Keisha Cagle

Share your military spouse story:
Looking back, I never could have imagined the path my life would take as a military spouse. It began when a military man entered my life after a family visit to Tennessee. After two years of long-distance dating, I took my first leap of faith—getting married and moving away from my close-knit family, my hometown, and the dreams I once envisioned. That step began a journey filled with unexpected moves, deployments, and personal growth. During the first five years of marriage, we welcomed our two boys, navigated my first deployment as a military spouse, moved back home, and then returned again. By the third deployment, I chose to stay home alone with our boys. It was during this season that I truly learned the importance of community beyond family. This taught me to lean on others, seek connection, and find strength in shared experiences.Just as I grew comfortable in Gulfport, Mississippi, the military moved us to Virginia Beach. Change was difficult, but I quickly realized I needed a strong community—one that would pray with me, encourage me, and simply be present. Through the base chapel and the mentorship of an incredible woman, I found a deep connection to the military community, began volunteering with spouses of deployed service members, and became part of a supportive group of women. That season strengthened my faith and resilience.Once again, just as I felt settled, the military moved us back home. I expected an easy transition, but everything felt different. Our surroundings had changed, and over the next two years I faced challenges that stretched me, tested my faith, and pushed me to grow in unexpected ways. My story is not defined by titles or milestones, but by growth, perseverance, and a desire to support others. I hope my journey encourages other spouses to know they are not alone and that meaningful community can be built wherever military life takes us.

Describe any leadership positions or provide an overview of your leadership contributions within the military community.
I have never viewed myself as a leader in the traditional sense; instead, I see myself as someone who values connection and is passionate about supporting others. I have served two terms as President of the NMCB 133 FRG and as President of the Protestant Women of the Chapel. At a previous duty station, I also helped coordinate chapel activities for military families, including Parents’ Night Out, Vacation Bible School, volunteer childcare, and women’s Bible study conferences. In these roles, I coordinated events, communicated with families and leadership, organized volunteers, and supported spouses through deployments and transitions. I currently lead a weekly women’s Bible study for military spouses, creating a welcoming space for women of all faith backgrounds to connect, pray, and encourage one another. While I have held leadership titles, I believe leadership is rooted in service, consistency, and leading by example—creating spaces where others feel supported, seen, and valued.

What programs or projects are you currently involved in that support the needs of military families?
I am currently involved in supporting military families through Family Readiness Group and Women’s Bible study. I help connect spouses and families to resources, organize volunteer opportunities, and provide mentorship during deployments and transitions. My passion for the women’s Bible study group for military spouses, is creating a welcoming space where women can connect, share experiences, and find support outside of their command. Each experience has enriched my life and strengthened my sense of belonging, proving that our bonds with others are what truly create a feeling of home, no matter where we are stationed. Volunteering has allowed me to give back to the community while providing a network of support and friendship that makes each location feel more like home.

What moments best reflect your impact on building inclusive community among military spouses?
During my first term as FCG President, our group was unable to raise funds to support military families, which limited our ability to provide assistance and inclusive events. Working closely with board members and leadership, we restored our FRG status to fundraise, allowing us to fully give back to our families. This achievement strengthened our FRG, ensured broader support for spouses/families, and helped build a more connected and inclusive community.

Identify your main advocacy effort and describe your personal connection to the cause.
My advocacy shows up in practical, personal ways—delivering medicine to a sick mom, serving as an emergency contact, stepping in as a last-minute babysitter, listening, supporting, and helping families through deployments and homecomings. Whether calming a mother’s nerves the night before she reunites with her soldier or simply being present, I strive to meet families where they are. As an FRG President and Bible study leader, I focus on creating safe, welcoming spaces where military families can connect and support one another. I am committed to encouraging and uplifting military families so they can navigate military life with confidence and thrive in every season. This cause is deeply personal to me. My own journey as a military spouse included seasons of isolation and uncertainty, teaching me how vital community, compassion, and encouragement are—lessons that continue to fuel my passion for advocacy.

Summarize your advocacy outreach strategies, including any events, media involvement, or other communication efforts.
My advocacy outreach focuses on connecting, informing, and supporting military families through consistent communication and engagement. I help manage our FRG’s social media presence through Facebook and GroupMe to keep military families informed, engaged, and connected with timely updates, resources, and event information. I also coordinate and promote monthly FRG meetings that provide families with opportunities to connect, share experiences, and support one another. In addition, I lead a weekly women’s Bible study that creates a space for encouragement, prayer, and meaningful conversation. My communication efforts span multiple channels, including social media, messaging platforms, text messages, phone calls, and face-to-face interactions, ensuring families receive support in the way that best meets their needs.

What do you hope to accomplish with the AFI Military Spouse of the Year^® title?
If selected as the 2026 AFI Military Spouse of the Year®, I hope to use the platform to demonstrate that true leadership is shown through actions, compassion, and service—not titles or status. My goal is to model what it looks like to lead with grace, kindness, and love, especially for spouses who feel uncertain about their next steps or overwhelmed by the challenges of military life. I want to use this opportunity to remind others that small acts of care can have powerful impact and that every interaction is a chance to uplift someone who may be carrying unseen burdens. We may all walk different paths and face unique challenges, but we are called to support one another with grace and understanding. Through this opportunity I hope to encourage a culture of compassion where military families and spouses feel valued, supported and never alone.