Vimbo Watson

Share your military spouse story:
My military spouse journey has been one of learning, stretching, and giving myself grace as I’ve grown into a life I never anticipated. When I married my husband and moved across the country from Florida to Washington State, I was leaving behind nearly a long career in education, including serving as a school principal, and stepping into a world that was unfamiliar. What surprised me most was not how much I had to adjust, but how I was welcomed by Family Readiness Group leaders and spouses who made sure no one felt alone while our partners were underway. Since then, another cross-country move brought us to Washington, DC, where the diversity and strength of the military spouse community across all branches has been both humbling and inspiring. Through each transition, I’ve learned that community is not just support; it’s belonging. I am deeply grateful for the friendships, resilience, and shared understanding this life has given me, and I am proud to call myself a Navy spouse.

Describe any leadership positions or provide an overview of your leadership contributions within the military community.
Leadership has long been central to who I am, beginning with my career in education, where I served as a school principal and worked closely with children and families. As a military spouse, I have continued to lead through service and community building within the military family space. I have supported fellow spouses by volunteering at on-base events and creating wellness-focused events. I also use my speaking and platform to advocate for military spouse wellness, as evidenced by my 15 speaking engagements this past year. From 2024 to 2025, I served on the Executive Board of the Army Spouse Club of the Greater Washington Area, where I helped plan and facilitate programs that fostered connection and support across the community. I currently serve on the Executive Board of our local Coast Guard Spouse organization, continuing my commitment to strengthening military spouse networks across branches and ensuring families feel seen, supported, and connected.

What programs or projects are you currently involved in that support the needs of military families?
I am actively involved in several programs and service efforts that support the well-being of military families across branches. I currently serve as the Secretary on our local Coast Guard Spouse Executive Board, where I help support communication, coordination, and programming for spouse members. I am also a member of multiple military spouse organizations, including Army, Air Force, and Coast Guard Spouse Clubs, and regularly participate in events that build connection and community, from book clubs to holiday service projects. In addition, I volunteer consistently with the JBAB Pantry, helping address food insecurity for military families in the National Capital Region. Giving back remains central to my involvement, and as an educator, I especially enjoy supporting children and families through service and community-based initiatives that meet both practical and emotional needs.

What moments best reflect your impact on building inclusive community among military spouses?
In my current work, I design and deliver professional development experiences centered on wellness, resilience, and burnout recovery, and this year I have intentionally extended that work to support military spouse mental health and well-being. Through multiple speaking engagements, both in person and virtually, I have led conversations and workshops focused on emotional resilience, sustainable self-care, and navigating stress within military life. Beyond formal presentations, I regularly provide informal support to military families and educators as they navigate challenges related to schooling, PCS transitions, IEP continuity, and alternative education options such as homeschooling. Whether offering guidance to families mid-move or creating spaces for spouses to rest, reflect, and reconnect, my work is rooted in meeting practical needs while also prioritizing mental health, connection, and long-term wellness within the military community.

Identify your main advocacy effort and describe your personal connection to the cause.
I advocate for educational equity and equal access for all children, with a particular focus on supporting military families who face unique challenges due to frequent moves. I am also passionate about everyday wellness and true self-care, and I share practical, research-proven guidance on how to prevent and recover from burnout. By combining support for children’s education with strategies for sustaining the well-being of parents and caregivers, I help families navigate the demands of military life while promoting resilience, balance, and access to opportunities that every child deserves.

Summarize your advocacy outreach strategies, including any events, media involvement, or other communication efforts.
I share my advocacy through a mix of technology, media, and in-person engagement. This year, I participated in media day for the PBS National Memorial Day Concert and the PBS National Fourth of July Concert, and I continue to speak on podcasts, serve as a keynote speaker at conferences, and lead workshops both in person and virtually. Through my website, blog, and social media, I provide practical resources for self-care and burnout prevention, and also I have a blog dedicated to supporting parents and educators. While technology helps me reach a wide audience, I also prioritize in-person and interactive events to build community, uplift military spouses, and equip them with tools to manage stress and thrive in military life.

What do you hope to accomplish with the AFI Military Spouse of the Year^® title?
With the AFI Military Spouse of the Year title, I hope to amplify my work supporting military families through wellness, resilience, and educational advocacy. I want to share practical, research-backed strategies for preventing and recovering from burnout, helping spouses sustain themselves as they care for their families and communities. I also aim to ensure that every military child has access to the tools and support they need to thrive academically, using my experience as an educator to guide families through the unique challenges of military life. Ultimately, I want to inspire hope, connection, and empowerment across the military spouse community.