Lindsay Hardy

Share your military spouse story:
Military life teaches you how to hold two truths at once pride and uncertainty, strength and sacrifice. For the past ten years as a Navy spouse, I have lived in that space, raising three children through deployments, moves, and missed milestones, while learning how to be steady when nothing else feels certain. There were moments when I felt invisible navigating new communities, starting over professionally, and carrying the emotional weight of service quietly at home. Instead of stepping back, I stepped forward. I built a career in healthcare and now support military families nationwide through Military OneSource, while volunteering as an Ombudsman standing beside families during their hardest days. I have learned that leadership is born from empathy, and resilience grows through connection. My story is not unique, but it is powerful because it represents thousands of military spouses who adapt, serve, and lead without recognition. I share my story to remind others that even in uncertainty, we can build purpose, community, and hope.

Describe any leadership positions or provide an overview of your leadership contributions within the military community.
My leadership within the military community is rooted in service, trust, and action. I currently serve as Ombudsman for the Navy Chaplaincy School and the Navy Reserve Center of Newport, acting as a critical link between command and families during deployments, transitions, and crises. While stationed with the Marine Corps in South Texas, I served as a Family Readiness Officer and Assistant Coordinator for Toys for Tots, leading outreach efforts that supported both military and civilian families. I currently serve as Parliamentarian for the Military Spouse of Newport Board. Professionally, I work in healthcare management, hold an MBA and MHA, and serve as a Military OneSource Outreach Assistant, educating students and service members on available resources and support services.

What programs or projects are you currently involved in that support the needs of military families?
I am actively involved in multiple programs that support military families at both the local and national level. I currently serve as Ombudsman for the Navy Chaplaincy School and the Navy Reserve Center of Newport, providing families with guidance, advocacy, and resources during deployments, transitions, and times of crisis. Professionally, I serve as a Military OneSource Outreach Assistant, educating service members, spouses, and students on available benefits, counseling, and support services. I also serve as Parliamentarian for the Military Spouse of Newport Board, supporting initiatives that strengthen spouse connection and resilience. Together, these roles allow me to address military family needs through education, advocacy, and community engagement.

What moments best reflect your impact on building inclusive community among military spouses?
Some of the most meaningful moments of impact come from creating space for spouses who feel unseen or disconnected. As an Ombudsman, I have supported spouses across all ranks, backgrounds, and service components—active duty, reserve, new spouses, seasoned spouses, working parents, and those navigating deployment or crisis for the first time. While stationed with the Marine Corps, I helped bring together geographically dispersed families through outreach and community programs, including Toys for Tots, ensuring no family felt forgotten. In Newport, I work to build inclusive, welcoming environments where spouses feel safe asking questions and sharing concerns. Whether through one-on-one advocacy, education, or community leadership, my goal is always the same: to ensure every military spouse knows they belong and are supported.

Identify your main advocacy effort and describe your personal connection to the cause.
My primary advocacy effort focuses on empowering military spouses through access, education, and connection—particularly in navigating employment, healthcare, and support systems. My personal connection comes from lived experience. As a Navy spouse of ten years, I have faced repeated relocations, career disruption, and the challenge of rebuilding professional identity while supporting my family through deployments and transitions. Rather than accept these barriers as unavoidable, I chose to address them. Through my work in healthcare management and as a Military OneSource Outreach Assistant, I help spouses and service members access the resources designed to support them. As an Ombudsman I advocate for inclusive communication and systems that recognize the diverse realities of military families. I believe recognition creates opportunity, and empowered spouses strengthen the entire military community.

Summarize your advocacy outreach strategies, including any events, media involvement, or other communication efforts.
My advocacy outreach focuses on education, connection, and visibility for military families. As a Military OneSource Outreach Assistant, I educate service members and students on available resources through presentations, workshops, and community events. As an Ombudsman, I communicate key updates, resources, and guidance to families during deployments and transitions, ensuring information is clear and accessible. I have partnered with local commands and organizations to promote spouse programs, participate in community events, and raise awareness of military spouse issues through newsletters, briefings, and social media, amplifying the voice of military families.

What do you hope to accomplish with the AFI Military Spouse of the Year^® title?
Military life teaches you to hold two truths at once: pride and uncertainty, strength and sacrifice. For ten years as a Navy spouse, I’ve lived in that tension—raising three children through deployments, moves, and missed milestones—while learning to stay steady when everything else feels uncertain. There were moments I felt invisible, navigating new communities, restarting my career, and carrying the emotional weight of service quietly at home. Instead of stepping back, I stepped forward. I built a career in healthcare, support families nationwide through Military OneSource, and volunteer as an Ombudsman, standing beside families during their hardest days. Leadership is born from empathy, and resilience grows through connection. My story is not unique, but it represents thousands of military spouses who serve, adapt, and lead without recognition. Even in uncertainty, we can turn challenges into purpose, build community, and inspire hope.