Julia Katrina Bungay

Share your military spouse story:
When I met my husband, I was working as a flight stewardess for Qatar Airways and was based in Qatar. During a week-long vacation in Los Angeles, one of my aunt’s friends suggested we take a spontaneous trip to San Diego so I could meet someone she thought I should get to know—a military officer and an avid golfer. We arrived in San Diego around noon on a Saturday.My husband, however, arrived nearly two hours late, which made for a somewhat awkward beginning. Adding to that, the meeting felt more like a family gathering than a traditional blind date, as several mutual acquaintances who had helped arrange the introduction were present. Prior to that day, my husband and I had never spoken or seen each other, making it a true blind date. The reason for his late arrival was that he had been told to come whenever he finished his golf game that day. Following that initial meeting on February 3, 2018, we continued seeing each other. I would fly to San Diego during my vacations, and we also met whenever I had layovers in Los Angeles. Six months later, he proposed. We were married soon after and welcomed our first child that same year. Now, eight years later, we are parents to four children, all under the age of seven. I made the decision to step away from my career to focus on building our family and became a stay-at-home mother.Many people say our love story unfolded very quickly, but I believe it was simply two people meeting at the right time—falling in love and ready to build the life and family they had both been hoping and praying for.

Describe any leadership positions or provide an overview of your leadership contributions within the military community.
Leadership has been a part of my life from an early age. As the eldest sibling, I learned to lead by example, shaping my character and values. In school, I held leadership roles, including class president, student council member, and Corps Commander in the Citizens Army Training program. In my former career as a flight attendant, I developed leadership skills working with diverse crews and passengers, strengthening my ability to communicate with empathy and manage people effectively. As a military spouse and stay-at-home mother, I continue to lead—often without formal title—by managing responsibilities, motivating others, and influencing through example. Through daily life and social media, I share authentic experiences: managing our household, raising children, attending military events, connecting with fellow spouses, and openly sharing the realities of military life. These efforts allow me to serve as a leader within the military spouse community.

What programs or projects are you currently involved in that support the needs of military families?
I am volunteering as a mentor for the NLEC Command Leadership Spouse Class, March 23–27, 2026, in Newport, Rhode Island. My interest stems from participating in the same course seven years ago as a new Navy spouse, where I gained valuable insight into Navy culture and life while connecting with an incredible network of spouses. The experience was meaningful and formative, leaving a lasting impression. I was honored to be invited back as a mentor, including by a spouse I met during the course, Crystal Bubulka, who later nominated me for the AFI MSOY Award. I am excited to share my experiences and personal story. As a new spouse, hearing authentic, firsthand perspectives helped me navigate military life, and now I have the privilege of supporting, inspiring, and motivating new Navy spouses as they work to grow, adapt, and become their best selves.

What moments best reflect your impact on building inclusive community among military spouses?
When I began intentionally creating space to connect with other military spouses, I became more available to build meaningful relationships both in person and online. By being open and approachable, I fostered genuine friendships within the military community. One example began with casual greetings at my children’s school, which developed into conversations that revealed we were both military spouses. Though her family later moved, we stayed connected through social media. Similarly, mentors and spouses I met during the NLEC Leadership Course remain part of my support network, where we check in and encourage one another through a Facebook group. I also meet monthly with a group of spouses for brunch, sharing experiences and supporting one another. Through in-person and online connections, I strive to inspire, connect, and positively influence military spouses, reminding them they are not alone in their journey.

Identify your main advocacy effort and describe your personal connection to the cause.
I am a strong advocate for mental health& overall wellness.This advocacy became especially important to me during my years living and working overseas.Throughout that time,I actively sought personal growth through reading motivational & inspirational literature.Most recently,I completed The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins,an empowering book that emphasizes self-care,setting healthy boundaries,and allowing others the space to be themselves.I also shared my reflections and insights from the book on my social media platforms to encourage open conversations around mental well-being.Having grown up in the Philippines and worked in the Middle East before relocating to the United States,I experienced significant cultural and lifestyle transitions.These changes reinforced the importance of prioritizing my mental health.I firmly believe that when mental well-being is properly nurtured,it creates a strong foundation that allows all other aspects of life to function more smoothly and effectively.

Summarize your advocacy outreach strategies, including any events, media involvement, or other communication efforts.
This nomination allows me to contribute as a military spouse by sharing my story and inspiring others. There is no guide to being a “perfect” spouse; each of us learns how to be the right spouse for our family. Military life brings challenges, growth, and resilience, and I embrace opportunities to learn from the community. As a stay-at-home mother of four, including a daughter on the autism spectrum, balancing family and advocacy has strengthened my patience, adaptability, and empathy. I focus on mental health and wellness, investing in myself so I can support my family and others. Through a certification with betherecertificate.org, I have learned to help others while maintaining healthy boundaries, believing that caring for our own well-being allows us to contribute meaningfully to our community.

What do you hope to accomplish with the AFI Military Spouse of the Year^® title?
I hope to continue increasing my involvement in initiatives that promote mental health and wellness, serving as a reliable resource whenever possible. Through both my social media platforms and in-person engagement, I aim to support and educate others when opportunities arise within the military community—particularly among military spouses. I strongly believe that mental health is the foundation of overall well-being and is essential for individuals and families to not only survive, but truly thrive within the military lifestyle.