Bandit spouse earns Mrs. Missouri U.S. title

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Armando A. Schwier-Morales
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  Known as mom, volunteer and military spouse, a McConnell member recently attained the title of Mrs. Missouri United States.

Ashley McAnally, wife of Staff Sgt. Brandon McAnally, 349th Air Refueling Squadron boom operator, was recently crowned Mrs. Missouri U.S. Stationed at McConnell for four years, Mrs. McAnally has been involved on and off base.

"She is a great role model for younger women and girls that want to get involved [in the community]," said Sergeant McAnally. "She connects with the younger participants just as easily as the older age class and inspires them to continue doing what they love and get involved in other people's lives by helping the community in any way they can."

To obtain the title of Mrs. Missouri U.S. Mrs. McAnally had to be interviewed, participate in a casual wear and formal wear competition moderated by five judges.

"Mrs. Missouri U.S. is someone who is a good role model, involved in her community, and has an ability to talk with people and relate well to others," said Kimberly McDowell, Mrs. Missouri U.S. pageant director. "She sees a connection between family, community, and career and is able to blend her roles as mother, wife and community leader successfully."

As Mrs. Missouri U.S., she has made four official appearances to include volunteering for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Kyrie Foundation and appeared as a pageant guest at the Hutchinson, Kan., Hutch Fest. .

"Ashley fits the title of Mrs. Missouri U.S. in that she is approachable, articulate, involved in endeavors she feels passionately about such as prevention of childhood abuse and neglect, support for military families and is a loving wife and mother," said Mrs. McDowell.

Mrs. McAnally volunteers at the Airmen's Attic and the Child Development Center playgroup. She is also the 349th ARS playgroup coordinator.

"Volunteering makes a difference no matter how big or small the task is," she said. "It helps strengthen our communities allowing the barriers of fear in misunderstanding to be replaced by courage and knowledge."

According to Mrs. McAnally, her husband has also been a support beam.

"It started out as a way to get out and do something involving the community," said Sergeant McAnally. "That's just what it did for her, it got her involved and it's something she has been doing since her childhood."

With the Air Force's operation tempo at a current high, being a military spouse offers its share of trials and obstacles for Mrs. McAnally. Her husband was deployed almost 230 days a year the first few years and now deploys 90-180 days a year not including temporary duty assignments.

"When you have a spouse that deploys several times a year it can be quite difficult," said Mrs. McAnally. "I deal with it by spending as much time with our daughter as possible."

Mrs. McAnally recalled a time when one of the key spouses at the 349th ARS organize the squadron to help Mrs. McAnally change a flat tire and get keys out of a locked car. Now she is returning the favor as a member of the key spouse program providing support to the spouses of the 349th ARS.

"I have the honor of being a key spouse for the 349th ARS," said Mrs. McAnally. "I help them with anything they need help with such as checking in, helping them when they have car trouble and providing a link between the spouses and the commander."

With the completion of many volunteer hours behind her and more to come Mrs. Missouri U.S. will compete at the America's Mrs. U.S. pageant in Vicksburg, Miss., at the end of July.