Against the backdrop of the AFA Warfare Symposium in Denver, the Air & Space Forces Association’s United Forces & Families (F2) program hosted the “ENGAGE@AFA: MilSpouse Summit” on March 5. This first-of-its-kind gathering was designed to elevate the voices of military spouses and highlight their indispensable role in the defense community. Held at the Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center, the summit brought together dozens of military spouses, service members, and community leaders for a half-day event of candid conversation, collaboration, and networking.
Under the theme of “United Through Community,” the heart of the event was a shared mission: to strengthen military families by fostering meaningful connections and providing actionable insights to help them navigate the unique challenges of military life. The program featured an impressive lineup of speakers who delivered thought-provoking discussions and personal stories that resonated deeply with attendees.
“Consistent focus on improving the quality of life for all Airmen, Guardians, and Family members is directly linked to stronger families, united forces, and the mission effectiveness of our Air and Space Forces,” said Kari Voliva, AFA’s Vice President for Member & Field Relations. “We’re proud to launch this event as part of that consistent focus and will continue to find ways to promote the power of meaningful connections.”
The event kicked off with a live podcast with Jennifer Ferrell and Kirstin Navaroli of “Wives of the Armed Forces,” a community of thousands of military spouses, where the conversations highlighted the realities of military family life through various seasons and unique challenges. The discussion provided a rare and intimate look into the resilience, sacrifices, and triumphs that often define the military spouse experience.
The summit also welcomed Dr. Jason Womack, a renowned Space Force leadership strategist, author, and keynote speaker. He spoke on building momentum and thriving in all seasons of military life. He underscored the importance of personal growth, adaptability, and cultivating strong support networks to sustain well-being and success in family and career.
Another highlight was a conversation with Savannah Stephens, a dual-military spouse, whose personal story of service and community-building is featured in the latest edition of ENGAGE, AFA’s digital publication. Her journey exemplifies the resilience, adaptability, and unwavering support that military spouses provide, not just to their families, but to the broader defense community.
“It was so refreshing to be surrounded by other military spouses who truly understand the unique aspects of our lives,” said Brooke Wright, a Space Force spouse who attended the event. “We all left feeling more connected and motivated to continue building a supportive community—taking care of our military families will always positively impact force readiness.”
Central to the event was the unveiling of the fourth edition of ENGAGE, a digital publication produced entirely by a team of military spouses contracted through the F2 Program. This latest edition offers interviews with Sam Eckholm (a former Air Force officer with more than 1 million subscribers on YouTube), Christina Mattinson (a leadership coach and retreat organizer for military spouses and veterans), and influential voices from “Military City USA” (official nickname for San Antonio), showcasing perspectives on military service, innovative programs, and the essential role of strong community support. Through its own unique storytelling, “ENGAGE: United Through Community” continues to document the triumphs, challenges, and everyday experiences that define military life.
Spouses play a crucial role in sustaining military readiness, providing stability in times of uncertainty, and fostering strong, mission-ready communities. Through initiatives like this summit, AFA reaffirms its commitment to empowering military families, amplifying their voices, and equipping them with the resources needed to thrive.
To explore the stories shared at the summit and read the latest edition of ENGAGE, visit www.afa.org/f2/engage/.