Kelsey Watts

Share your military spouse story:
I have been a military spouse since 2019. My husband decided to join the Army later in life at the young age of 26 and me, 28. We were already married, settled into a home and I was teaching special education. I never would have dreamt at that moment how my life was about to change for the better. We have lived in Georgia, Colorado, Georgia and now in Kansas and in just 7 years I have met the most amazing people and have created the best friendships. Things I have seen and gotten to experience all because I am a military spouse. It all hasn’t been easy, but rewarding things typically aren’t. In 7 years I have had two beautiful boys, taught special education, became a stay at home mom and now currently own iStroll Fort Riley were I get the privilege of meeting and becoming friends with extraordinary and tough women.

Describe any leadership positions or provide an overview of your leadership contributions within the military community.
I own iStroll Fort Riley. A workout group tailored, but not just for, other military spouse mamas. It is a created safe space where mom’s can come and workout and bring their children with them. Childcare is hard to find, so we make it a little bit easier to get a workout in. I am an ambassador for the Stronghold Food Pantry at Fort Riley. Monthly, I deliver food to service members and their families that are needing a little extra food support. I am also the SFRG Leader for my husband’s company.

What programs or projects are you currently involved in that support the needs of military families?
The Stronghold Food Pantry and SFRG Leader.

What moments best reflect your impact on building inclusive community among military spouses?
I strive to include any and all military spouses as the owner of iStroll Fort Riley. I welcome all kinds of kinds with open arms to our group. I strive for it to not only to be a place of exercising, but a place that you find your support system, your village, your best friend or even just your next emergency contact. I would like to think I have brought together and have help create life long friendships.

Identify your main advocacy effort and describe your personal connection to the cause.
My main advocacy effort would be showing up and helping where I can in the military community. Where that be at iStroll, delivering food for the food pantry, or answering questions as the SFRG leader. I want to help and be present in my fellow military spouse’s lives. Even if that means going to the grocery store because someone has a sick kiddo, babysitting, cooking a meal, volunteering my time or just being a listening ear and holding a hand.

Summarize your advocacy outreach strategies, including any events, media involvement, or other communication efforts.
I am an instructional fitness coach where I am active on social media. I make phones calls for the food pantry and have communication with families. My photo was featured on CNN when they had an interview with the Stronghold Food Pantry CEO.

What do you hope to accomplish with the AFI Military Spouse of the Year^® title?
Firstly, it is just an honor that someone took the time and nominated me. That is truly heart warming and a great accomplishment in itself. If I did win the title, I would hope to show everyone that it is okay stepping out your comfort zone and getting involved in the community. That this life doesn’t have to be lonely, that sometimes the smallest things at first can make the biggest impacts in other people’s lives and your own.