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Lifting Up the Leaders: Inside AFI's Military Spouse of the Year Program

Milspouse In The House

Chapters
0:00
Welcome And Year-In-Review Wins
3:56
Sponsors And Mental Health Support
4:50
Meet Lori And Jamie
5:29
Lori’s Path And AFI’s Mission
8:03
Jamie’s First Move And Finding Community
16:03
Program Origins And How It Works
22:15
What The Title Means And Growing As A Leader
30:42
Moving, Serving Again, And Building Networks
36:23
Alumni Bonds And MSOY Week
41:52
You Are Worthy: Nominate And Be Nominated
47:00
How To Start Serving Locally
52:07
Listener Questions: Support And Recognition
1:02:12
Where To Nominate And Follow
Milspouse In The House
Lifting Up the Leaders: Inside AFI's Military Spouse of the Year Program
Jan 06, 2026 Season 1 Episode 1
Military Brands

Military spouses are often the quiet leaders behind the scenes — building community, supporting families, and stepping up when their service members can’t be home. In this powerful episode of MilSpouse in the House, host Christie Nix sits down with Lori Simmons of Armed Forces Insurance and Jaime Billert, the 2025 Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year, to explore what it truly means to recognize and uplift military spouse leadership.

From the origins of the Military Spouse of the Year (MSOY) program to Jaime’s deeply personal journey of service, leadership, and “blooming where you’re planted,” this conversation highlights how recognition can empower not just one spouse — but an entire community.

Whether you’re thinking about nominating someone, wondering if your own work matters, or looking for ways to get more involved, this episode is a reminder that what may feel small to you can mean everything to someone else.


In This Episode

  • The origin and evolution of the Military Spouse of the Year program
  • How Armed Forces Insurance expanded MSOY to base, branch, and overall winners
  • What judges look for in MSOY nominees — and why leadership matters most
  • Jaime Billert’s journey from first PCS to national recognition
  • Why being nominated alone can be a powerful form of validation
  • How military spouses can support one another without burnout
  • Encouragement for spouses who feel like they’re “not doing enough”


Military Spouse News & Benefits Update

Brought to you by MilSpouses.com — built by military spouses, for military spouses.

  • School Choice Expanded: New executive action strengthened school choice options for military families navigating PCS moves.
  • TSA Access for Families: Military spouses and Gold Star families now qualify for free TSA PreCheck, plus expanded “honor lanes” at select airports.
  • PCS Reimbursement Overhaul: The DoD announced plans to streamline PCS reimbursement and reduce financial strain.
  • Healthcare Flexible Spending Accounts: For the first time, military families can access healthcare FSAs — a major quality-of-life win.


Key Takeaways

  • Leadership isn’t about perfection — it’s about showing up.
  • Recognition matters. Sometimes the nomination itself is the thank you someone needs.
  • You don’t have to do everything alone. Community grows when we connect, collaborate, and lift each other up.
  • Say yes — and figure it out along the way. Every impactful spouse started somewhere.

As Jaime Billert shared: “What feels like a thankless job can still deserve a thank you. Take the genuine compliment.”


Episode Links

Nominations close January 16, 2026

Sponsored by TalkSpace

Military life is rewarding — but it’s not without stress. With TalkSpace, you can connect with a licensed therapist anytime, anywhere. This holiday season, take care of your mental health while caring for others. Visit talkspace.com to learn more.


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