For the first time in program history, MilSpouseFest traveled to Anchorage, Alaska for two events. Presented by USAA, the events featured engaging speakers, numerous resource exhibitors, laughs with military spouse comedian Ashley Gutermuth, amazing food, and networking opportunities.
“Community was my takeaway from today’s event,” said one event attendee. “I felt a part of a community of spouses that share similar interests and adversities that I have endured. The best part was that it wasn’t just the audience, but the facilitators as well.”
The agenda included a Caregiver and Mental Health Fireside Chat with Alicia Maddaloni (Alaska Fellow, Elizabeth Dole Foundation), Jennifer Jenkins (Warriors Speak® communications specialist, Wounded Warrior Project Inc), Susan Guillory LCSW (Coordinator for the Program of General Caregiver Support Services, PGCSS), and MaryBeth Goodman (Clinic Director, Cohen Clinic @ Alaska Behavioral Health).
Kate Williams, Community Initiative Program Manager with Twelve Million Plus discussed how spouses can maintain their identities when change is constant. USAA entertained the crowd with a Truth or Dare game, and Tutor.com got attendees moving and shaking with an interactive segment.
“Wow! What an amazing day with military spouses in Alaska,” said MSF Director, Danya Devine. “I heard over and over again how thankful the spouses were that we brought MSF to AK. I could feel the impact we were making in the room. To top it off, the locals told us to go to base to find the moose and bears. They were NOT wrong! Thank you Alaska.”
“As the Key Spouse for my spouse’s squadron, it gave me more information and knowledge about services available to the spouses, not just the service member that I can share with the entire unit,” said another event attendee.
MilSpouseFest will be traveling back to Texas September 12th and 14th to host events in San Antonio and Fort Cavazos FKA Fort Hood. For more information on these events, head to our website.
