Sara Rizzo

Share your military spouse story:
My story begins like many military love stories do and looking back these past almost 20 years with my Marine, I couldn't have imagined the trajectory of where our love story would take us and how it would shape the course of my life. Adaptability, again like many military spouses, is the theme of my story. Staying adaptable and open to change while embracing the challenges, twists and turns. This chaotic and beautiful whirlpool of military life has molded me into a stronger person and sparked my life's purpose to serve others. I've had the honor of supporting fellow military families in various roles with MCCS and national nonprofits such as Operation Homefront, The USO, and NMCRS. This expedition has not just shaped my own story, but has allowed me to impact the lives of others navigating the intricate waters of this lifestyle. It has molded me into the spouse, mentor, friend, professional, servant leader, and woman I am today.

Describe any leadership positions or provide an overview of your leadership contributions within the military community.
I've had the privilege of leading military spouses in various volunteer capacities such as Family Readiness Assistant, Command Team Advisor, Volunteer Reserves Team Captain for OH, Curriculum Chair with CLLS, Marketing Coordinator with NIOSC, Ambassador for GivingTuesdayMilitary Okinawa, and now as the VP of OLS. I've led volunteers for unit functions and spouse events, initiated Town Halls, organized school supply distributions, meal distributions, and leadership seminars. Professionally, I've devoted over a decade of service to uplifting and empowering military spouses and families. In my current role as Director for Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society in Okinawa, I lead a diverse team of volunteers of active-duty and military spouses providing financial assistance and education to Sea Service families across the island. Pouring into others is my spiritual calling. I truly believe in Mahatma Gandhi's quote "the best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service to others''.

What programs or projects are you currently involved in that support the needs of military families?
Currently, I serve as the Director for NMCRS in Okinawa, Japan covering two office locations serving Sea Service families permanently stationed on island, as well as those deployed to Okinawa. Living OCONUS brings its own set of unique financial challenges. Being able to support Marines, Sailors and their families not only through direct financial assistance when life gets tough, but also by empowering them with financial education to set them up for long-term success is truly an honor. I also volunteer with the North Island Okinawa Spouses' Club (NIOSC) as the Marketing Chair promoting our amazing club which alleviates isolation and connects military and GS spouses of all ranks. Additionally, I served as the Seminar Coordinator, and now Vice President, for the Okinawa Leadership Seminar (OLS) 25/26 club year. OLS's purpose is to enrich our military spouse community by developing, exemplifying, and encouraging servant leadership through leadership education and training.

What moments best reflect your impact on building inclusive community among military spouses?
My impact on building inclusive community is best reflected in moments where military spouses feel supported, empowered, and connected across differences. As Director for Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society in Okinawa, I lead and mentor a diverse volunteer team, fostering a welcoming environment grounded in dignity, trust, and respect. Whether supporting families during financial uncertainty or guiding volunteers through service, I prioritize inclusive leadership that ensures every spouse feels valued and heard. Previously, through my service with CLLS (and now with OLS), I helped cultivate spaces where military spouses from varied backgrounds could develop confidence, leadership skills, and meaningful connections. Across both roles, I have intentionally built collaborative, inclusive communities that strengthen resilience, encourage participation, and create lasting support networks for military spouses.

Identify your main advocacy effort and describe your personal connection to the cause.
I champion the growth of leadership development opportunities for, and capacity building of, military spouses. Walking alongside our service member can cause us to lose sight of ourselves as an individual and all the incredible gifts we have to offer this world. Often, I hear others refer to themselves as 'just a military spouse', but they are so much more. We need to eliminate the qualifier 'just' before 'military spouse' from our vocabulary. Its removal recognizes and cultivates the leadership potential within all military spouses. It's about eliminating stereotypes and instilling pride in the term 'military spouse,' ensuring each individual is seen, heard, and empowered to lead with purpose. Whether you are a careerist, a mother, a student, the project manager of your household, or all of the above, you are a leader and if others don't offer you a seat at their table then I'll help you build your own. The legacy we leave today lights the way for future military spouses to come.

Summarize your advocacy outreach strategies, including any events, media involvement, or other communication efforts.
My advocacy outreach strategies focus on visibility, collaboration, and strategic communication. Throughout my nonprofit career, I have partnered with local media outlets across digital, print, radio, and live broadcast platforms to increase awareness of mission-driven services. With NMCRS in Okinawa, I collaborate with American Forces Network (AFN) to amplify awareness of NMCRS programs, ensuring Sailors, Marines, and families understand and can access available support. In both professional and volunteer capacities, I have spoken at outreach events, community engagement forums, and key stakeholder gatherings, and I have conducted briefings with Command Leadership to elevate family readiness priorities. Leveraging social media and trusted relationships, I have also amplified leadership development initiatives, such as CLLS and OLS, broadening access and encouraging diverse participation across the military spouse community.

What do you hope to accomplish with the AFI Military Spouse of the Year^® title?
If honored with the title of Military Spouse of the Year, I would use the platform to strengthen how military spouse leadership is recognized, developed, and supported across the force. My focus would be on expanding access to mentorship, education, and resources that empower spouses at every stage of military life regardless of employment status, location, or background. I hope to elevate conversations that highlight the real contributions military spouses make to family readiness and community resilience, while fostering partnerships that connect spouses to opportunities for growth and engagement. Through visibility, collaboration, and service, my goal is to help build a culture where military spouses are not only supported, but intentionally invested in and recognized as the essential leaders they are who contribute to the strength and sustainability of our all volunteer force.