Sarah Hargis

Share your military spouse story:
I met my husband while in college, he was actually on vacation in my home town and hit on the lifeguard. In the long run, it worked! Months later and after time talking on the phone, I drove 8 hours to meet him for our first date - the marine corps ball. Through long distance, I supported him through the rest of his ROTC journey. We got married and headed off to TBS. Which was an amazing experience as a spouse being able to support him and learning from a number of other military spouses whose husbands were both new into the marine corps and prior enlisted. From there we went to MOS school, and to our first duty station. Being a military spouse has been humbling, an adventure, and the source of many great relationships.

Describe any leadership positions or provide an overview of your leadership contributions within the military community.
I have held multiple positions in local military spouse organization boards. I also prioritize being involved in unit functions, community events, and discussions around and within the military community. When in a area that seems to lack community, I have reached out to start conversation around the topic, created and hosted events to fill the gap, and pointed spouses towards newly created and existing opportunities for fellowship both.

What programs or projects are you currently involved in that support the needs of military families?
I am currently serving on the board of military spouse association Beaufort to foster community within the spouse community across bases and branches in the area. As current treasurer, I have discussed our mission with local businesses to further awareness and support for military spouses from the civilian community. I also have stepped into a career that supports military families. As a financial advisor, with First Command, I provide complementary services to families from budgeting to understandings their military benefits to supporting their financial goals. This gives me the unique opportunity to also give back to the military spouse community by sponsoring events and organizations to further the mission of community and support.

What moments best reflect your impact on building inclusive community among military spouses?
Building community within the military spouse world. As a post Covid spouse and having spoken with many long term spouses, the spouse community has changed in recent years. I have been involved in a supportive and active community as well as ones that voice desire those things yet don’t participate to cultivate it. Every area, base, and stage of life present unique nuances from history to current needs that make this a challenge for the current community. It has been amazing to see the current spouse association I am involved with embrace spouses across all branches and all stages of life (included retired and certain spouses). The community that is building is incomparable.

Identify your main advocacy effort and describe your personal connection to the cause.
I am a huge advocate for military spouses to fund community with fellow military spouses AND civilians. It is a unique lifestyle that we navigate, and we have to be around others who live in the same realm. It provides understanding, compassion, empathy, and encouragement that is necessary. However, connecting with a civilians to form community, whether through church, work, volunteer opportunities, or play groups, provides reciprocal awareness and perspective. In my experience, the civilian connections have grounded me in appreciation for the military lifestyle and community, made me aware me of hardships that our community does not often face, and provided more opportunities for casual life discussion. There have also been many scenarios where the relationship has led to deeper community support and awareness of the true experience of personal and families in the military.

Summarize your advocacy outreach strategies, including any events, media involvement, or other communication efforts.
I have had the opportunity to share advocate for the Marine Corps Spouse community from a professional capacity through magazine interviews, social media events, and sponsorships. I also have served as a communication chair for spouse association to manage posts for public account, private group, and email newsletters.

What do you hope to accomplish with the AFI Military Spouse of the Year^® title?
Through the opportunities provided I hope to continue to champion for the Marine Corps spouse community. I aspire to see a stronger community in the localized area and across the country to include stronger spouse organizations, more involvement, and funding for spouse scholarships and events.