President’s Message

You may have noticed that MSJDN has been busy recently. With our 10th-anniversary approaching, preparations have been underway for a fantastic virtual celebration. In the lead-up to the big event, we unveiled a new logo, and soon, we will be launching a new website with our updated look. We have also been building incredible partnerships with corporate and law firm supporters — our “Homefront Partners.” In preparation for my message during our upcoming celebration, I was recently searching through my emails to determine when I first joined MSJDN, and I came across the below email exchange between my husband and me. I had just joined MSJDN and received an email confirming my membership, which I promptly forwarded to my husband noting how “pretty cool” the work MSJDN was doing. My husband asked, “You going to help out?”

I laugh, of course, when reflecting on that exchange because who knew that, nearly 10 years later, I would indeed be “helping out” as MSJDN’s president? Although a lot of work, it has been such a humbling, rewarding, and life-changing experience to serve our wonderful community. I do not think that many members realize just how much work is involved in running this organization. So many hands are needed, and I have been in awe of the energy and dedication of MSJDN’s board and countless volunteers (as well as our amazing virtual assistants!) whom I have overseen during this past year. As I will soon turn over the reins to our president-elect Kristen Jones, I have no doubt that MSJDN is in good hands, particularly given the impressiveness of our 2021-2022 Board. Kristen has spearheaded the 10th-anniversary celebration and our development activities (and so, so, so much more), and I am not exaggerating when I say that she is TIRELESS. Her commitment to MSJDN is truly remarkable.

As I sign off on my last president’s message, I wanted to also share with you the newsletter that was attached to the above email from when I first joined MSJDN. The article on the first page announced the exciting news that Idaho was the first state to adopt a military spouse admission rule. Since then, we have persuaded 39 more states to get onboard with providing licensing accommodations for military spouses. Because of MSJDN’s advocacy, we have kept military spouses employed in meaningful careers despite geographic instability. We have also provided free legal assistance to Gold Star families and trained military spouses to claim a seat at the table and get involved in the political process. Additionally, we have provided quality professional development programming and created a network of career-minded military spouses… and so much more. I cannot wait to see what the next decade brings.

Please join us on June 15, 2021, at 11 am EDT for our virtual 10th-anniversary celebration of MSJDN. The event will be live-streamed here. Be sure to mark your calendars and tune in!

– Dawn Gile, President