Robyn Mihalyi

Share your military spouse story:
Four kids which were all born in one location. Three moves: WA, Turkey, WA, UK. Six deployments and Twenty-Seven TDY. More goodbyes than I can count. That’s what 20 years as a military spouse looks like on paper, but the real story lives between those numbers. I didn’t begin this journey knowing how much it would shape me. I only knew I loved someone whose career demanded sacrifice, flexibility, and constant change. Over time, that change became my normal. I learned to build a home anywhere, to start over without resentment, and to create stability for my children even when life felt uncertain. During separations, I carried responsibility alone while balancing love, worry, and hope. This life is not easy, but I wouldn’t change it for anything. Being part of the military spouse community has shown me the power of connection and support. We step in for one another, lift each other up, and become family when our spouses are away. This is my story of love, resilience, and shared strength.

Describe any leadership positions or provide an overview of your leadership contributions within the military community.
Throughout my husband’s military career, I’ve had the honor of serving in many leadership roles, but more than that, I’ve had the privilege of serving people. I am not one to stay on the sidelines — I step in when needed, often without being asked, because helping others is part of who I am. Service isn’t an obligation to me; it’s where I find purpose and joy. Over the years, I’ve learned that community is what carries us through the hardest seasons. I’ve served as Booster Club President at Lakenheath High School for three and a half years. This year I was part of the executive team standing up Protestant Woman of the Chapel on RAF Lakenheath. I also had the honor of serving as the UK Area Representative for AWAG and supporting our base scouting programs in many different roles. These roles filled my time, but more importantly, they filled my heart. Giving back reminds me that even during uncertainty, connection and compassion matter — and that together, we are never alone.

What programs or projects are you currently involved in that support the needs of military families?
I’m involved in several programs that support military families, with a special passion for connecting with and encouraging youth. Supporting young people on base has always been deeply meaningful to me. At our current location, I help provide weekly meals for a high school youth group, creating a consistent, welcoming space were teens. I also help organize summer games that foster friendship and connection among teens. This past fall, I helped launch a Protestant Women of the Chapel (PWOC) group at RAF Lakenheath, serving as the Vice President of Spiritual Life. Meeting weekly with military spouses has been a true joy, offering encouragement, understanding, and a strong sense of belonging through every season of military life. In addition, I plan and lead monthly high school events, step in to assist base schools when extra volunteers are needed. Serving in these ways fills my heart—giving back to the military community isn’t just something I do; it’s something I truly love.

What moments best reflect your impact on building inclusive community among military spouses?
The moments that best reflect my impact on building an inclusive community among military spouses are the times we simply show up for one another. Being a military spouse is not easy, and no one should have to navigate it alone. I strive to create spaces where every spouse feels welcomed, seen, and supported, wherever they are in their journey. I’ve seen the power of community when spouses come together during deployments, transitions, and personal challenges. Sometimes the hardest part is asking for help, but when one person reaches out, it opens the door for others to do the same. While living on a joint base, I witnessed this as the 1-17 Infantry Battalion suffered many losses during deployment to Afghanistan. Several military spouses and I stayed with families before and after memorial services, offering quiet support and presence. These moments of shared understanding and compassion reaffirm my belief that together, we can carry one another through even the hardest seasons.

Identify your main advocacy effort and describe your personal connection to the cause.
My main effort centers on the Lakenheath High School Booster Club, a volunteer parent group supporting student programs through fundraising and hands-on help. We also honor teachers with events throughout the school year. The club offers support when needed for clubs, sports, grade levels, and honor societies—covering extras the school budget can't always reach. We empower students to chase their passions by running game concessions. My connection began when my oldest, now a senior, was a freshman. The former president saw my middle school PTO work, knew I'd shine, and nominated me. I hesitated at first, unsure I could take it on, but I'm so glad I said yes—it's been pure joy these three years. Heartbroken by COVID losses I'd seen firsthand, I worked to restore youth opportunities. Overseas travel costs add up, so offsetting them fosters connections across Europe. Sad to step down in June but excited for what's next, I'll keep helping all year.

Summarize your advocacy outreach strategies, including any events, media involvement, or other communication efforts.
My outreach strategy is grounded in face-to-face connection, with personal invitations at its core. While social media, emails, and other mass communication tools are helpful for spreading information, they are also much easier to ignore, especially for those who may already feel overwhelmed or isolated. A personal invitation from a friend to attend a group or bring their kids to an event for a few hours of rest is harder to overlook and often feels more genuine and caring. That personal connection can make a meaningful difference in someone’s life, offering both practical support and emotional encouragement. Too often, the signs that someone is struggling are missed when communication happens only through screens and text. Face-to-face interaction makes it possible to notice nonverbal cues—tone, expression, body language—that reveal when someone might need extra care, support, or simply a listening ear.

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 uplift and advocate for spouses who feel unseen or overwhelmed by the demands of this life, especially at bases with high deployment tempos where the weight feels even heavier. Military spouses often carry so much quietly through deployments, frequent moves, and constant change, and I want them to know their strength and contributions matter. This role would help amplify the importance of connection and community, reminding spouses they do not have to navigate this journey alone. I hope to encourage others to reach out, build relationships, and find confidence in their own stories and leadership. Above all, I want to model what is possible when spouses support one another, creating inclusive spaces and stronger, more resilient families. This title would allow me to serve on a larger scale while continuing what I love most: strengthening our community through compassion, connection, and service.