Claire Jones

Share your military spouse story:
I remember going to the commissary for the first time. Showing my ID at the door then, losing my ID before checkout and needing to redeem WIC coupons. I was pregnant and stressed. The tears were flowing. And then it all changed with the kindness of a stranger, “I can scan my ID card so you can get your WIC items”. That’s all it took. The kindness of a stranger to help me through a rough moment. As a military spouse we face a lot of challenges. I determined early on that I would do whatever I could to help those around me. Whether it means holding a newborn for a mom to get a shower, carrying groceries for an injured service member, or just offering my couch as a place to cry on. My husband was an enlisted Navy Seabee when I met him in 2003. In 2006 he got out to pursue his education. He commissioned in 2012 as a Navy Chaplain. Now 13 years later, we’ve been at 6 different bases, experienced 5 full deployments, many weeks apart of training, and are raising 5 children.

Describe any leadership positions or provide an overview of your leadership contributions within the military community.
Each base we are assigned to presents new challenges and opportunities. I’ve officially filled the role of Ombudsman (USS Blue Ridge), Command Team Advisor (H&S Battalion, Parris Island), Children’s Ministry Director at Chapels (Virginia Beach, Yokosuka, Japan and Lemoore). I’ve also created Women’s Ministry Programming at 4 bases. I currently volunteer as a Team Lead for the NMCRS thrift store in Lemoore. Leadership isn’t holding a title. A title makes it easier. But, I’ve enjoyed opportunities to serve and fill needs everywhere we’ve been. My favorite role is as “Chaps wife”. I am invited into people's lives on their best and sometimes their worst days. Serving families while my husband is near and far, wherever we are is always the best! Working alongside our Family Readiness Officer, FRG, Command Team Spouses and with my Chaplain husband is truly an honor.

What programs or projects are you currently involved in that support the needs of military families?
I currently volunteer weekly as a Team Lead for the NMCRS Thrift store. I am also the Children's Director for the Protestant Congregation at the Chapel. I just launched a monthly parent's morning out ministry. My husband and I also host a "Date Night" every other month for local commands to teach a marriage workshop and provide a fancy, free, dinner date for couples. I also have the opportunity to co teach a suicide intervention course with my husband for commands and spouses. We host quarterly Saturday morning pancake breakfasts for families experiencing deployment. These include free Breakfast, kids activities and caring friends to make a Saturday easier. Other ways that I regularly support military families are less scheduled. Babysitting for moms struggling to find childcare, holding babies so moms get a break, offering my couch as a safe place for women to come cry on or get a comforting cup of coffee and a friendly conversation and hopefully some encouragement.

What moments best reflect your impact on building inclusive community among military spouses?
I once met a young woman in a grocery store wearing the same command FRG t-shirt I had at home. I approached her and started up a conversation. She quickly responded, "You must be an officer's wife". I learned early on that sometimes being an Officer's wife, a Chaplains wife, a Chapel volunteer might turn someone away from me. But, by meeting people and offering practical help, no matter who they are, no matter what they look like, no matter what they believe, I can do my best to build community. Through chapel programming, women's ministry, command support, and being involved in different events on base I can help create community for every military spouse I come into contact with.

Identify your main advocacy effort and describe your personal connection to the cause.
Everyone in our community has something to offer. Each and every one of us has been impacted by big things and small and we can carry that forward to help others!

Summarize your advocacy outreach strategies, including any events, media involvement, or other communication efforts.
Being present in the community is the best way for me to make an impact. Just last month, my husband was in a meeting and a sailor said "Sir, your wife is so nice!". She had simply seen my interactions with others on social media. By volunteering regularly at the thrift store, creating and serving at chapel events, I do my best to be present for people.

What do you hope to accomplish with the AFI Military Spouse of the Year^® title?
MSOY, is a wonderful program. I would use the title to encourage other military spouses to use their giftings to make an impact in their community. No matter how small, our efforts can make big impacts on those in our military community.