Melissa Kaiser

Share your military spouse story:
My husband and I were high school sweethearts. My support for his Army career started when he became a West Point cadet in 2001. We grew up about an hour from the Academy, so I was able to attend most of his special events. That was my first exposure to Army traditions and way of life. Some may say that I knew what I was getting myself into. I eventually finished my teaching degree and joined him on his adventures. We now have an amazing teenage daughter who makes us proud with her strength and resilience. My most fulfilling experiences in Army life have been through my work in FRGs, supporting my fellow spouses and families. If families feel supported, our Soldiers can focus on their tasks. Everyone benefits from it.

Describe any leadership positions or provide an overview of your leadership contributions within the military community.
While my husband deployed as a company commander in 2011, I teamed up with a fellow spouse and we led our Company FRG. We maintained relationships with all of the families of our deployed soldiers. Along with our Key Callers, we made monthly calls to check on each and every point of contact. This allowed us to provide them with the support they needed, so that the Soldiers downrange, in harms way, could keep a clear head and stay safe. Since then, I've assisted throughout the years in several FRGs, always with the same goal in mind. Support soldiers by supporting military families. When my husband took battalion command in 2023, FRGs looked very different, but the need to support families stayed the same. I took on the roll of SFRG Advisor and gave my support to the company SFRGs and senior spouses within the battalion. During this time, I became Vice President for the Keepers of the Castle, an organization at FLW for Army Engineer spouses.

What programs or projects are you currently involved in that support the needs of military families?
I currently volunteer at the Spouse Resource Center here at Fort Leonard Wood. The goal of the center is to support current and incoming military families. It's a place where spouses can come ask questions, find resources and connect with each other. As a volunteer, I receive visitors and connect them to the appropriate resources for employment, education, child care, and schools. If we dont know the answers, we know how to find them.

What moments best reflect your impact on building inclusive community among military spouses?
Soldier families and their needs are very diverse. My role as FRG leader, SFRG Advisor and now volunteer at the Spouse Resource Center gave me the experiences that have most reminded me of this fact. Each Soldier, spouse, and child, deserves maximum support in their daily lives. When I meet a spouse I want them to feel seen, listened to, and empowered by the end of our conversation.

Identify your main advocacy effort and describe your personal connection to the cause.
Information is power. So many spouses and families feel disconnected from their service member's job and what is available to them. I love my work at the Spouse Resource Center for this reason. The more spouses we can reach and provide information to, the better off our families are. One of my first FRG experiences as a new spouse wasn't pleasant. It didn't make me want to participate at all. If a spouse doesn't participate, they usually aren't well informed. I keep that in mind during my interactions.

Summarize your advocacy outreach strategies, including any events, media involvement, or other communication efforts.
I've had to address large groups as FRG leader and former VP of Keepers of the Castle. My training as an Elementary School teacher comes in handy.

What do you hope to accomplish with the AFI Military Spouse of the Year^® title?
I hope to honor those amazing spouses who came before me and encourage those who follow. If reading my story inspires one spouse to participate in more spouse events, get informed and share their knowledge to lift up others, then that would be an accomplishment to be proud of.