Ashley Broadway has done so much for military families! Volunteering for the American Military Partner Association, which is a national resource and support network for LGBT military families, she has given countless numbers of hours to make sure that LGBT military families know what special steps they have to take to make sure their families are cared for. These families face the same struggles, challenges, and sacrifices as all military families, yet they do it without the support of the federal government like thier heterosexual counterparts. Ashley has worked tirelessly to make sure these families are connected, supported, honored, and served. For instace, because same-sex military spouses are prevented by DOMA from getting military benefits, they often are unable to do something as simple as get their children on base to the doctor. Ashley has worked with many of these gay and lesbian military families to show them how they can utilize the Army's Family Care Plan to list the same-sex spouse as a care giver, thereby giving them access to the base and enabling them to give better care to their family. She has a heart for all military families, especially those with children, and is constantly working to help them. Not only does she personally give up her time and energy to help them, she is always working to help their stories and the unique struggles they face be told in the media. She herself has been with her spouse, who is an Army Lieutenant Colonel, for over 15 years. Through the terrorizing years of Don't Ask, Don't Tell (DADT), her family lived in silence, as if they didn't exist. Since the repeal of DADT, she has been committed to making sure gay military families get the proper care and support they need and deserve as they serve our nationa. She is truly an amazing military spouse.
Ashley is a phenomenol wife and mother, who has stood the test of time and endurance by her wife's side for 15 years. They have been through thick and thin together, deployments and PCS, and most of it under the radar of DADT. She raises awareness for issues related to the gay and lesbian community, and offers support and encouragement to new partners and spouses who have not had the pleasure of being engratiated into the Military Family formally. She is a leader with passion and perserverance, and supports Heather and her career each and every step of the way. Ashley Broadway is an invaluable member of our military family and deserves this recognition.
Tell us why you are nominating this military spouse. The word limit is 500 words.
I'm not sure where to begin with a person who has given so much of herself to the military over the years. Ashley Broadway has been serving her country as a military spouse for 13 years. She was unable to be nominated before last year because of the DADT policy. I know that nominating a same sex military wife may be a little unconventional but she deserves the recognition. Ashley has met with the white house to help bring light to the problems facing same sex military families. She has given money out of her own pocket to help lower ranking families with moving costs. (Not covered by the military for same sex families.) She helps run The American Military Partner Association a group with over 5000 likes on facebook and over 600 same sex spouses on a private site. This group has become a family for a lot of us. It's nice to have people who understand the struggles facing our families. As same sex military couples we don't get insurance, BAH, moving cost, moving support, or military Id's. What's worse is some of our kids do not qualify for benefits because of the states we live in and the adoption laws. It is very hard and having a group united who understands what our family faces has been life changing. I hope when you read this you take more into consideration than just her orientation. I hope that you look at the person and how she has dedicated her life to changing so many others lives. Ashley has a toddler a little boy named Carson and a baby girl on the way. She was a teacher for many years, and her wife is a Lt. Colonel in the army. I hope she gets this honor she really deserves it.
As a Sama sex couple Ashley is the poster wife of an outstanding Army Officer. LCOL Heather Mack and Ashley have been together for 15 years they are currently raising their son Carson and expecting a second chiold in January 2013. Ashley is a very active member of the American Military Partners Association and has been instrumental in helping other samesex couples with children.
Ashley Broadway is your definition of a "mover and a shaker." She has been paving the way for her fellow same-sex military spouses when it comes to family support. As the wife of a LtCol and a mother of one (and one on the way!), she still finds time to provide support to families all over the US. She has been with LtCol Heather Mack for over 15 years, and spent 14 of them behind the scenes under Don't Ask Don't Tell. She cared for her son and supported her son during Heather's numerous deployments, and has done everything in her power to help others. Ashley Broadway is the true Military Spous of the year!
Tell us why you are nominating this military spouse. The word limit is 500 words.
Ashley has tirelessly faught for the rights of LGBT militarty spouses. She has the heart of a mother and the fierceness of a lion. She truly deserves the title of "Spouse of the Year" for all that she has done for military equality.
http://nation.time.com/2012/12/17/a-new-kind-of-army-wife/
Like other military spouses, I too have been through deployments, multiple moves, and all the other hardships military spouses face. However, for over 13 years I had to stay hidden, unable to send my love one off to war, attend welcome home celebrations, or receive invites from the FRG. Yes, my marriage is both unique and rare in our military community. I am a proud same-sex spouse of an Army officer and mother of an amazing son. Before our son was born, I was an educator for 13 years. Presently I serve as a board member and Director of Family Affairs for American Military Partner Association (AMPA), a non-profit organization that connects and supports partners and spouses of gay and lesbian service members. This past spring, I had the honor to represent AMPA at the Mother's Day Tea hosted by First Lady Michelle Obama. Finally after many years of silence, I was acknowledged as a military mom and spouse.
live life to the fullest! Spending time with family and friends, volunteering, and traveling are just a few things I enjoy the most.
consignment shops! With persistence and a savvy eye, one can find amazing deals. Consigning can also put a few extra bucks in your wallet.
negativity. A positive attitude and outlook on life is one of the most important characteristics a person can have.
This award would allow me to continue to advocate for all military spouses while providing a platform to educate our Nations senior leaders on the many challenges faced by military spouses and family members. After twelve years at war, our military has transitioned to meet the challenges of the 21st Century; however, family members have taken a back seat to preserving peace and freedom for the Nation. I want to be the face of change ensuring all military families are brought to the forefront. Whether it is closing the gap that occurs in education and employment due to the military commitments of our spouses or focusing on the inequalities faced by LGBT military spouses as a result of out-of-date Defense Department regulations, as MSOY I would become the voice of all spouses.
While obtaining my undergraduate degree in History, I became extremely interested and captivated with African-American History, particularly the time period during the Civil Rights Movement. Growing up in the Deep South during the seventies and eighties, I was oblivious of what had happened in my own community just ten to twenty years prior. One event during this time that I have found to be the most influential is the march from Selma to Montgomery. The image of people from all faiths, races, and cultures marching together hand in hand showing the world that humans are one race which should be equal to one another and treated with dignity and respect is a true testament to how our country can come together. Although I am unable to go back in time and march with these brave men and women, their spirit inspires me to continue to work for equality.
Despite many organizations highlighting military spouses over the past few years, I still feel as though there are two areas that must be improved; education and employment. Many of our spouses have had to endure countless deployments, separations, and PCS moves, yet not enough is being done to ensure our spouses have the tools necessary to meet not only the military commitments of our spouses but to ensure stabilization at home. By closing the gap that occurs in education and employment due to military commitments our spouses will be able to take a lasting approach towards enhancing home life without the worry of having to start over. I would specifically focus on ensuring educational benefits and financial aid are incorporated into the existing military educational network systems making it easier for spouses and family members to pay for and obtain a college degree, license, or credential.
