Who Will Be the 2018 Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year®?

News provided by

Gordon C. James Public Relations

Jan 02, 2018, 08:00 ET


PITTSBURGH (PRWEB) January 02, 2018 -- Nominations Now Open to Honor Military Spouses; Winner Announced at USO-Metro Gala in May

PITTSBURGH (January 2, 2018)—Now in its eleventh year honoring the dedication and sacrifices of our nation’s more than 1.1 million military spouses, Military Spouse magazine opened nominations today for the 2018 Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year® (MSOY). The award program honors military spouses from all six branches of the Armed Forces who are making a difference in their communities. Americans are urged to nominate inspiring military spouses who are making important contributions to our country, now through January 31 at http://www.msoy.militaryspouse.com. The nomination form includes an easy to fill out on-line application where nominators can highlight the military spouse’s impact on his or her family and community.

Brittany Boccher, a Little Rock, Arkansas-based Air Force spouse, was nominated and awarded the 2017 Armed Forces Insurance MSOY for her work in making resources available for military families with exceptional medical needs. Boccher is the mother of a son with Downs Syndrome. Past winners also include an Army spouse who uses her expertise as a psychologist to strengthen military marriages; a Marine spouse entrepreneur who runs a successful business and mentors military spouses as they start their own careers; a National Guard spouse who helps civilians understand the complexities of a Guard serving at home as well as overseas; a Navy veteran stay-at-home dad who advocates tirelessly on behalf of military families with special needs; and a Marine wife who started the Semper Fi Fund and America's Fund with just $500, and now operates with more than $120 million to help wounded, critically ill and injured services members and their families.

“Military spouses have shaped legislation, been commanding advocates for military children and spearheaded organizations that have raised millions for our veterans and their families,” said Suzie Schwartz, President of Military Spouse Programs at Victory Media. “These spouses give so much of themselves to their families and our country and I ask that everyone take a moment to honor this amazing group of men and women who truly go above and beyond for our nation.”

Nominations will be accepted January 2-31 across all six branches of the United States military: Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and National Guard. Nominees will then be organized at the base, district (Coast Guard), and state (National Guard) level. Voting to select winners will be held in multiple phases:

  • February 1: “Meet the Candidates” profiles are published online at msoy.militaryspouse.com.
  • February 5-9: Nominees are narrowed down by national vote to one winning Spouse of the Year from each base, district and state. See the voting timeline at: http://www.msoy.militaryspouse.com/ .
  • February 13: Base Winners are announced
  • February 16: Top 18 are announced
  • February 20: Voting will be held for an anticipated group of more than 200 base-level representatives to determine each service’s 2018 Armed Forces Insurance Branch Spouse of the Year®.
  • February 23: Six branch winners are announced.
  • March 2: Final voting is conducted by a judging panel to determine the 2018 Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year®.

For the first time, the overall winner will be announced at the USO-Metro Gala in Washington D.C. on May 10. The new partnership between Military Spouse of the Year® and USO-Metro is a natural fit in their shared mission to provide military service members, and their families, resources and opportunities to connect with others who have selflessly served our country.

“For nine years, Armed Forces Insurance has been a part of the Military Spouse of the Year® program and we couldn’t be more proud of the accomplishments of military spouses,” said Lori Simmons, Chief Marketing Officer at Armed Forces Insurance. “The resilience, dedication and innovation military spouses bring every day to their communities is admirable. We are pleased to honor their service and that of their service members.”

To learn more about the Military Spouse of the Year® award, including nominee eligibility, rules and regulations, and program alumni visit http://www.msoy.militaryspouse.com.

About Military Spouse:
Military Spouse is the leading destination for the nation's 1.1 million military spouses, who contribute to their communities, the military and each other every day. A division of Victory Media, Military Spouse provides online and print resources for military families on PCS, careers, education opportunities and family life. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter. Founded in 2001, Victory Media is a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB) that connects the military community to civilian employment, entrepreneurial and education opportunities through its G.I. Jobs®, Military Spouse, Vetrepreneur®, STEM JobsSM and Military Friendly® brands. Learn more at http://www.victorymedia.com.

About Armed Forces Insurance:
Armed Forces Insurance was founded in 1887 by military leaders with a single mission: to protect the property of those who protect our nation. The company provides premium quality, competitively priced property and casualty insurance to military professionals throughout the United States and overseas. Armed Forces Insurance understands that its members have unique circumstances and insurance needs, enabling the company to offer a level of personalized service that's unequalled in the industry. For more information, visit the website at http://www.afi.org or call 1-800-495-8234, and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Brian O'Malley, Gordon C. James Public Relations, 4807038338, [email protected]