Chrischelle Rabine

Share your military spouse story:
My husband, Micah, and I come from the same small town in Michigan and met in high school, though our story began years later when he returned home on post-deployment leave while I was on winter break from college. After two short weeks together, we said goodbye at the airport as he returned to Okinawa, Japan, to his first duty station at Camp Hansen. That moment marked the beginning of a 16-year journey defined by service, resilience, and community. As an Air Force military child, I learned early how to adapt to constant change. By the time my father retired when I was 15, I had attended five elementary schools, one middle school, and two high schools. Before our wedding in October 2009, my mother—my mentor and fellow military spouse—prepared me for both marriage and the responsibility of supporting others through the challenges of military life. After graduating in December 2009, we moved to Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. I served as a Family Readiness Assistant from 2010–2012 with 10th Marines, receiving the Molly Pitcher Award. At every duty station since, I have remained active in the Family Readiness Program and currently serve as a Family Readiness Command Team Advisor with 12th Littoral Combat Team. Across five duty stations, multiple deployments, and while raising four sons, I have mentored spouses, connected families to resources, and partnered with leadership to strengthen readiness. Now, we are in Okinawa as Micah prepares for retirement. I am proud to be a Marine Corps spouse of over 16 years, grounded in mentorship, advocacy, and community.

Describe any leadership positions or provide an overview of your leadership contributions within the military community.
I have served in leadership roles focused on family readiness, resilience, and community support. As a Cub Scout Den Leader for three years, I mentor youth from military families, promoting character, teamwork, and service. I volunteer with Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society as a Client Services Assistant and Budget for Baby instructor, contributing 600+ hours supporting families with financial education and connecting them to resources that enhance mission readiness. I also support my command through participation in the Family Readiness Team and served as a Facilitator for the three-day Okinawa Leadership Seminar Fall 2025, helping develop leadership, resilience, and collaboration within the spouse community. Additionally, I am in my third year serving on the Molly Pitcher Committee for the Far East Chapter, recognizing, celebrating, and empowering military spouses who exemplify leadership and service.

What programs or projects are you currently involved in that support the needs of military families?
I actively support military families through community and youth-focused programs. As a Cub Scout Den Leader and Advancement Chair for Pack 110, I guide children through the advancement process and organize recognition and graduation ceremonies. Through this role, I help children develop skills, confidence, and a sense of accomplishment, while giving families meaningful ways to participate in Scouting. With the PTSO, I assist with the weekly student store and Winter Wonderland event, creating enriching experiences for students. I also volunteer with the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, providing support to service members and their families, and with the Molly Pitcher Committee, assisting in planning and executing the annual celebration recognizing military spouses. Additionally, I coach a kickball team in the Ladies of Okinawa Kickball League, fostering teamwork, camaraderie, and community engagement among military spouses.

What moments best reflect your impact on building inclusive community among military spouses?
Growing up as a military child, I experienced the challenges of frequent moves and adjusting to new communities, which taught me the value of connection and support. I believe a new assignment is not a loss, but an opportunity to explore, learn, and create community. I use that perspective to mentor newer military spouses, helping them navigate challenges, connect to resources, and build resilience. By actively listening, engaging participants, and encouraging involvement and mentorship, I foster inclusive environments that empower spouses to thrive—and inspire them to support others, creating a lasting, connected community.

Identify your main advocacy effort and describe your personal connection to the cause.
Whenever we arrive at a new duty station, I connect with the unit command and volunteer in Family Readiness—it’s my first step to building community. I also attend and advocate for L.I.N.K.S., a mentoring program taught by Marine spouses, because it’s invaluable for meeting other families, learning local resources, and gaining skills to navigate military life. FOCUS, which offers resiliency training for couples and families, has been a game-changer for me personally, helping us communicate better as a family and manage stress during deployments and raising young children. I advocate for these programs because I’ve seen firsthand how life-changing they can be, and I want every spouse and family to feel supported, connected, and empowered from day one.

Summarize your advocacy outreach strategies, including any events, media involvement, or other communication efforts.
I use a mix of in-person engagement and program promotion to reach military spouses and families. I volunteer in unit events through Family Readiness, participate and advocate for L.I.N.K.S., providing hands-on mentorship and guidance. I also engage families through community activities like kickball and Cub Scout events, and through my work with the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society Communications Team—occasionally attending NOWA (Newcomers Orientation Welcome Aboard) briefs and instructing Budget for Baby classes. As a Family Readiness Command Team Assistant, I use social media to share information, resources, and upcoming classes on unit pages, ensuring all spouses have access to the support they need. By combining face-to-face mentorship, program instruction, and digital promotion, I help spouses build confidence, connect with others, and thrive in military life.

What do you hope to accomplish with the AFI Military Spouse of the Year^® title?
For me, just being nominated is an honor. I always feel there’s more to learn and more ways to serve. With the AFI Military Spouse of the Year® title, I hope to amplify support and resources for military spouses—especially those who are new to military life or feel isolated or overwhelmed. Military life is ever-changing, and adapting to each new season is part of the journey. Okinawa will be our final duty station as Micah retires after 20 years, and the next step is navigating life after military service. I hope to use this platform to support others as we navigate this stage—helping spouses find their village, explore their community, and feel empowered to thrive. Being part of the military spouse community means so much to me. I am grateful to the mentors and leaders who guided me as a young spouse and those who continue to inspire me today. Their example helped me grow into who I am, and now nothing is more rewarding than helping others feel included with a simple, "Come join us!"