Carrie Ferguson

Share your military spouse story:
I’ve been a military spouse for 10 years, and our journey with the Army has shaped every part of who I am. Over the years, we’ve moved multiple times, navigated long deployments, and built a life around constant change. Through it all, our two kids have been my motivation and who have taught me more about patience, strength, and unconditional love than I could have ever imagined. Life as a military family hasn’t always been easy, but it’s taught me resilience, compassion and how to adapt, rebuild, and find a sense of home wherever we go. Most importantly, I’ve seen firsthand how vital community support is, especially for families like ours who face unique challenges. Being part of the military community has given me a strong sense of purpose and inspires me to not only care for my own family but also to support and uplift others. I’m proud to stand alongside other spouses who understand the ups and downs of this life and together, we make this journey stronger, one day at a time

Describe any leadership positions or provide an overview of your leadership contributions within the military community.
As a military spouse I have had the privilege to serve in several leadership roles that have allowed me to give back to the military community in meaningful ways. For over three years, I have served as a Community Mayor for multiple neighborhoods on post, where I act as a liaison between residents and leadership, coordinated community events, and helped ensure that families had the resources and support they needed to thrive. I served as the Vice President and Lead Dispatcher of the Drunk Driving Prevention Program for over a year, working to promote responsible choices and support initiatives that keep service members and their families safe. I am also the President of the Diamond Food Pantry, where I lead efforts to provide food assistance to families navigating financial challenges and help ensure that no one in our community goes without essential resources.

What programs or projects are you currently involved in that support the needs of military families?
I am currently involved with the Garrison Community Mayor Program to help strengthen the relationship between residents and their community. I am also involved with the Diamond Food Pantry as the President to help food insecurities within our community. My efforts with both programs are focus on making sure families know support is available, feel safe using it, and understand they are not alone.

What moments best reflect your impact on building inclusive community among military spouses?
One of the moments that best reflects my impact on building an inclusive community among military spouses has been running the food pantry. When I stepped into that role, I didn't just see shelves and boxes, I saw families, spouses and kids who were doing their best in a hard season. I wanted every person who walked through those doors to feel safe, respected and never ashamed for needing help. Some of the most meaningful moments for me have been the quiet conversations, the hugs, and the relief on someone's face when they realize they're not alone. I've watched spouses come in nervous or discouraged and slowly begin to open up and even come back to later volunteer and help others. That's when I knew we weren't just providing food, we were building a community where people feel seen, supported, and valued. Being a part of that has been one of the most rewarding things i have ever done.

Identify your main advocacy effort and describe your personal connection to the cause.
My main advocacy effort is addressing food insecurity among military families. My personal connection to this cause comes from seeing firsthand how many strong, hardworking families quietly struggle while trying to hold everything together during deployments, transitions and financial strain. When I took over running the food pantry, I realized that this wasn't just about providing groceries, it was about preserving dignity, easing stress, and reminding spouses and families that they are not alone. I've sat with spouses who were overwhelmed, embarrassed to ask for help or trying to make ends meet while supporting their service member and children. Those moments changed me. They made this advocacy deeply personal. What started as volunteering became a calling to create safe, judgment-free space where families could receive help and feel seen, supported and valued. This work isn't just something I do it's something I truly believe in and care about.

Summarize your advocacy outreach strategies, including any events, media involvement, or other communication efforts.
My advocacy focuses on addressing food insecurity within the military community and creating a supportive, inclusive environment for military families. My outreach strategy centers on both direct service and community engagement. As President of The Diamond Food Pantry I coordinate regular distribution days, organizing volunteers, and ensuring families have consistent access to food in a respectful and welcoming setting. To increase awareness and involvement, I created and manage a Facebook group dedicated to the Diamond Food Pantry and community support efforts. In addition, I promote the pantry through military spouse networks, community groups, and base organizations, and collaborate with partners to organize food drives and special distribution events. Whether through social media, in-person outreach, or community events, my goal is to strengthen connection, increase access to resources, and build a culture of care within the military community.

What do you hope to accomplish with the AFI Military Spouse of the Year^® title?
If selected as the AFI Military Spouse of the Year, I want to use this opportunity to inspire other spouses to lead with their heart, to know that their voices matter, and to continue strengthening the foundation of support that keeps our military families thriving. My mission is to ensure that no spouse ever feels alone and that every family, no matter their circumstances, has access to the resources and community they deserve. I believe that when we lift one another up, our entire military community becomes stronger, more resilient, and more united