Jessica Deshotel

Share your military spouse story:
My husband and I have been married almost eight years, but military life has shaped me since childhood. I grew up in Germany as an Army brat, and meeting him there felt like coming full circle. When we PCS’ed to Fort Bragg in 2020 during COVID, we faced quarantine, a transatlantic move, and the challenge of building a home in a world turned upside down. Though we haven’t deployed together, his long TDYs and unpredictable schedule taught me that service happens in the quiet moments—holding our family together, staying resilient, and adapting when life demands it. Being a military spouse has taught me strength, resourcefulness, and the power of community. I carry these lessons into every connection I make, every family I support, and every newcomer I help thrive. This life is hard, but it has also made me proud to stand beside my soldier and honor the sacrifice behind the uniform.

Describe any leadership positions or provide an overview of your leadership contributions within the military community.
I first served as the CASF USO Center Manager at Ramstein, leading a mission unlike any other. Every day I welcomed wounded, ill, and injured service members coming straight from downrange—amputees, burn victims, TBI and PTSD patients—along with the Air Force personnel on deployment orders who cared for them. I managed volunteers, kept the center running, and offered comfort, stability, and dignity during moments when many felt their most vulnerable. Those two years reshaped who I am. In a separate role as the Civilian Misconduct Program Assistant for USAG Bavaria, I carried that same commitment into two major programs. As the Combined Federal Campaign Manager, I built an installation-wide engagement plan, trained keyworkers and led all events. I also revitalized the Home-Based Business Program, cutting wait times from 180 days to 21 and growing it from under 50 to over 200 approved businesses—opening doors for spouses overseas who needed meaningful careers and financial independence.

What programs or projects are you currently involved in that support the needs of military families?
As a full-time real estate agent, nearly all of my work centers around supporting military families navigating PCS moves, relocations, and the challenges that come with constant transition. I focus on educating families about the local market, building personalized relocation plans, and helping them understand their benefits, timelines, and options so they can make confident decisions during an often stressful process. I run a military-focused community group that provides newcomers to Fort Bragg with a 365° view of the area—schools, neighborhoods, resources, and honest guidance—not just real estate. I also create social media content aimed at simplifying the homebuying and selling process for service members and their spouses, especially first-time buyers who may feel overwhelmed. Whether helping families buy, sell, rent, or simply feel grounded in a new place, my daily work is centered on giving military families stability, clarity, and a sense of home during times of uncertainty.

What moments best reflect your impact on building inclusive community among military spouses?
I created and manage the Fort Bragg Newcomers Network, a Facebook group supporting military families relocating to the area. It provides a welcoming space where spouses of all backgrounds can ask questions, share resources, and connect. I actively foster inclusivity by highlighting diverse voices, moderating respectfully, and hosting in-person meetups. Seeing members support one another, especially those new to military life or PCS moves, shows the community I’ve helped build is welcoming, inclusive, and empowering.

Identify your main advocacy effort and describe your personal connection to the cause.
My main advocacy effort focuses on raising awareness about preventable deaths and the urgent need for accountability in medical care, inspired by the tragic loss of my brother, a 100% disabled veteran. His passing revealed critical gaps in oversight, communication, and support for patients navigating complex medical systems. I am committed to sharing his story to honor his life, advocate for veterans and their families, and drive systemic change so no one else suffers from negligence. This cause is deeply personal; his loss has motivated me to speak out, support others navigating similar struggles, and ensure veterans receive the care, respect, and dignity they deserve.

Summarize your advocacy outreach strategies, including any events, media involvement, or other communication efforts.
My advocacy outreach combines personal storytelling, media engagement, and direct community outreach. I share my brother’s story on social media to raise awareness to highlight the complexities of medical systems. I also reach out to media outlets to amplify the message to a broader audience and highlight systemic failures in care for veterans. Previously, while serving as the CASF USO Center Manager at Ramstein, I directly contacted companies and organizations to request support for our troops, coordinating donations and services that enhanced the care and comfort of wounded, ill, and injured service members. By combining digital, media, and personal outreach, I aim to educate, inspire action, and ensure veterans, active duty military and their families receive the care, resources, and recognition they deserve.

What do you hope to accomplish with the AFI Military Spouse of the Year^® title?
If honored with the AFI Military Spouse of the Year® title, I hope to use the platform to amplify the voices and needs of military families, especially those navigating PCS moves, complex medical systems, or limited career opportunities overseas. I want to raise awareness about systemic gaps affecting veterans and their families, advocate for meaningful change, and provide resources and support to spouses who often serve as the backbone of their households while facing unique challenges. I aim to inspire and empower other military spouses to take action in their communities, showing that individual dedication can create lasting impact. Additionally, I hope to expand initiatives that foster inclusivity, connection, and support for military spouses of all backgrounds, build broader awareness of programs that help families thrive, and collaborate with organizations to create tangible, positive change across military communities.