Military life often asks families to navigate uncertainty, long separations and constant change. It takes a strong support network to ensure military families don’t have to navigate those challenges alone.
For Chelsie E. Moncecchi, the 2026 Air Mobility Command Joan Orr Air Force Spouse of the Year award recipient, helping families find that sense of support has become a personal passion.
The award recognizes spouses who have made significant contributions to the military community through leadership, volunteerism and advocacy for military families. For Moncecchi, that commitment is rooted in helping families feel connected and supported through every stage of military life.
Moncecchi earned the recognition for her volunteerism and advocacy efforts across Scott Air Force Base and Air Mobility Command, where she helped strengthen support systems for military families through mentorship, resiliency initiatives and community outreach programs. Her work included supporting deployed families, connecting spouses and service members with critical resources during high-stress situations, and helping build stronger relationships between installation and community support networks.
“Mission readiness really does start at home,” she said. “When families feel supported and taken care of, service members can stay focused on the mission without that added stress in the background.”
Throughout her time as a military spouse, she has seen firsthand how deployments, relocations and transitions out of service can place stress on military families. Her ability to work alongside organizations such as the Military and Family Readiness Center and Integrated Resilience Office to connect families with resources both on and off base is part of what makes her an effective advocate for military families.
“What works really well is when programs collaborate and connect families to multiple resources instead of just one. And, Scott AFB and the local community work together to support families at every stage,” she said. “Together we help people feel seen, connected and supported during some of the most demanding moments of military life.”