Katrina Belvin

Share your military spouse story:
My military spouse journey began in January 2010. Two weeks after my husband and I married, he left for Army Basic Training, continued to AIT, and then left for a yearlong rotation in Korea. We met in college, both young and a little naïve, but we had love for each other. By the time we finally lived under one roof, we had been married for 18 months. In 2011, we moved from Cleveland, OH to Fort Bliss, TX, where we quickly learned what it meant to rely on each other. We built a small community of friends, adopted our first dog, and learned how to navigate both marriage and military life. Over the years, we have endured four deployments, countless trainings, late nights, and five PCS moves. Yet woven into all the uncertainty, have been many blessings. We've traveled, earned our master’s degrees, and become parents to two resilient children. Today, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), supporting military families in the very place our journey began: Fort Bliss.

Describe any leadership positions or provide an overview of your leadership contributions within the military community.
My leadership journey began long before I fully understood what leadership meant or saw myself as someone capable of leading others. In 2011, I began volunteering with my husband’s SFRG, serving as the secretary. This is where I first learned the foundations of military culture. Over time, I have served as an SFRG co-leader and, more recently, supporting my husband’s SFRG by sharing resources and insights with the incredible leaders currently in place. Beyond the SFRG, I volunteered with Deployed Love at Fort Bragg, where I served as a coordinator creating meaningful opportunities for spouses to connect. Professionally, I have had the privilege of educating professionals on the unique challenges military families face. I have also provided psychoeducation to military families and new parents navigating parenthood and military life, simultaneously. Currently, I lead groups with children, discussing military life and common childhood struggles.

What programs or projects are you currently involved in that support the needs of military families?
Since 2023, I have had the privilege of serving the military population, as an LCSW. My work has centered on motivating, supporting, and validating the unique experiences of everyone I meet. In March of 2024, I attended a virtual Wellness Summit hosted by InDependent. I left that week feeling so inspired, so when a post-Summit survey was emailed asking if their was interest in volunteering, I replied with an instant "yes." I have been volunteering with InDependent on the Wellness Summit team. I create meaningful monthly workbooks and collaborate with incredible spouses to bring the Summit to life. Around the same time, I joined the Military Spouse Advocacy Network (MSAN) as a mentor, and now as the New Spouse Advocate. I create monthly content, offer encouragement, and share resources for those just beginning their military journey. Since September 2025, I have also stepped into the role of Cub Scout Leader for my son’s den at Fort Bliss, a pack made up entirely of military children.

What moments best reflect your impact on building inclusive community among military spouses?
Over the past few years, I have been saying “yes” to opportunities, and I probably say “yes” more often than I should! But because I value connection and community, I want to help create those same meaningful opportunities for other spouses to feel empowered to say “yes,” too. From starting a Facebook page to encourage families to explore their new duty stations together, to opening my own home as a welcoming space for spouses to gather, my goal has always been the same: to help others feel seen, heard, and supported. Most recently, I began hosting book swaps at our current installation, a simple way to bring spouses together and spark connection. I want every spouse, no matter their season of life, to find their passion and their place within this unique lifestyle. My hope is that no one feels defined or confined by military life, but instead feels inspired to embrace the circumstances, discover community, and truly thrive.

Identify your main advocacy effort and describe your personal connection to the cause.
My work as a Social Worker, has led me to be an advocate for many. I want to empower others to learn how to be their own advocate. Providing military spouses with information and educating on resources available, allows them to seek support and use their voice to obtain what they need. Too often, our voices are overshadowed by assumptions, political narratives, or misconceptions about what military life actually looks like. It is critically important to strengthen empathy and support for military families. Not only during deployments, but also during everyday realities of stateside life. When a military spouse becomes their own advocate, it provides them with a sense of autonomy. Being your own advocate is brave and showcases an individual’s strength. The advocacy steps I will continue to take are to increase empathy for military families, promote cultural competence about the military, and advocate for mental health and family support services.

Summarize your advocacy outreach strategies, including any events, media involvement, or other communication efforts.
My approach to outreach is rooted in curiosity and the belief that effective communication begins with asking questions. When I identify a need, my first step is to reach out. Whether that means leveraging mentors or making a phone call for clarification. A key part of my outreach strategy involves sharing useful resources through social media, MSAN’s Mentorship HUB, and with spouses in the SFRG to ensure information reaches those who need it most. In my work with InDependent, I helped strengthen community connection by hosting recap sessions during the Wellness Summit. These conversations encouraged conversation and reflection. Similarly, through MSAN’s Advocate Hours, I engage in discussions with participants, by providing guidance while also learning from others. As an LCSW, effective communication is crucial. I focus on delivering clear expectations and psychoeducation to military families in a way that is well received. My goal is to ensure families feel informed and supported.

What do you hope to accomplish with the AFI Military Spouse of the Year^® title?
As I write this, I am grateful to have just to be nominated. It is an incredible honor. I know there are countless other military spouses whose dedication and compassion make them equally deserving. What I hope this nomination can accomplish is something far bigger than a title. I want every military spouse, no matter their season of life, to see themselves reflected in this moment. I want this to be a reminder that we are not “just” military spouses. We are individuals with our own dreams, identities, and remarkable capabilities. And behind any fancy photo, I want others to know that I am just human. I am a wife, a mom navigating a beautiful, crazy life, often in a messy bun and sweats, juggling the same challenges as many others. There is nothing extraordinary about me, only a willingness to show up and love others. If this nomination does anything, I hope it shines a light on every spouse who has hope for a brighter tomorrow.