Megan Boggs

Share your military spouse story:
Being a military spouse has taught me that leadership doesn’t require a title, only the courage to show up when others need you. In a life defined by constant change, I discovered purpose in service, becoming a volunteer, motivational speaker, and advocate for survivors of domestic violence and military families alike. I have been shaped and guided by the mentors, resources, and support systems that military life provided me, which empowered me to grow into a confident, compassionate, and strategic leader. Through my work with the USO, I led the effort to open the historic Camp Lejeune USO Center, creating a place of belonging, hope, and support for service members and their families. I also spearheaded the Pensacola Chamber’s Advocacy in Action campaign and led the restructuring of the Military Morale Committee, turning compassion into action and ensuring that the voices of military families are not only heard, but valued. My journey is rooted in resilience, community, and the belief that service, no matter where it is given, has the power to transform lives, strengthen communities, and inspire others to lead with courage, heart, and purpose.

Describe any leadership positions or provide an overview of your leadership contributions within the military community.
I have served in leadership roles within the military community rooted in service, resilience, and impact. During my tenure as the Center Manager for the USO, I led operations and volunteers while serving hundreds of thousands of service members and their families, and helped open the historic Camp Lejeune USO Center, creating a place of comfort and connection. I also served as Assistant Coordinator for Toys for Tots and was part of the leadership team that led the first delivery of toys to Maui, bringing hope to families in crisis. Beyond operations, I am a domestic violence advocate and motivational speaker, using my voice to empower survivors and inspire change. Through the Pensacola Chamber, I spearheaded the Advocacy in Action campaign and restructured the Military Morale Committee to elevate military voices and strengthen community impact.

What programs or projects are you currently involved in that support the needs of military families?
I am currently engaged in programs and initiatives focused on advocacy, awareness, and community support for military families. I continue to use my voice as a domestic violence advocate and motivational speaker, working to raise awareness, educate communities, and support survivors within and beyond the military population. I remain actively involved in community-based advocacy efforts that elevate military family needs through collaboration with civic and nonprofit partners. In addition, I support initiatives that strengthen morale, access to resources, and family resilience, with a focus on creating sustainable systems of support that serve military families long after a single program or event ends.

What moments best reflect your impact on building inclusive community among military spouses?
Some of my most meaningful moments have come from creating inclusive spaces where military spouses feel seen, supported, and empowered. As a key volunteer with multiple commands, I built relationships across the military community, connecting spouses to resources, programs, and each other. Leading the opening of the historic Camp Lejeune USO Center and coordinating Toys for Tots, including the first delivery to Maui, strengthened community ties and brought hope to families in need. Through the Pensacola Chamber’s Advocacy in Action campaign and restructuring of the Military Morale Committee, I created opportunities for spouses to have their voices heard and needs addressed. I also advocate for military spouse employment, helping spouses access career opportunities and professional development. As a domestic violence advocate and motivational speaker, I foster connection, resilience, and belonging among military families.

Identify your main advocacy effort and describe your personal connection to the cause.
My main advocacy effort is supporting survivors of domestic violence, a cause deeply personal to me and my family. My son and I are survivors; we fled together from danger, and my now husband adopted him, giving us a second chance at safety, love, and a “happily ever after.” I have turned my pain into purpose, using my voice as a motivational speaker and advocate to raise awareness, empower survivors, and ensure access to critical resources and support. Through volunteer leadership, community partnerships, and public speaking, I work to break isolation, amplify survivor voices, and create systems of hope and healing. My mission is to ensure that every survivor, especially those in the military community, knows they are not alone and that a future filled with safety, dignity, and possibility is possible.

Summarize your advocacy outreach strategies, including any events, media involvement, or other communication efforts.
My advocacy outreach centers on leadership through communication, harnessing community connections, collaboration, and strategic engagement to create lasting impact. As a military spouse, I have led and executed countless events supporting military families, including FriendsGiving for President Joe Biden. I collaborate with commands, media outlets, public officials, and community organizations to amplify survivor voices and connect families to resources. Recently, I worked alongside Representative Michelle Salzman to ensure vital support for evacuated families from Guam in Pensacola. By combining passion, relationship-building, and effective communication, I transform ideas into action, ensuring military families and survivors feel seen, supported, and empowered.

What do you hope to accomplish with the AFI Military Spouse of the Year^® title?
If honored with the AFI Military Spouse of the Year® title, I intend to represent it through my story, which is truly a Cinderella story. Military life has tested me, shaped me, and transformed me into a resilient leader, devoted mother, supportive wife, and trusted friend. My experiences fleeing domestic violence with my son, building a family through adoption, and leading programs for military families have shown me the power of turning pain into purpose. I hope to use this platform to empower spouses through entrepreneurship, community connection, and advocacy, amplifying voices that are too often unheard. By sharing my story, I aim to inspire others to embrace challenges as opportunities, harness the strength of community, and recognize that military spouses have the courage, creativity, and heart to lead, uplift, and transform lives.