Military Spouse recognized for work with the Military Birth Resource Network and Postpartum Coalition and filling the gaps in perinatal care for military families across the globe
2/23/24 (Yokosuka, Japan) — Following hundreds of nominations nationwide and a national vote yielding more than 20,000 votes, Gaby Cavins, who was named the 2024 Armed Forces Insurance Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka Spouse of the Year, has moved onto the Branch Finalist round of the program. Cavins is currently stationed with her husband, Lieutenant Commander Alex Cavins, at Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka. The Branch finalist vote will last 48 hours, from February 27th - February 28th. The winner of the Branch Finalist round will be named their respective military branch spouse of the year and be in contention for the overall 2024 AFI Military Spouse of the year award.
In its 16th year, Armed Forces Insurance continues to celebrate the commitment of over 1.1 million military spouses nationwide. We are honored to acknowledge the remarkable contributions of military spouses across all six branches of the Armed Forces, who dedicate themselves to advocacy and produce significant, positive impacts within their communities.
Cavins, a United States Naval Academy graduate, has been committed to perinatal support since becoming a mother while she was active duty. What started as a personal journey to meet her own lactation goals, quickly evolved into mentoring breastfeeding service members while simultaneously writing and speaking on Navy lactation policy. Now she serves as the Executive Director of the Military Birth Resource Network and Postpartum Coalition, where she combines her lived experience as a veteran and military spouse with her background in policy and advocacy surrounding perinatal issues. She is a sought after expert in military perinatal experiences for policy makers, organizations, leadership, providers, and media.
“It has been an honor not only to wear the uniform, but support those that do and their families at such a vulnerable time in their lives. From trying to conceive to the throws of the postpartum period, military families deserve more than traumatic births and lack of support. This recognition will help me bring these issues to the forefront of leaders and policy makers to enact a cultural shift in how we view and support this period of someone’s life. We are committed to filling the gaps in care for military families across the globe, and I am proud to be leading the charge,” Cavins shares.
From December 4, 2023, to January 26, 2024, community members nationwide submitted nominations for this prestigious award. Starting at the base level and progressing to the branch and then the overall Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year® (AFI MSOY), winners like Cavins are celebrated for their military community engagement, leadership, community enhancement efforts, communication skills, and inspiring personal journeys. The ultimate AFI MSOY will be announced on May 9, during a special luncheon in Arlington, VA, celebrating National Military Spouse Appreciation Day.
"The Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year® award transcends a mere accolade; it represents a vibrant and mission-driven network of military spouse advocates and leaders. As we've seen time and again, unity is our greatest strength," remarks Lori Simmons, VP, Chief Growth & Marketing Officer at Armed Forces Insurance. “We are thrilled to welcome the 2024 base winners to the AFI MSOY family and work alongside them to make an even bigger impact."
To learn more about Cavins and the other branch finalists, please visit www.msoy.afi.org.
About Armed Forces Insurance:
Founded in 1887 by military leaders, Armed Forces Insurance (AFI) is dedicated to protecting the property of those who serve our nation. Beyond offering superior property and casualty insurance solutions to military professionals in the United States and abroad, AFI is also the proud owner of the Military Spouse of the Year® award program. This program, now recognized as a 501(c)(19) nonprofit organization, honors the dedication, achievements, and contributions of military spouses to their communities and the broader military environment. With an in-depth understanding of the unique challenges faced by its members, Armed Forces Insurance provides an unmatched level of personalized service in the industry. For more information about our insurance solutions and the Military Spouse of the Year® program, visit www.afi.org or call 1-800-495-8234. Stay connected with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram