Military Spouse of the Year® Program
Since 2008, Military Spouse magazine's Military Spouse of the Year® (MSOY) program has honored the most deserving military spouses nationally on an annual basis.
MSOY nominees have introduced initiatives and solutions to address a multitude of topics affecting the military community. These men and women have emerged as leaders within the military spouse community advocating for a variety of issues ranging from spouse employment and education to family health and those impacted by illness and disabilities. Learn more about these amazing men and women.
Military Spouse of the Year® 2012 - Jeremy Hilton (Air Force Spouse)
Long before Jeremy Hilton, a Navy veteran, became the Military Spouse of the Year® , he was advocating for military families. He has devoted himself to improving the lives of those in the Exception Family Member Program (EFMP), confronting medical challenges, and caring for wounded warriors. He developed a national campaign for legislation to support these families. Jeremy has spoken in front of the Congressional Family Caucus as well as numerous congressional delegations and staffers on the Armed Services, HELP, and Judiciary Committees. Jeremy has dedicated himself to ensure all military families are treated fairly regardless of special needs or circumstances.
Military Spouse of the Year® 2011 - Bianca Strzalkowski (Marine Corps Spouse)
Bianca Strzalkowski is a proud Marine Corps wife of 10 years. As a military wife and mother of three, Bianca has spent her time volunteering with various organizations, such as the U.S. Veteran Corps, National Military Family Association and the Marine Corps' Family Readiness program. As a LINKS mentor, she has traveled the East Coast to educate spouses on the various aspects of military life. Because of her volunteerism, the Commandant of the Marine Corps awarded her with a Certificate of Commendation. Since being named the 2011 MSOY, she has created a Military Spouse Education Initiative to expand educational opportunities for her peers. With her own student experience as a reference, she believes it is possible for spouses to achieve their own goals despite the obstacles of military life. To date, she has met with Congressional leaders such as her own State Senators Hagan & Burr, attended meetings with Department of Defense officials, and has worked with educational organizations such as the American Council on Education to make this idea a reality.
Military Spouse of the Year® 2010 - Lori Bell (Air Force Spouse)
Lori, an Air Force veteran, military spouse, and mom, founded the National Association of Military Moms and Spouses (NAMMAS). NAMMAS is a social network that brings thousands of moms of service members and spouses together in one fun, supportive online community. Her signature program is Prosper Where You're Planted Boost Camp® This program provides solutions for attendees to achieve personal goals while managing the challenges of military life. Lori was named one of Lifetime Television's "remarkable women" of 2010. Her personal story has been featured on NBC Nightly News "Making A Difference," and she has appeared on venues like CNN, ABC's Good Morning America, Fox News' Fox and Friends, The Strategy Room, and The Huffington Post. Lori, her active duty Air Force husband Kenyon, and their three children currently make their home in the Washington, D.C. area.
Military Spouse of the Year® 2009 - Tanya Queiro (Marine Corps Spouse)
A native of Edenton, N.C., Tanya completed Recruit Training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, S.C., in 1994. During her 13 years of active duty service, she served as an aviation electrician, an aviation maintenance administrator and an Equal Opportunity Advisor. Following her tenure as a Marine, Tanya served as the Deputy Equal Employment Opportunity Officer for Camp Lejeune and as a human resource specialist in labor and employee relations. Currently, she is a human resource specialist in labor and employee relations working in Quantico, Va., and is pursuing her doctoral degree in psychology. Tanya's public service has been extensive. She volunteers as youth softball coach for girls and empowers others as a career mentor. She has also been involved in projects with the local women's shelter, Key Volunteers, Women Marine Association and Camp Lejeune L.I.N.K.S. (Lifestyles Insight, Networking, Knowledge and Skills). Happily married to Gunnery Sergeant Jose Queiro (U.S. Marine Corps, Ret.), the Queiros have three children (Jose, Marcus, and Adrianna) and currently reside in Dumfries, Va.
Military Spouse of the Year® 2008 - Chelle Brewer (Army Spouse)
Chelle is the CEO and founder of Soldier's List and a currently serving member of the Military Officers Association of America's (MOAA) Spouse Advisory Council. She manages Socks for Vets and Heart Hugs, and is a columnist for Army Wife Network, Education Shortlist and various other publications. Chelle also works with Holt International and Brittany's Hope Foundation to advocate and obtain proper medical care for orphans and children worldwide. Her work with Soldier's List was recognized by President Obama in 2011, when she received the Presidential Citizens Award for her advocacy for active-duty service members, veterans, and their families. She also was awarded a Governor's Citation for the state of Maryland and the Susquehanna University Young Alumna Award for Leadership. Chelle often speaks with active-duty service members and their families during the deployment process, works with the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) coordinators at various installations, and does additional public speaking and volunteer work. Chelle lives in Maryland with her husband, Captain Steven Brewer, and three children, Cavan, Lorelei, and JoJo.
