Boccher named Little Rock MSOY

QUANTICO, Va. -- When it comes to recognizing the accomplishments of Brittany Boccher, her biggest supporter has always been her husband, Air Force Office of Special Investigations Special Agent, Adam Boccher.

Now others are taking notice.

Mrs. Boccher was selected Jan. 25 as the 2016 Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark., Military Spouse of the Year which is part of the Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year Program.

"Brittany is committed to the Air Force and OSI just as much as I am," said SA Boccher of OSI Detachment 327 at Little Rock. "I told my wife, 'honey, you are elevating our command's stature within the DoD by your accomplishments.'"

The Military Spouse of the Year award recognizes military spouses' important contributions and unwavering commitment to the military community and our country. Judging criteria includes: impact on community change, volunteer efforts, personal sacrifice, professional pursuits, goals, and specific efforts to support the military community.

Brittany Boccher is a 10-year Air Force spouse and the mother of two children. She holds a Masters Degree in Nonprofit Leadership and Management. She's a full time advocate of Down Syndrome awareness and administers daily therapy to their 11-month-old son, hoping to limit the challenges of physical and cognitive disability he may experience. Her philanthropist outlook motivates her to volunteer with the local Down syndrome Association. As a small business owner of two companies Brittany shares her knowledge and experience with other military spouses.

"I'm extremely honored to represent Little Rock Air Force Base and Air Force OSI," Mrs. Boccher said. "My goal is to use this opportunity to empower military spouses to embrace military life, their community and the amazing opportunities the military provides. I also want to educate and advocate for military families who have children with special needs."

According to the media release announcing Mrs. Boccher's selection, "the base level Spouses of the Year represent the best of the base, and are a key component in the grass roots level of communication in the military community."

"I have no doubt (Brig.) General Givens, (AFOSI commander) and OSI's senior leaders would be proud of Brittany and her advocacy efforts, especially when it comes to the special considerations OSI spouses experience with host wing and community partners," SA Boccher said.

Brittany's husband was correct.

"This is an extremely important and relevant honor," Givens wrote in a message to the command. "Our unique military and law enforcement missions often impose significant hardships on our spouses and we do not thank them enough. I encourage everyone to recognize them for their countless sacrifices and dedication because their support enables us to successfully complete our mission."

Military Spouse magazine founded the MSOY award in 2008 to honor military spouses of all ranks and from all service branches. More than one million military spouses support and maintain the home front while our service members defend our nation.

Base level winners advance to compete in a Top 18 and then a Branch Level Vote. Each of the six Branch Winners (Air Force, Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and National Guard) advances to a National Vote where the MSOY Awards are determined.

The overall winner and 2016 Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year will be announced at a VIP luncheon ceremony in Washington, D.C., in early May 2016.

Boccher and her fellow base level winners, military officials and key leaders in the spouse community are invited to the luncheon.