Jacky Moore

Share your military spouse story:
My life may be viewed by some as complicated or challenging; however, I choose to see it as one filled with potential and opportunity. My Soldier and I met in 1991, quickly becoming best friends and have continued this journey together since our marriage in 1998. I have been a military spouse for over two and a half decades, supporting his Army career through fourteen PCS moves, seven deployments, and significant global events. While raising two children, I completed my college degree—often navigating life as a single parent during deployments. The support I received reshaped my outlook and strengthened my desire to give back. After earning my degree/nursing license, I began working within the Department of Defense medical system to directly support military readiness. I have also worked as a nurse with the Department of Veterans Affairs. I remain committed to supporting my spouse throughout his military career while giving back to the community that has given so much to my family.

Describe any leadership positions or provide an overview of your leadership contributions within the military community.
Serving as an SFRG leader across 14 states and countries has allowed me to support families navigating deployments, remote service, and situations requiring additional guidance or resources—especially those without local support or awareness of military opportunities. Mentoring has always been a passion of mine, and sharing 28 years of Army spousal experience fuels my continued commitment to giving back. I believe leadership is not always public-facing; often it is about mentoring, coaching, and developing future leaders within the military community. Through my nursing career with the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs, I remain dedicated to providing quality care, advocacy, and support. At my current MTF, I focus on maintaining morale and fostering connection and inclusion among Soldiers and civilian personnel, frequently using personal time to educate, transport, and connect dependents with resources that strengthen the military community.

What programs or projects are you currently involved in that support the needs of military families?
Participating in installation-wide activities hosted by organizations that support military personnel is a key way I remain engaged with the local community. I regularly volunteer and provide support alongside organizations such as the USO, Blue Star Families, Blue Star Mothers, the VFW, and the Chamber of Commerce, all of which play vital roles in supporting service members, veterans, and their families. At a strategic level, I believe it is essential to remain humble, adaptable, and responsive to evolving needs to ensure individuals and families receive appropriate resources. In addition to my volunteer efforts, I work full time on post as a nurse, allowing me to directly support the medical needs of this community while building trusted relationships. Through both my professional and volunteer roles, I help ensure Soldiers, veterans, civilians, and their families can access available benefits, services, and opportunities, strengthening readiness/resilience, and overall well-being.

What moments best reflect your impact on building inclusive community among military spouses?
At every duty station, I have organized and supported morale-building initiatives that foster connection, resilience, and belonging among Soldiers, their families and the surrounding community. These efforts include hosting community events, coordinating food drives, supporting religious services, promoting youth development, facilitating new parent classes, and organizing meals for families experiencing hardships—all grounded in the belief that everyone deserves to feel welcomed, valued, supported, and included. Beyond organized events, I maintain meaningful connections with Soldiers and families even after a PCS, continuing to offer guidance, assistance, or a listening ear. Helping service members, veterans, and their families understand and access available resources is a responsibility I take seriously and consider essential to supporting those who serve our nation.

Identify your main advocacy effort and describe your personal connection to the cause.
I am a strong advocate for inclusion and comprehensive healthcare for service members and their families. I believe those who serve our nation—and those who support them—should feel valued, respected, and included within the military community. When individuals feel isolated or unsupported, mental health suffers, ultimately impacting readiness, retention, and mission success. Prioritizing mental health is essential to building military readiness and resilience. While service members must remain mission-focused, I am equally committed to supporting the spouses and family members who stand behind them and often shoulder significant responsibilities at home. Access to quality physical and mental healthcare is vital to the strength and well-being of our armed forces and their families. Ensuring awareness of available resources, reducing stigma, and encouraging their use remain among my highest priorities as I continue advocating for those who serve and sacrifice for our nation.

Summarize your advocacy outreach strategies, including any events, media involvement, or other communication efforts.
I share my message through action and by leading by example. Working on post and participating in installation-wide community events allows me to engage directly with military personnel and their families, build trust, and foster meaningful connections. I take every opportunity to connect through conversation to ensure inclusion is felt. I actively follow installation and community social media platforms to stay informed about current issues, events, and opportunities to support others. I step in to assist in whatever capacity is needed, whether through direct support, resource connection, or advocacy. I also contribute to the social media pages of organizations throughout the community to ensure I remain present and engaged for military members and their families. In today’s environment, social media is a vital tool for connection, awareness, and outreach, and I use it intentionally to remain mindful of my surroundings and responsive to the evolving needs of the military community.

What do you hope to accomplish with the AFI Military Spouse of the Year^® title?
I am deeply grateful for this nomination, as it reflects the support, mentorship, and development I have received from those who came before me. The Military Spouse of the Year recognition carries significant responsibility, and I would be honored to serve in this role. If selected I will continue expanding awareness and understanding of the MSOY program across all branches so spouses recognize its purpose. I would also use this platform to amplify support for those who serve, have served, and those who stand beside them. Connecting with other military spouses allows me to learn from shared experiences, gain new perspectives, and strengthen my ability to serve while adapting to evolving needs. Remaining committed to advocating for service members and their families by promoting effective use of existing resources and helping identify solutions for unmet needs. Through continued service, I will work to strengthen the communities we serve and support those who protect our nation.