Courtney Lynch

Share your military spouse story:
I met my husband just six months before he joined the United States Marine Corps, unaware of how deeply military life would enrich and shape our journey. Over the years, I have proudly supported his career through multiple deployments, gaining a firsthand understanding that military service is a shared commitment. One that strengthens not only the service member, but the entire family. His career has played a meaningful role in shaping the spouse and leader I have become. As a military spouse, I have learned to confidently lead our household during his absences and to work as an equal partner when he is home. This role has allowed me to grow through adaptability, decision-making, and resilience, evolving with each duty station. I welcomed our first daughter while my husband was deployed, experiencing both the joy of motherhood and the pride of supporting our family through that season. Later, during his time on Drill Instructor duty, our family embraced new challenges, including the birth of our second daughter, further strengthening our bond. While stationed in California during my husband’s deployment, I had the honor of serving as the Deployment Readiness Coordinator for two units, supporting military families while contributing to mission readiness. One of my most meaningful accomplishments was creating a “Welcome to California” binder to help incoming families feel prepared and connected by providing local resources, Camp Pendleton demographics, and housing options. Now at Fort Sill, I continue to serve both the military and civilian communities through the Chamber of Commerce, helping highlight the strengths, opportunities, and sense of pride within the Lawton community. Through every move, deployment, and transition, our family has grown in resilience, purpose, gratitude, and embracing the privilege of serving alongside a Marine.

Describe any leadership positions or provide an overview of your leadership contributions within the military community.
I demonstrated strong leadership and organizational excellence while serving simultaneously as the Deployment Readiness Coordinator for two units. In this role, I effectively managed competing priorities, ensured deployment compliance, and maintained operational readiness across both commands. I confidently briefed at the command level, providing clear guidance while advocating for the needs of military spouses. By leveraging strong communication and coordination skills, I served as a vital bridge between leadership and families. Ensuring spouses remained informed, supported, and empowered throughout every phase of the deployment cycle.

What programs or projects are you currently involved in that support the needs of military families?
I am currently coordinating the Armed Forces Day Parade in partnership with the Lawton–Fort Sill Chamber of Commerce. As home to the largest military parade in the country, this event celebrates service, sacrifice, and community pride while strengthening the bond between military families and the civilians who support them. Previously, during my time in California, I contributed to the free Target warehouse initiative, which provided essential resources to military families. By distributing home décor, clothing, cosmetics, and household items, the program supported both practical stability and personal well-being, helping families reduce financial stress, maintain self-care, and create welcoming homes during deployments, transitions, and periods of uncertainty. Most importantly, it reinforced dignity, normalcy, and a strong sense of community, empowering families to focus on resilience, readiness, and growth.

What moments best reflect your impact on building inclusive community among military spouses?
One thing that I advocate for military spouses and families is resource availability which is why I developed and implemented a comprehensive Welcome Binder designed to support and integrate new military spouses into the unit and installation community. The binder served as a centralized resource, providing essential information on command points of contact, base services, deployment readiness, family support programs, and local resources. By streamlining access to accurate and timely information, the Welcome Binder reduced uncertainty, eased transitions, and empowered spouses to confidently navigate military life. Its implementation improved communication between families and the command, strengthened spouse engagement, and fostered a more connected, informed, and resilient unit community.

Identify your main advocacy effort and describe your personal connection to the cause.
As new wife in 2015 who came in to the Marine Corps, Nervous and scared of moving to a new state where I knew no one. I wouldn't be the military spouse I am today if it wasn't for the mentors I had. I have vowed to actively want to advocate for and support new military spouses by personally welcoming them into the unit and taking them under my wing during their transition into military life. Provided one-on-one mentorship, guidance, and practical resources to help spouses understand military culture, command structure, deployments, and available support services. This hands-on approach reduced feelings of isolation, built confidence, and empowered spouses to successfully navigate the unique challenges of military life. Through consistent advocacy and engagement, I strengthened spouse integration, enhanced family readiness, and fostered a supportive, inclusive community.

Summarize your advocacy outreach strategies, including any events, media involvement, or other communication efforts.
My advocacy outreach strategy brings command leadership and military spouses together through town halls, purpose-driven panels, and media engagement. These events provide a safe space for spouses to share their experiences, voice challenges, and offer solutions, ensuring their voices are truly heard. By collaborating with media—through press releases, feature stories, interviews, and social media campaigns—we amplify family perspectives, raise awareness of their needs, and celebrate their contributions. This approach bridges gaps in communication, strengthens trust, empowers families, and enhances mission readiness, demonstrating that when military spouses are supported and seen, the entire Corps benefits.

What do you hope to accomplish with the AFI Military Spouse of the Year^® title?
As Military Spouse of the Year, my hope is to make this Welcome Binder globally accessible so that every military spouse regardless of location, branch, or stage of service has access to the support and information they deserve. Military life can be isolating, especially during transitions, overseas assignments, or first moves. By expanding this resource worldwide, I aim to ensure no spouse feels lost or unsupported, and that every family begins their journey feeling informed, empowered, and connected to a larger community.