Makala Winters

Share your military spouse story:
I became a military spouse at 18, marrying my high school sweetheart. I promised I would always be there when he came home. That promise became the foundation of our life together. I moved to F.E. Warren AFB, newly married, expecting our first child, and received orders to Belgium 3 months later. I was young, overwhelmed, and learning military life all at once. The kindness of other spouses who welcomed us without regard to rank or status changed me. During deployments, they offered meals, check-ins, and genuine care. Their support carried me through one of my hardest seasons—moving to Utah alone with small children while my husband served in Korea. Once again, a fellow spouse recognized my struggle and gave connection and support. That support shaped who I am. Through PCS moves, deployments, natural disasters, and finding our stride in Guam, I’ve learned that community can change everything. My story is one of growth, resilience, and paying forward the support that carried me.

Describe any leadership positions or provide an overview of your leadership contributions within the military community.
My primary leadership role is serving as a Key Support Liaison (KSL) for the 36th Logistics Readiness Squadron. I stepped into this role to build a connected, informed community where families feel supported and never alone. As a KSL, I serve as a trusted link between leadership and families, ensuring clear, compassionate communication. I prioritize presence over visibility by being approachable, dependable, and proactive during deployments, PCS transitions, and high-tempo periods. I identified gaps in connection and focused on strengthening communication, sharing accessible resources, welcoming new families, and fostering meaningful engagement. I reach out to spouses during critical moments, offering both practical and emotional support. I also advocate for family needs by collaborating with leadership, strengthening trust and resilience within the squadron. This role has strengthened my leadership skills in communication, adaptability, advocacy, and emotional intelligence.

What programs or projects are you currently involved in that support the needs of military families?
I am actively involved in supporting military families through my role as a KSL. I focus on strengthening connections within the squadron while helping spouses and families navigate the broader military community. I create inclusive opportunities for spouses to engage at a level that fits their availability and comfort, promoting events, volunteer opportunities, and open communication. A key part of my involvement is organizing and consolidating resources for current and incoming families into one accessible location, reducing stress and ensuring families can quickly find needed support. I maintain communication with spouses, share updates and resources, and remain approachable during times of need. I also support morale and connection-building efforts, and provide ongoing peer support to spouses navigating PCS moves, deployments, and family challenges. My involvement reflects a sustained commitment to strengthening and supporting the military spouse community.

What moments best reflect your impact on building inclusive community among military spouses?
As a Key Support Liaison, I focus on building an inclusive spouse community through intentional, consistent connection. I organize monthly, low-pressure connection events that create welcoming spaces where all spouses—regardless of rank, background, or experience—feel valued and included. These gatherings are designed to be flexible and accessible, allowing spouses to engage at a level that fits their lives. One of the most meaningful outcomes has been watching new or hesitant spouses gain confidence, form relationships, and begin welcoming others. Beyond events, I maintain individual connections and encourage involvement without expectations or barriers. These efforts have led to organic support networks and a culture where spouses feel seen, supported, and empowered within the military community.

Identify your main advocacy effort and describe your personal connection to the cause.
My main advocacy effort is building an inclusive and accessible community for military spouses through connection, communication, and support. This work is deeply personal, shaped by my own experiences navigating frequent moves, new duty stations, and the isolation that can come without a strong support network. As a Key Support Liaison, I focus on strengthening squadron community while helping spouses feel connected to the broader military community. I advocate for inclusive engagement by ensuring opportunities are welcoming to all spouses, regardless of rank, background, or experience. A key part of my advocacy is improving access to information by organizing resources into one easy-to-access location for current and incoming families. I also promote connection through monthly spouse events and peer support. I advocate because I am a military spouse, and I know how powerful it is when someone shows up and creates space for belonging.

Summarize your advocacy outreach strategies, including any events, media involvement, or other communication efforts.
My advocacy outreach centers on clear, consistent, and inclusive communication. As a Key Support Liaison, I serve as an information pipeline between squadron leadership and families, translating official updates into spouse-friendly language so families feel informed, not overwhelmed. I communicate regularly about deployments, events, resources, and support services, building trust through reliability and discretion. I also use monthly spouse events as communication platforms to share information, gather feedback, and encourage open dialogue. I organize family- and child-inclusive activities to remove barriers to participation and coordinate meal trains during deployments or hardships as a practical form of care and outreach. Additionally, I compile resources into centralized locations for easy access. Through public engagement, written communication, and personal outreach, I effectively amplify military spouse needs and strengthen community connection.

What do you hope to accomplish with the AFI Military Spouse of the Year^® title?
If selected as the AFI Military Spouse of the Year, I would use the platform to raise awareness of the Key Support Liaison (KSL) role and serve as a trusted voice for military families. Many spouses, especially those new to military life, are unaware of the support available to them. By increasing awareness of KSLs, I hope to normalize asking for help and ensure families know they are not alone. This goal is deeply personal. As a new spouse, I was overwhelmed and unsure where to turn, but the guidance and care I received made a lasting impact. I am committed to paying that support forward by amplifying spouse voices, encouraging connection, and helping families feel seen, supported, and empowered throughout their military journey.