(COLORADO SPRINGS) — Two women from Colorado Springs were honored on Thursday, March 7 as the 2024 Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year Branch Winners.
Kimberly Gold with the U.S. Army and Courtney Barber with the U.S. Space Force were recognized by Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade at the annual Military Spouse Career Coalition (MSCC) meeting on Thursday, March 7.
Chosen from a competitive field of more than 400 nominees, Gold and Barber were recognized for their outstanding dedication and contributions to the military community.
“Colorado Springs boasts a strong military community that’s an integral part of our city’s identity and plays a significant role in our economy, culture, and national security,” said Mayor Mobolade. “I am incredibly proud of Kimberly and Courtney for their remarkable leadership and unwavering commitment to supporting military families in the Colorado Springs community. They are both shining examples of the selfless dedication and service that military spouses embody.”
For Gold, the isolation of having a spouse deployed exemplifies why community involvement is so important.
“Being a military spouse can be very, very lonely,” said Gold. “Which is why I think it’s so important for community to rally around you, for you to become a part of the community. It’s certainly challenging when your spouse is deployed because you take on all of the household duties yourself.”
The support of the community helps military spouses and families feel strengthened and resilient, which Barber said is one of the most important duties of a military spouse.
“The military does a lot for our nation. I believe in what we do. I believe in the mission that we serve,” said Barber. “But more so, I believe in what we call the silent members, which are the spouses and children that support those members in doing that mission.”
As branch-level winners, Gold and Barber will now advance to the national competition, where they will vie for the prestigious title of the 2024 Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year.
The nationwide voting period is scheduled to start on March 7 and conclude on March 8. A panel will evaluate the finalists based on criteria such as military community involvement, leadership capabilities, community-building skills, communication proficiency, and personal narrative.
Recipients of this award are provided with a year-round program designed to nurture leadership skills, expand networks, cultivate essential life skills, and advocate for meaningful change within their communities.
