A Few of the Hats I Wear
Ever wonder what I actually do all day? Well, here's a little peek at the roles I hold and the organizations I'm lucky enough to work alongside!
2026 Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year
As the 2026 Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year, I use this national platform to advocate for military spouses and families, elevate the work happening within our communities, and help connect people, organizations, and resources where they can make an impact. Throughout my year of service, I represent the military spouse community through speaking engagements, events, partnerships, and conversations centered on strengthening connection and encouraging spouses to recognize the value of their own leadership and experiences. For me, the title is an avenue—not the mission—and an opportunity to keep serving, leading, and building alongside the community that shaped me.
“Shelby Bateman has shown what it means to lead with both purpose and heart. She understands that community isn’t a resource you hand someone. It’s something that has to be built, maintain and waiting when the next spouse arrives.“”
Ambassador - Stronghold Food Pantry
As an Ambassador for Stronghold Food Pantry, I represent a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to ending food insecurity among military families. I help expand awareness, build partnerships, and connect military families to vital resources, drawing on my own experience as a Marine Corps spouse to ensure our outreach is compassionate, respectful, and effective. In this role I support community events, promote Stronghold’s programs, and collaborate with fellow Ambassadors to grow its impact across installations and states.
Contributor - The Military Mom Collective
As a contributing writer and content contributor for The Military Mom Collective, I create and share original articles, resources, and community‑centered content aimed at supporting military families. I draw on my firsthand experience as a military spouse, homeschool mom, and community leader to write about topics like resilience, family life during deployments and Special Duty Assignments (SDA), navigating challenges with children, and building support networks. Through storytelling, encouragement, and practical advice, I strive to connect, uplift, and equip other military moms and spouses, helping them feel seen, supported, and empowered in their unique journey across multiple duty stations and life‑seasons.
Five and Thrive Community Representative - Beaufort, SC
As a Five and Thrive Community Representative for Beaufort, SC, I advocate for military families across the five key pillars of quality of life: childcare, education, healthcare, housing, and spouse employment. Serving as a liaison between local military personnel and the Beaufort community, I work to connect service members with vital resources and build a supportive environment where military families can flourish.
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