2016 Armed Forces Insurance AIR FORCE Spouse of the Year
Michelle Aikman
Fairchild AFB
Tell us a little bit about you! I have dreams. I have lofty goals. I have grit. This life is not for the faint-of-heart. It is not for the weary. It is not for the weak. It is for those who love deeply. Love for our service members. Love for our families. Love for our nation. I once heard military spouses called “The Silent Heroes.” My life is touched in every way by my role as a military spouse. I am a proud mother of two smart, brave little kids who keep me on my toes and I am married to the most remarkable man who makes my life whole.
Professionally, I run a career management / professional resume writing business out of my home. I am a Nationally Certified Resume Writer. Last year I launched an online career management website and I am in the process of developing my third business venture through the V-WISE entrepreneurship program. I am a chemical engineer and hold a masters degree in engineering and technology management. I have worked in the energy, forensic, manufacturing, and bioscience industries as an engineer.
What is one thing you would want to accomplish with the MSOY title?
- Communication and Community. Our world is so fast-paced and plugged-in that we have information screaming at us 1,000 mph. You would think that we would have the information we need as spouses, but we don’t. There are too many outlets and we are overloaded. The messages are not being received and it is contributing to a disengaged community. We need streamlined communications and a renewed commitment to community building.
- Careers! Fulfilling careers! I am a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) proponent. There is a lot of activity around military spouse employment but there is a lot of ground left to cover. I would use this platform to advance the conversation past “let’s get military spouses employed” to “let’s get military spouses in positions that align with their career interests.” We are highly educated, we should be putting that to work in careers that are fulfilling and enhance our quality of life. At the end of the day, the military and our nation will benefit from improvements in these arenas because an improved quality of life and satisfaction for the spouse means higher retention rates for service members.
