Morgan Reister

Share your military spouse story:
My military spouse story began in Monterey, California, where I met my husband, Ben, while he was studying at the Defense Language Institute. I was a teacher focused on my career, but when he received orders to Florida, I quickly learned how much flexibility military life requires. I finished my school year, moved across the country, and stepped into Navy life during back-to-back deployments on his first ready ship. As a brand-new spouse, I felt overwhelmed until another spouse from the FRG took me under her wing. Her support shaped my entire experience and inspired me to give back. When Ben transferred to his next ship, I served as the ombudsman during a challenging deployment marked by global uncertainty. That season showed me the strength of military families and the importance of clear, compassionate support. Now on shore duty, we’ve enjoyed more time together but I remain committed to supporting spouses the way others supported me.

Describe any leadership positions or provide an overview of your leadership contributions within the military community.
My military spouse leadership began in 2020 when I joined a spouses’ club board, supporting events and family connection. Shortly after, I became the command Ombudsman during a challenging deployment shaped by global uncertainty. I provided timely communication, resources, and steady support to families throughout the deployment cycle. I now serve as the Ombudsman for NTAG Mid-America, supporting a geographically dispersed recruiting command. I assist families across multiple states with accurate information, crisis resources, and readiness support, helping strengthen communication between leadership and families. In addition, I serve on the Board of Directors for Naval Services FamilyLine as the Volunteer Manager, coordinating volunteers and supporting COMPASS and other resource-based programs for Navy families. Across each role, my focus has remained consistent: providing clear communication, building community, and supporting families through every stage of Navy life.

What programs or projects are you currently involved in that support the needs of military families?
I am currently involved in several programs that directly support the needs of Navy families. As the Ombudsman for NTAG Mid-America, I provide ongoing communication, resource connections, and readiness support for families across multiple states. Through Naval Services FamilyLine, I support the delivery of COMPASS and other resource-based programs by coordinating volunteers, promoting class availability, and helping spouses access reliable Navy-specific education. Locally, I help create connection points for families through digital newsletters, spouse outreach, and resource awareness initiatives that ensure families feel informed, supported, and connected throughout their Navy journey.

What moments best reflect your impact on building inclusive community among military spouses?
One of the moments that best reflects my impact on building inclusive community is when a recruiting spouse told me she finally felt “part of something” after I called to check in. She had felt overwhelmed, disconnected, and unsure where to turn do to the distance from headquarters, but after that meeting, she said she no longer felt alone. Experiences like that motivated me to create simple, accessible tools—like newcomer resource lists and clear, easy-to-understand explainers—that help spouses at all experience levels feel confident reaching out. My goal is always to make information less intimidating and community more inviting so every spouse, no matter where they start, feels welcome and included.

Identify your main advocacy effort and describe your personal connection to the cause.
My main advocacy effort centers on ensuring every Navy spouse has access to clear information, supportive resources, and a welcoming community—especially those who feel overwhelmed or unsure where to begin. Through my work as an Ombudsman and with Naval Services FamilyLine, I advocate for spouses who are navigating the realities of military life for the first time, adjusting to relocations, or searching for resources related to childcare, education, employment, or EFMP needs. My personal connection to this cause comes from my own experience as a new spouse who felt lost during back-to-back deployments. One spouse reaching out changed everything for me. That moment shaped my commitment to ensuring spouses never feel like they must navigate Navy life alone. By supporting programs that educate, connect, and empower families, my advocacy focuses on helping spouses feel informed, supported, and confident—no matter their background, experience level, or where the Navy sends them.

Summarize your advocacy outreach strategies, including any events, media involvement, or other communication efforts.
My advocacy outreach focuses on making support and information visible, accessible, and approachable for every Navy family. Much of this happens through day-to-day actions—answering questions quickly, sharing resources clearly, and being consistently present in our spouse community so families know they can reach out without hesitation. I participate in command meetings, training sessions, and family events to bring awareness to the Ombudsman program and ensure spouses understand how to access help when they need it. I also use digital communication tools—including newsletters, GroupMe, and virtual check-ins—to reach families across our geographically dispersed command. Through Naval Services FamilyLine, I help promote COMPASS classes and resource-based programs, collaborating with volunteers to share education and tools that strengthen family readiness. Whether in person or online, my outreach is centered on meeting spouses where they are and making support easy to find.

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 hope to use the platform to ensure Navy spouses never feel like they must navigate this life alone. Navy culture, operations, and deployment rhythms are different from every other branch, and many spouses, especially new ones, struggle to find their footing. I want to bring visibility to the resources, programs, and peer support networks that already exist but can feel difficult to access or understand from the outside. My goal is to strengthen connection, reduce confusion, and help spouses feel confident asking for help without hesitation. By amplifying the importance of spouse-to-spouse support, the Ombudsman program, and accessible Navy-specific education, I hope to make the transition into Navy life less overwhelming. Every spouse deserves to feel seen, informed, and supported, no matter where they are on their journey.