Mandolynn Wright Thomas

Share your military spouse story:
I have been a United States Coast Guard spouse since 2014, and service has been the guiding thread of my journey. During periods of geographic separation, including my husband’s assignment in Chicago, I sought meaningful ways to serve by joining the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, where I gained purpose, connection, and a deeper understanding of the Coast Guard mission. In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, I supported frontline efforts by making masks for Sector San Francisco and the Auxiliary. After moving back to the East Coast in 2021 and again facing separation, I continued serving by working with children in my local community. From 2022 to 2023, when my husband was selected as Command Master Chief for Sector Guam, I embraced a leadership role rooted in presence, empathy, and advocacy. I supported families by listening, advocating for safe housing, and fostering connection through events and community activities. From volunteering at the USO to building support networks among spouses, my focus was ensuring families felt seen and supported. As we continue our journey, I remain committed to advocating for military families, easing transitions, and strengthening community wherever we are stationed.

Describe any leadership positions or provide an overview of your leadership contributions within the military community.
My leadership contributions have focused on visibility, advocacy, and unwavering support for Coast Guard families. I worked diligently to ensure a continued Coast Guard presence at the USO on Naval Base Guam, reinforcing our connection to the broader military community. I also made it a priority to ensure there was always a Coast Guard presence on the pier when cutters returned home, regardless of the length or difficulty of their deployments. That presence served as a visible reminder to our crews and their families that their sacrifices were recognized, valued, and honored. Advocacy has been at the core of my leadership. I consistently advocated for Coast Guard families whenever needs arose, regardless of the complexity or scope of the situation. Whether addressing housing concerns, navigating challenges unique to an overseas assignment, or providing personal support during difficult transitions, I remained committed to ensuring families were heard and supported.

What programs or projects are you currently involved in that support the needs of military families?
The programs I have been involved in to support the needs of military members and their families would be volunteering regularly at the USO on Naval Base Guam, helping to ensure a consistent and welcoming Coast Guard presence. I also made myself readily available to support our Ombudsman whenever assistance or collaboration was needed, serving as a resource and point of contact to help address family concerns and ensure effective communication within the community. In addition, I have provided direct support to incoming families by assisting with airport pickups when sponsors were unavailable due to being off-island or underway. These efforts helped ease transitions and ensured families felt welcomed and supported upon arrival. When needed, I also supported the U.S. Coast Guard Spouses Club, contributing my time and assistance to events and initiatives that strengthened family connections and promoted resilience within the Coast Guard community.

What moments best reflect your impact on building inclusive community among military spouses?
One of the most enjoyable moments was a "boat day" where families from every service represented on Guam joined my family on a half day charter of fun. We enjoyed food, water sports, dolphins, and the beauty of Guam together. Sharing the experience together was one of the best days I have sent on Guam. I created a Bunco group that welcomes families from all over to come together for fun and togetherness. We have since held a gathering every month since I created it. So far we are at five months and counting.

Identify your main advocacy effort and describe your personal connection to the cause.
One of my primary advocacy efforts has been ensuring that all service members across all branches, not limited to the Coast Guard—are living in safe and healthy conditions. During my time in Guam, I directly advocated for four families who were placed in unsafe housing, working within Navy housing channels to secure them safer living environments. In one particularly impactful case, I advocated for a very young family, newly graduated from boot camp, who had been assigned housing that was unsafe for habitation. The home had a strong odor of mold and posed serious health concerns for anyone living there. While the family was off-island, I worked persistently to ensure they were approved for new housing, so they could return to a healthy living environment. My motivation for this advocacy was simple: it was the right thing to do. I believe every service member and their family deserves to live in housing that is safe, dignified, and healthy.

Summarize your advocacy outreach strategies, including any events, media involvement, or other communication efforts.
I am actively involved with the USO, where I support and assist with special events that enhance morale and provide meaningful engagement for service members and their families. Through this involvement, I help create welcoming experiences that foster connection and support within the military community. In addition, I have assisted the Public Affairs Officer by helping capture media coverage of ships returning home, ensuring these significant moments are documented and shared. I have also supported newcomer integration by speaking with incoming spouses, helping set expectations for life in Guam and providing information on available resources. By sharing practical guidance and personal insight, I help ease transitions and ensure families feel informed, supported, and connected from the moment they arrive.

What do you hope to accomplish with the AFI Military Spouse of the Year^® title?
I hope to continue advocating for service members and their families by amplifying their voices and ensuring their needs are seen, heard, and addressed. This platform would allow me to highlight the challenges military families face—particularly during PCS transitions, overseas assignments, and periods of geographic separation. I also hope to use this title to inspire other spouses to recognize the impact they can make, regardless of rank, location, or circumstances. Advocacy does not require a formal position—only compassion, willingness, and commitment. By sharing my experiences and leading by example, I aim to encourage others to step forward, support one another, and build stronger, more connected military communities. Ultimately, my goal is to ensure that service members can focus on the mission, knowing their families are supported, and that military spouses feel empowered, valued, and capable of creating positive change wherever they are stationed.