Leah Croak

Share your military spouse story:
Our story began in 2005 at the local grocery store where we both worked. I was 19 when we married, and from that moment, we hit the ground running to shape our future. After a semester at State College, I watched my husband leave for boot camp at Parris Island; he did it! He earned the title of United States Marine. As of January 19, 2026, he has served 16 years and counting. Together, we’ve raised four amazing children, ages 13, 11, 9, and 4, through four official PCSs and eight major moves. We have been through six deployments: three combat, one MEU, one UDP, and an extended rotation to Norway during COVID. Also, two special duty assignments: SOI instructor and currently recruiting duty in New York. Along the way, I discovered my passion for volunteering and giving back to both our units and local communities. I earned my bachelor’s degree while raising three little ones and now proudly serve our military community in a professional capacity.

Describe any leadership positions or provide an overview of your leadership contributions within the military community.
For as long as I can remember, I have always had an invisible pull to the word 'lead'. 2019 filled my cup and awakened that servant leader within me after attending the Camp Lejeune Leadership Seminar (CLLS). Listening, learning, and recognizing that I have always demonstrated leadership in my home, but it was time to bring my skills to the table and help serve others. I joined the Family Readiness program as a Family Readiness Assistant and later became a Command Team Advisor serving the Marines, Sailors, and families of 2/6. During those years, we had roughly 1,200 service members. Supporting our families so the service member can focus on the mission is critical to everyone's success. From 2020 to 2023, I served on the CLLS board, wearing many hats, including the Administrative Chair, Operations Chair, Vice President, and President. There is nothing better than lifting spouses who are navigating this constant world of change to thrive and become the best version of themselves.

What programs or projects are you currently involved in that support the needs of military families?
I am currently part of the Family Readiness Team at the RS level, primarily focusing on supporting spouses within and around our RSS. Recruiting duty is challenging for any branch, but I believe we are thriving here. Connection and communication are key, and it is imperative to support military families who are spread across hundreds of miles, making resources harder to find and navigate. They know that if I do not have the answer or advice, I will certainly find it for them. I also support the needs of our military community in a professional capacity as an Operations Manager contractor, providing content and creative services for Military OneSource. This role allows me to use my skills and personal experiences, along with the experiences of others, to ultimately create content that supports everyone connected to the military community.

What moments best reflect your impact on building inclusive community among military spouses?
Being on recruiting duty, far from other active military families, this question resonates differently. Life on a military installation makes it easy to take things for granted because resources and support are readily available. Out here, we are spread out, and staying connected can feel challenging. Some of the moments that best reflect my efforts to build an inclusive community among military spouses include welcoming new spouses and babies, helping them establish a support system that includes me, offering judgment-free support during even the most difficult times, and celebrating the blessings we have been given.

Identify your main advocacy effort and describe your personal connection to the cause.
My mission is to advocate for spouses as whole individuals and empower them to pursue and achieve their personal goals, enabling them to thrive. I understand what it feels like to lose sight of your own identity—knowing yourself as a parent or a partner, but not as you. Through my own journey, I’ve gained valuable insights that I want to share with others. This includes navigating life in a new place without a support network, establishing a network, balancing children’s needs while prioritizing self-care, managing unique medical or educational challenges, pursuing higher education, overcoming childcare obstacles, finding employment or starting a career, and rediscovering what brings joy. When spouses feel mentally strong and confident in their role, it positively influences every aspect of life and those around them.

Summarize your advocacy outreach strategies, including any events, media involvement, or other communication efforts.
I rely heavily on technology, such as phones and computers, for outreach. I have joined in on monthly coffee connections and virtual sessions for training or networking opportunities. Social media is another platform I use to share and receive information. Additionally, I make every effort to attend spouse events within my recruiting station and sometimes district to foster meaningful, in-person connections.

What do you hope to accomplish with the AFI Military Spouse of the Year^® title?
I was truly surprised by this nomination, especially since we just celebrated his 16 years of service. I can confidently say that I am embracing the role of a military spouse now more than ever as we prepare for another PCS. I deeply value this strong military community and want to ensure spouses stay on the pulse, informed and connected, so they can access resources and services to thrive wherever the Marine Corps or other branches send them.