Cassandra Powell

Share your military spouse story:
I have been a military spouse for 21 years. We took a big leap and moved to Alaska for our last duty station in 2023. I was lucky enough to accept a teaching position at an elementary school on JBER. This has been such a wonderful and fulfilling way to give back to the military community. I teach military kids and I volunteer each year to help with our Month of the Military Child event. It has always amazed me how resilient military kids are, my own included, but to get to work with them every day has been a wonderful way to give back to the military community that has given me so much.

Describe any leadership positions or provide an overview of your leadership contributions within the military community.
I am on the leadership team within my elementary school. I work directly with other school leaders to ensure we are meeting the academic and social/emotional needs of our students. This was especially important during the government shutdown when students were feeling the financial stress from home and didn't know what to do with those feelings. We were able to come up with a plan to help ease that stress for them. I was also on the leadership community to plan our yearly Month of the Military Child carnival.

What programs or projects are you currently involved in that support the needs of military families?
I am on the planning committee for our school's Month of the Military Child carnival. I help call the various units to see if they can bring hands on experiences for our students to enjoy. We also make sure the kids know just how special and important they are throughout this month!

What moments best reflect your impact on building inclusive community among military spouses?
I strive to ensure all military spouses within my community know about the special events we do at our school. Alaska has a big homeschooling community but we want to ensure that all kids and military spouses feel welcome at our various events.

Identify your main advocacy effort and describe your personal connection to the cause.
My main advocacy effort would be to ensure all military kids and spouses know how important they are and are celebrated throughout the year. It is one thing to feel supported but often times kids are left out of that feeling. I want to ensure this doesn't happen.

Summarize your advocacy outreach strategies, including any events, media involvement, or other communication efforts.
I am apart of the Month of the military child planning committee for my school. I reach out to the various units on JBER, active army and national guard, to talk about them coming and sharing their specialties with our students.

What do you hope to accomplish with the AFI Military Spouse of the Year^® title?
My hope would be to shed light on the power of military kids and how special and resilient they are.