Kayla Jenkins

Share your military spouse story:
My military spouse journey began in 2010, before I understood what this life would demand. I met my husband in college and didn’t even realize he was in the Army until he showed up one morning in PTs. Six months later, he commissioned and drove away, convinced he wouldn’t return. I let him go, unsure of the future I wanted. Love had other plans. Distance, sacrifice, and faith brought us back together and into a life shaped by service. Sixteen years later, we have two daughters,pieces of my soul in pigtails and sparkly shoes, and eight moves behind us. With every PCS, I rebuilt: transferring colleges, chasing a career, and clinging to work as my identity. Motherhood changed everything. Stepping away from my career during my husband’s command forced me to redefine my worth beyond a paycheck. During COVID, creativity became my lifeline. I built a woodworking business that could move with us and found my passion in spouse clubs and SFRG leadership across multiple installations. Through service and mentorship, I discovered my purpose: ensuring spouses feel seen, supported, and capable. The Army has tested and reshaped me, but it also revealed my strength. My greatest accomplishment isn’t just what I’ve built, it’s the woman I have become and the way I choose to show up for others. In a life where it’s easy to disappear, I have learned to lead by connection, believing that when spouses feel seen and supported, entire communities are strengthened.

Describe any leadership positions or provide an overview of your leadership contributions within the military community.
Leadership has been a defining part of my military spouse journey, and I take that responsibility seriously. As my husband’s SFRG Key Spouse, I supported families through everyday challenges during high-stress seasons, understanding my actions directly affected morale, trust, & readiness within the unit. This role required discretion, empathy, and consistency, & I led with the belief that families deserved to feel informed, supported, & never alone.During a critical transition, I stepped into Battalion-level SFRG leadership as units returned from deployment. I helped rebuild communication, coordinated a successful homecoming, and organized homecoming baskets for barrack Soldiers to ensure every Soldier felt valued. I currently serve as an advisor for a battalion, supporting leadership and spouses through guidance. I have also served four years on spouse club boards across three installations in multiple leadership roles, and I lead as a steady, approachable presence spouses trust.

What programs or projects are you currently involved in that support the needs of military families?
My involvement in the military community is rooted in consistency, accessibility, and genuine care. In my current role as a Battalion-level SFRG advisor, I mentor Key Spouses and emerging leaders while working closely with unit leadership to strengthen communication and reinforce family readiness so Soldiers can focus on the mission. Since moving overseas to Germany, I have prioritized supporting incoming families through the challenges of international relocation by connecting them with essential information and resources so no one feels lost during transition. I also collaborate with the Battalion Chaplain to support the emotional well-being of Soldiers and families. In addition, I serve as Luncheon Chair for the Bavaria Spouses’ Club and volunteer at the thrift store, supporting scholarships and community initiatives. I strive to remain approachable, consistent, and present, leading with connection and care.

What moments best reflect your impact on building inclusive community among military spouses?
One moment that reflects my impact on building inclusive community began with a simple connection through a local workout group. I sensed that large group settings felt overwhelming for her, so instead of pushing participation, I met her where she was. I invited her to small, low-pressure moments like coffee, errands, and quick check-ins, making it clear there was no obligation, only an open door. Over time, I encouraged her to attend a spouse club event. Though outside her comfort zone, she came, connected, and later told me, “I needed a Kayla in my life.” That moment stayed with me. I see the same need in the spouses I mentor today—people who want connection but need patience and consistency. Military life can be isolating, but inclusion is intentional. Sometimes, one steady presence is enough to change everything.

Identify your main advocacy effort and describe your personal connection to the cause.
My primary advocacy is intentional spouse integration,helping military spouses feel seen, connected, & included wherever they are planted. While programs & organizations provide structure, my advocacy is people-centered. Working within SFRG, spouse clubs,& leadership groups creates opportunities, but relationships are what make the impact lasting. These roles allow me to reach spouses who might otherwise remain disconnected.My connection to this cause is deeply personal. Through frequent moves & seasons of isolation, I learned how easily spouses can disengage. That experience fuels my empathy & helps me recognize who may need someone in their corner. Advocacy energizes me, connection strengthens my purpose & commitment to this community.Social media is used to create welcoming spaces for spouses who may not feel comfortable engaging in person or are geographically distant. Programs may change, but people remember people. I strive to be a steady presence wherever military life takes us.

Summarize your advocacy outreach strategies, including any events, media involvement, or other communication efforts.
My advocacy outreach strategy centers on visibility, consistency, & approachability. I connect most effectively by showing up, both in person & online, in spaces where spouses already are. Through events, small-group engagement, & leadership roles within SFRG & spouse clubs, I create opportunities for conversation & connection that feel natural, welcoming, and pressure-free. I use events intentionally as connection points, designing them to feel inclusive rather than overwhelming. Whether coordinating luncheons, unit gatherings, or informal meetups, my goal is to create spaces where spouses feel comfortable participating, returning,& inviting others.Social media extends how I connect in real life. I share honest, relatable experiences of military spouse life to normalize both the highs and lows & help others feel less alone. My communication style is authentic & people centered. By being visible, responsive, and real, I build trust and turn everyday moments into meaningful connection.

What do you hope to accomplish with the AFI Military Spouse of the Year^® title?
If selected as AFI Military Spouse of the Year®, I hope to use the platform to be a strong, visible, and unapologetic advocate for military spouses. I am loud by nature, and I believe spouses deserve voices willing to speak up for them. Programs matter, but connection is what activates them. I want to champion the small, often overlooked moments that create real change—the conversations, check-ins, and quiet support that help spouses feel ready to step forward. My goal is to encourage connection at the most human level. It only takes one moment of support or one person showing up at the right time to change a trajectory. I hope to amplify everyday advocacy, build belonging, and remind spouses that their presence matters. When one spouse is supported, the impact strengthens families, units, and the entire military community.I want spouses to know they are not invisible, their voices matter, and leadership often begins with someone simply choosing to show up.