Christy Van Vleck

Share your military spouse story:
My military spouse story started in early 2017, when my now husband and I realized we were inseparable. We were engaged in June, and married in August. I landed my dream job to be closer to him and moved to Chesapeake, VA. There I took my first COMPASS class in Norfolk and truly learned what it meant to be a military spouse and why we need community. We quickly PCS'd to California where we started a whole new life for us as we navigated deployments as a young family with a one year old. 5 months into our big PCS my mom flew to visit us and very tragically passed away while she was on a hike with us for her birthday. It was just 2 days after her passing my husband learned he was going on deployment. To say I was devasted to navigate parenthood and loss of my best friend, my mom, alone was a strong understatement. My military spouse community rallied around me like I have never experienced in my life. They were a big reason I was able to survive that first deployment.

Describe any leadership positions or provide an overview of your leadership contributions within the military community.
I am currently our military housings Community Resident Advisor for our local community where I am the main source residents go to if they are having any questions or issues with housing. I am apart of the Safe Housing Initiative where we try and make sure every house is safe and adequate for our families. I became an Ombudsman, where I communicated with the triad and families vital information during our back to back deployments. I coordinated deployment homecomings for multiple fly ins, and ensured families were taken care of during medical emergencies, new family members, and reunions. I became an Ambassador for United Through Reading. I had ABC10 and Fox5 come to my home to do an interview on my daughter and I and how we watched daddy at home through their app. I volunteered at my daughters preschool through the ASYMCA. We aired on Fourth of July as a family where I shared and encouraged other military families to get involved with their ASYMA preschool called, Little Learners.

What programs or projects are you currently involved in that support the needs of military families?
I am currently the Hospitality Chair for Military Spouses of Newport. I plan and coordinate the yearly Welcome Social for Newport spouses gathering all the local stores, and businesses goods and services to be given away to each spouse as a welcome to the area. I am in charge of setting up all meal trains for new and incoming families for any life event. Whether that be, a new baby, a medical situation or just need a little sense of community in a new place. I have lost over 135lbs since moving to Newport last year. A major part of my story is the Family Fitness Gym on base, I have connected with numerous families as spouses with young kids trying to get healthy for their families. I have become close friends with the MWR employees, and have advocated for new gym equipment that has helped other moms and dads while we watch our kids in a safe gated area. I have made many friendships by inviting other spouses to the Family Gym while playing at base playgrounds and coffee meet ups.

What moments best reflect your impact on building inclusive community among military spouses?
My mantra has always been to support the military family in every aspect, from deployment, to their landing space, their home. My goal is to create a welcoming environment to the new spouses to ensure they know where help is located. My mission through each volunteer opportunity I have been apart of in the military spouses community has been to bring community to those who feel alone. Alone in a new space, alone in a new phase of life during a deployment, or a new child without family nearby. Navigating military life is hard, but does not need to be done alone. There are hundreds of resources available to us, and I want each family to feel supported, the first step is saying hi and getting to know them. Do not be afraid to say hello, you may just change both of your lives forever.

Identify your main advocacy effort and describe your personal connection to the cause.
I advocate for military families through my housing community. My goal for each family is to live in a home that has proper heat and a clean living area, safe from rodents and pests. My personal connection to the cause is living in housing for over 8 years. We have experienced some of the best and worst parts to housing. The best part I tell everyone about is the friendships you'll gain through your neighbors. The homes are often older and need a bit of TLC, but with a strong advocate you can live peacefully and make your military house a home. Often new families do not know who or where to turn to for help, that is where housing community advocates, like myself come in.

Summarize your advocacy outreach strategies, including any events, media involvement, or other communication efforts.
I use my social media platforms to promote a sense of community for my fellow military families by sharing the real life, day to day of what we experience. Helping others to see what an enlisted family can look like when they have community to lean back on. Many of us do not live near family, and rely on others in the "same boat". When I am given the opportunity to share our families life on news stations I firstly share the importance of your neighbors, and friends you'll meet if you get involved in your local military community groups.

What do you hope to accomplish with the AFI Military Spouse of the Year^® title?
If I had the honor of receiving the AFI Military Spouse of the Year title, I would continue sharing the importance of what a military community can mean to a new family. I would like to continue to build Welcome Socials for new spouses and incorporate family community groups. The joy of doing military spouse life together is what keeps me motivated and I cherish the friendships each has brought to my own life, and I love sharing those friendships with other new spouses.