Stephanie Rodriguez Barksdale

Share your military spouse story:
The Army has shaped my life since birth. As the daughter of a career soldier, I grew up understanding sacrifice, resilience, and service before I could even name them. I later served in the Army myself, where I met my husband while deployed. Eighteen years of marriage and two sons later, the military remains woven into every chapter of our family’s story. Being both a veteran and a military spouse gave me a unique perspective. I understand the mission, but I also understand the cost carried by families. When I stepped into the role of Family Readiness Group Leader over a decade ago, I saw how powerful connection and information could be during uncertainty. What began as supporting one unit grew into a lifelong commitment to serving military families at every level. My story is not about one moment, but a lifetime of service. It is about standing beside soldiers, lifting families, and building community wherever the Army sends us.

Describe any leadership positions or provide an overview of your leadership contributions within the military community.
My leadership within the military community spans more than a decade at both the unit and installation levels. I served as my husband’s Soldier and Family Readiness Group Leader for over ten years, supporting families through deployments, training cycles, and transitions while serving as a liaison between families and command teams. As an Army veteran, I lead with an understanding of mission requirements and family needs. At the USO, I served as a Center Representative and delivered weekly Newcomers Briefings, welcoming service members and spouses to Fort Hood and connecting them with essential resources. As Application Chair for Santa’s Workshop, I reviewed applications, communicated with applicants and CFRRs, coordinated unit ruck marches, and provided compassionate support. I currently serve as President of the Fort Hood Volunteer Child Care Fund and as Membership Chair for The Great Place Spouses’ Club, focusing on communication, inclusion, and engagement.

What programs or projects are you currently involved in that support the needs of military families?
I am currently involved in several programs that provide direct, practical support to military families at Fort Hood. As President of the Fort Hood Volunteer Child Care Fund, I support military spouses by reducing the financial burden of childcare so they can volunteer with community organizations. This work helps spouses remain engaged and connected without added stress. I also remain actively involved with Santa’s Workshop, where I support military families through the application process, coordinate with unit representatives, and assist with planning efforts that ensure families receive holiday support. As Membership Chair for The Great Place Spouses’ Club, I recruit members, maintain regular communication through a weekly email, and keep spouses informed about upcoming events and opportunities. In addition, I continue to assist my husband’s unit as needed and support installation programs that enhance quality of life for military families.

What moments best reflect your impact on building inclusive community among military spouses?
The moments that best reflect my impact are those centered on connection and belonging. As Membership Chair for The Great Place Spouses’ Club, I actively recruit new members, ensure they feel welcomed, and keep them informed about what is happening within the club through consistent communication, including a weekly email. Many spouses arrive unsure of where they fit; my goal is to make sure they never feel overlooked or excluded. Through the Volunteer Child Care Fund, I help remove childcare as a barrier so spouses can engage in volunteer work, leadership roles, and community organizations. Across all my roles I’ve advocated for inclusive spaces that support spouses of all ranks, backgrounds, and levels of availability. Community is built when access, communication, and welcome are intentional.

Identify your main advocacy effort and describe your personal connection to the cause.
My primary advocacy effort focuses on strengthening military families by increasing access to connection, involvement, and reliable support systems. As the daughter of a retired soldier, an Army veteran, and a military spouse of 18 years, I have lived every phase of military life. I understand how isolation, lack of information, and limited access to resources can impact families, especially during deployments and transitions. My advocacy is rooted in the belief that when spouses feel informed, welcomed, and supported, they are more likely to engage, lead, and remain resilient. Whether supporting family readiness, holiday assistance programs, or opportunities for spouses to become involved in their community, my goal is to reduce barriers and strengthen the overall military family experience.

Summarize your advocacy outreach strategies, including any events, media involvement, or other communication efforts.
My advocacy outreach centers on clear, consistent, and accessible communication. I regularly spoke in public settings through Newcomers Briefings at the USO, where I welcomed service members and spouses and share information about installation resources and community support. In my leadership roles, I communicate with a wide audience that includes spouses, volunteers, CFRRs, and command teams. This includes coordinating events, responding to high-volume email inquiries, and sharing accurate, timely information through structured messaging. As Membership Chair for The Great Place Spouses’ Club, I send a weekly email to keep members informed and engaged. I prioritize communication that is approachable, respectful, and responsive, ensuring military spouses receive information in ways that encourage participation and build trust.

What do you hope to accomplish with the AFI Military Spouse of the Year^® title?
If selected, I would use the AFI Military Spouse of the Year® title to highlight the meaningful impact local volunteering can have on military families and installations. Many spouses want to help but are unsure where to start or believe they do not have the time or experience to make a difference. I hope to use this platform to show that involvement at the local level, whether through unit support, community organizations, or installation programs, truly matters. I would focus on sharing practical examples of how volunteering strengthens connection, reduces isolation, and improves quality of life for military families. By elevating the work already happening on our installation, I hope to encourage more spouses to engage in ways that fit their lives and skills. My goal is to reinforce that small, consistent acts of service can create lasting, positive change within the military community.