Announcement & January's Conversation
There is a lot going on in our community...how is it impacting you?
There is a lot going on right now, from moving, to health care, to new government policies, to an increase in pay (for some). Rather than pick a single topic this month, I’d like to hear from you. What do you want to talk about?
Register for the January Conversation
Date: Friday, January 31, 2025
Session 1: 12 Noon EST
Topic: YOUR choice! Come prepared to share what’s on your mind and to listen and learn from others.
Host: Jennifer Barnhill
Guest: Heba Abdelaal, Military Spouse Advocate
Announcement
I’m incredibly honored—and feeling terribly awkward—to share that I’ve been nominated for the 2025 Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year (MSOY) program. This recognition means so much to me, not as an individual accolade but as an opportunity to amplify the voices and stories of military spouses across the country.
For those unfamiliar, the MSOY program celebrates the contributions of military spouses from all branches of service, highlighting their advocacy and leadership within their communities. It’s not just about recognition—it’s about creating a platform to address the challenges and triumphs that define our shared experiences. It helps bring more of us together and identify areas of shared hardship, and also shared solutions!
My work has always centered on uncovering the narratives often overlooked in military life—stories of sacrifice, strength, and the gaps that remain in support systems. Whether it’s through my writing, speaking engagements, or advocacy efforts, I strive to bring attention to the realities military families face, challenging assumptions and pushing for meaningful change.
This nomination gives me a larger stage to continue that work. It’s a chance to ensure that the lived experiences of military spouses aren’t just heard but acted upon—to shine a light on the strength of our community and the systemic improvements still needed.
If you’d like to support me or learn more about the incredible work being done by military spouses nationwide, please visit the Military Spouse of the Year website. Read their stories!!!
Vote for one of them the stories that sticks out to you. Voting opens on January 29th and is open every day until February 2nd.
Register and share with others in the community!
All about Heba
For nearly a decade Heba Abdelaal has worked as a congressional staffer in the U.S. Senate where she pursued her passion of serving those who serve-- and have served, our nation. Heba's work supporting our nation's military spouses began long before she herself became the proud spouse of a member of the U.S. Air Force in 2018. Heba began her time on Capitol Hill as a legislative aide to Senator John Boozman (R-AR) where she helped advance congressional work on national security and veterans' affairs issues including the VA MISSION Act of 2018-. Most recently, Heba served as Military Legislative Assistant to former U.S. Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO) while based in Colorado Springs, CO. She was also voted the Armed Forces Insurance Military Air Force Spouse of the Year in 2022.