and follow-through. I serve as the Key Support Liaison Mentor for the 42d ABW and the Maxwell MDG, advising command teams on family well-being, quality-of-life concerns, and effective communication. I have held multiple leadership roles within the Spouses’ Club and currently serve as an Advisor, providing mentorship to volunteer leaders. I also lead the Volunteer Crossing Guard Program, coordinating more than 20 volunteers to meet a critical child safety need, and serve as the Lead Red Cross Volunteer for the Maxwell Medical Group, overseeing more than 30 volunteers supporting service members, retirees, and families. In addition, I represent Maxwell-Gunter on the Alabama Military Spouse Advisory Council, collaborating with state and installation partners to address systemic challenges. Across these roles, I serve as a trusted connector—translating family needs into practical, sustained support.

What programs or projects are you currently involved in that support the needs of military families?
I focus on initiatives that meet practical needs while strengthening morale and connection for military families. I partner with mission and community organizations to address tangible gaps, including collaborating with Warrior Outreach Ranch and The Home Depot Foundation to provide more than 50 bicycles annually to military families during the holidays, prioritizing single parents, EFMP families, and those navigating deployment. I have led Operation Cookie Drop for several years; this year, we delivered more than 900 dozen cookies to Airmen—many away from home for the first time—and coordinated the collection of 100 stuffed stockings for deployed service members. In addition, I help host International Spouses events that foster cultural understanding and community for families far from home. Each initiative reinforces a consistent message: military families are valued, remembered, and supported in meaningful ways.

What moments best reflect your impact on building inclusive community among military spouses?
The moments that matter most are often quiet ones—when a spouse who once stayed on the sidelines begins to connect, speak up, or step into leadership. I intentionally create low-pressure, inclusive spaces rooted in trust, confidentiality, and respect, where participation is always optional, and belonging is unconditional. Through small gatherings, leadership development, and one-on-one conversations, I focus on ensuring spouses feel safe engaging at their own pace, regardless of rank, background, or season of life. One of the most meaningful indicators of impact is when a spouse shares that they finally felt comfortable showing up as themselves. When that confidence grows into connection or leadership, it affirms that inclusion isn’t about attendance—it’s about feeling seen, valued, and empowered.

Identify your main advocacy effort and describe your personal connection to the cause.
My advocacy centers on quality of life and belonging because they are foundational to readiness and resilience. As a military spouse who has experienced frequent moves, deployments, career disruption, and personal loss, I understand how easily families can feel disconnected, unseen, or overlooked. When spouses and families feel unsupported, the impact ripples through the household—and ultimately affects the mission. I advocate for intentional systems that prioritize trust, clear communication, and access to resources so families are not left navigating challenges alone. Belonging is not a luxury; it is a stabilizing force that strengthens confidence, resilience, and readiness. My work is rooted in creating inclusive, trust-based spaces that empower families, strengthen support networks, and reinforce a simple truth: military families matter, and they belong.

Summarize your advocacy outreach strategies, including any events, media involvement, or other communication efforts.
I use storytelling, education, and collaboration to elevate military family voices and translate lived experience into actionable change. My outreach includes leadership briefings, training sessions, community events, and public forums that ensure family concerns are heard and addressed. I have participated in spouses’ roundtables with senior leaders, sharing firsthand experiences and highlighting the critical role connection and belonging play in readiness. As a Mentor Spouse for the Air Force Pre-Command Team Training, I brief incoming command team spouses on effective implementation of the Key Support Liaison Program, emphasizing best practices that can be replicated across units. Through partnerships with installation leaders and community organizations, I help drive practical improvements that strengthen family readiness at the local, state, and national levels.

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 would use the platform to champion practical, sustainable solutions that strengthen quality of life and foster belonging across the military. My goals are to expand access to spouse mentorship, strengthen command team education, and encourage partnerships that connect military families with their surrounding communities. Through collaboration, education, and storytelling, I aim to empower spouses to navigate military life with confidence and resilience. Meaningful change occurs when voices are amplified and systems are strengthened—one voice can spark awareness, but collective action creates lasting impact. I am committed to advancing a more connected, resilient military community nationwide.