Cassandra Kidd

Share your military spouse story:
My military spouse journey has been shaped by learning how to adapt, stay connected, and support my family through constant change. Six years ago, I met my wife at a pre-deployment BBQ, and since then we’ve navigated three assignments, two promotions, and long stretches of separation. We learned early that staying close didn’t always mean being in the same place, sometimes it looked like late-night phone calls, surprise food deliveries, or care packages sent just to say, “I’m here.” As a blended family with one child living out of state and a PCS ahead this summer, we face a reality many military families know well: difficult choices that don’t come with perfect answers. Balancing service, marriage, and shared custody has challenged us to be flexible, intentional, and honest about what our family needs in each season. These experiences have shaped how I show up for others—offering understanding, encouragement, and connection to families navigating their own challenges.

Describe any leadership positions or provide an overview of your leadership contributions within the military community.
My leadership in the military community is grounded in relationships, consistency, and creating tangible support for families. For nearly three years as the Key Support Liaison for the 328th, I have helped spouses navigate deployments, training cycles, and transitions by listening, providing clear information, and connecting them to resources. As the elected Chief Outreach Officer for the Nellis Area Charitable Association, I coordinate volunteers and community partners to deliver meaningful programs, from holiday events to outreach initiatives that remove barriers and foster connection. Professionally, I connect families of children on the autism spectrum to services and resources. Across all roles, I lead by showing up consistently, listening first, and creating inclusive environments where families feel informed, valued, and empowered.

What programs or projects are you currently involved in that support the needs of military families?
I am involved in programs and projects that provide practical support and meaningful connections for military families and service members. At the unit level, I help maintain communication and support efforts that ensure families have access to information and assistance during periods of transition, training, and separation. At the installation level, I support programs such as Airman’s Attic and Cinderella’s Closet, which provide essential items to families at no cost. I also assist with community initiatives like the Lil’ Shoppers Holiday Event and gift bag drives for junior Airmen. In addition, I support the Nellis Area Charitable Association food drive by coordinating and completing food pickups and helping facilitate pop-up food distribution events, ensuring families can access food when it is needed. Through these efforts, I strive to help build a community where families feel welcomed, supported, and confident they have reliable resources throughout their military journey.

What moments best reflect your impact on building inclusive community among military spouses?
The moments that best reflect my impact are when spouses who once felt isolated begin to feel connected and supported. I work to create spaces where communication is consistent and inclusive, especially during high-tempo periods and times of separation, so families feel informed and know they are not navigating military life alone. I have also helped expand opportunities for connection across the installation by supporting outreach efforts that are open and accessible to all families, regardless of unit, background, or circumstance. Events such as the Lil’ Shoppers Holiday Event removed financial barriers while creating shared experiences that brought families together. Some of the most meaningful moments come from supporting junior Airmen, newer spouses, and families unsure where they belong. By keeping programs welcoming, judgment-free, and centered on real needs, I strive to ensure every spouse feels seen, respected, and supported.

Identify your main advocacy effort and describe your personal connection to the cause.
My advocacy centers on building inclusive communities where military spouses and families feel welcomed, informed, and supported, regardless of unit, rank, or personal circumstances. This commitment is personal. Like many military families, I have experienced how quickly isolation can occur when information is limited or support feels out of reach, and those experiences shape how I show up for others. I focus on removing barriers to connection by helping families access information, resources, and support in ways that are approachable and judgment-free. I am especially passionate about reaching spouses who may feel unsure where they belong, including those new to military life, geographically separated, or navigating unique family needs. My professional work supporting families of children on the autism spectrum reinforces the importance of meeting people where they are and continues to guide my dedication to communities rooted in understanding, accessibility, and care.

Summarize your advocacy outreach strategies, including any events, media involvement, or other communication efforts.
My advocacy outreach focuses on making support visible, accessible, and easy to engage with for military families. I contribute to programs that provide practical resources, such as Airman’s Attic and Cinderella’s Closet, where I helped revamp offerings to ensure all families have access to essentials and formal attire in a welcoming, inclusive environment. My goal is always to remove stigma and make support feel approachable. Beyond these efforts, I intentionally support a variety of base-wide initiatives, volunteering with existing programs to strengthen the broader community without duplicating services already in place. I also use social media and direct outreach to share information, promote events, and help families stay informed about available resources. By combining consistent communication with thoughtful, needs-based initiatives, I work to ensure military families know where to turn for support and feel encouraged to stay connected and involved.

What do you hope to accomplish with the AFI Military Spouse of the Year^® title?
I am honored by the nomination for AFI Military Spouse of the Year and humbled to be considered alongside so many dedicated advocates. If selected, I would use the platform to strengthen connection and expand access to support for military families across units, life stages, and circumstances. I hope to help identify gaps in communication and resources, and to encourage collaboration that leads to practical, sustainable solutions for spouses and families. Through this opportunity, I would share trusted resources, elevate successful community efforts, and empower spouses to step into leadership in ways that feel approachable, inclusive, and meaningful. I also aim to amplify the everyday experiences of military families, ensuring their challenges, resilience, and contributions are better understood and valued. Above all, I would use this role to help foster a culture where military spouses feel informed, supported, and confident as they navigate military life and support one another.