Kendra Stephens

Share your military spouse story:
It was 2 weeks into the government shut down, and sitting before me was 6,000 lbs of food, diapers, and paper goods. A culmination of all of the quiet work my team and I carried out behind the scenes. Reconnecting with relationships networked through our time providing resources to the military community. Late night phone calls, countless tears, and trust built on community partners who truly believed in supporting and serving military families when systems stalled. On the surface it looked just looked like logistics, but what I saw, was every face depending on us. Every service member fighting the pride and stigma of utilizing a food pantry in the military. As a military spouse, I understand how stability can shift. No one asked me to step forward, there was simply a gap, and in that gap military families were falling through it. My service has never been about recognition but standing in the in between of policy and people, hardship and dignity. Ensuring military families are seen.

Describe any leadership positions or provide an overview of your leadership contributions within the military community.
I serve as the Development Manager/Board Member for the Hill AFB Attic where I lead community partnerships to address gaps in support for military families who fall between traditional social services systems. In this role, I help build sustainable resources that ensure service members have access to essential goods during periods of transitions, hardships, or the everyday financial strain that is being a military family. I support the 145th Alpha Battery as a military spouse through event coordination, family engagement, and serving as a point of contact for community based resources outside of the unit. My leadership focuses on strengthening connections between military families and local partners to create long term and reliable support networks beyond what is provided through the base or leadership. My commitment to supporting military families was recognized with the Molly Pitcher Award, reflecting the heart behind my service. As a military spouse, I step in where needs exist.

What programs or projects are you currently involved in that support the needs of military families?
I am currently involved with the Hill AFB Attic in an administrative capacity, I assist with day to day and development needs. This project aims to support military families who are experiencing financial strain, and unexpected emergencies. My work helps ensure that families have access to essential resources like food, household goods, uniforms, and basic necessities. All this while preserving dignity and building trust during vulnerable moments. I am also actively involved in event coordination and family support efforts with the Alpha BTRY of the 145th Field Artillery of the Utah National Guard. Assisting with logistics and community engagement that strengthen connections amongst service members, families, and local partners. Across both roles, my focus is real support for service members and military families when it is needed most with out the expectation of recognition.

What moments best reflect your impact on building inclusive community among military spouses?
I have always made it a priority to create a safe space for military spouses. Somewhere they can show up with out rank, expectations, or having to explain the hardships of their lives. No judgement on circumstance. Coretta Scott King said, The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members. I have carried that truth in all that I do. Whether it is coordinating support or simply listening to a fellow spouse when they feel unseen. I feel that a single event would be hard to place because it is a pattern of presence. I know that military spouses live in the in-between and in systems that don't always account for their realities. I work intentionally in that space making sure no one feels overlooked. That to me is impact: building a community where people feel safe, supported, heard, and valued for simply being there. Supporting spouses where they are, sometimes through conversation, sometimes by simply holding quiet space.

Identify your main advocacy effort and describe your personal connection to the cause.
My primary advocacy effort is addressing food insecurity with in the military community by closing gaps that leave military families with out reliable access to the most basic needs. I have witnessed first hand how quickly food scarcity can arise during pay disruptions or transitions. I've also seen how families struggle in silence. My personal connection comes from serving along side those who delayed asking for help out of pride, or fear of judgement. Them only reaching out when cupboards were totally empty. This work is so deeply important to me because it is not just about nourishment, it is about dignity. It is about ensuring out military does not have to choose between basic needs during times of adversity. As a young military spouse I remember struggling, I remember the emergencies, I remember eating a can of green beans a day because I did not know how to utilize resources and didn't have any guidance. I aim to be the person I never had.

Summarize your advocacy outreach strategies, including any events, media involvement, or other communication efforts.
My advocacy strategy focuses on word-of-mouth and trusted community relationships. Much of our growth happens through individuals finding us through personal connection, and community members attending events along with partners who see the impact first hand and choose to get involved. I attend events in the community and business networking events, while there I share our mission. These spaces allow our mission to be shared organically and authentically. Opening doors to conversations with individuals and orgs who are already invested in supporting military families. Through these relationships we've been able to connect with larger corporate partners. These partnerships are rooted in trust, ensuring that donated goods are directed towards real and immediate needs of military families facing adversities. My outreach approach prioritizes credibility and consistency which allows it to grow through genuine connection rather than formal campaigns.

What do you hope to accomplish with the AFI Military Spouse of the Year^® title?
If selected, I hope to use the AFI Military Spouse of the Year title to bring visibility to the overlooked gaps in food securities affecting military families. This title would provide a platform to elevate awareness beyond the military community. The hope is to encourage earlier intervention, build stronger partnerships, and advocate for compassionate, dignity centered support systems. My goal is not for that of personal recognition, but for awareness of this gap. Conversations lead to action, community awareness provides response prior to crisis, and military families who no longer feel invisible when facing basic needs insecurity. Simply put, my advocacy pushes for families being seen sooner, supported sooner, and never left to navigate hunger alone.