Following hundreds of nominations and thousands of votes nationwide, Kahlie “Kay” Goke has been named the 2026 Armed Forces Insurance Barksdale Air Force Base Spouse of the Year. Goke, who is currently stationed with Master Sergeant Jonathan Goke at Barksdale Air Force Base, was recognized for leadership, advocacy, and meaningful contributions that strengthen military families and communities.
Now in its 18th year, the Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year® program honors spouses who are leaders, advocates, and community builders. These individuals go beyond supporting their own families by creating solutions, building networks of care, and addressing challenges facing military families across education, mental health, career readiness, policy, and community support.
Goke is a certified volunteer firefighter and nationally registered emergency medical technician (EMT) at Haughton Fire Department, taking emergency calls on nights and weekends, or whenever she’s not working in her full-time position as Digital Experience Researcher at Regions Bank. As a 18-year military spouse, Goke is also committed to serving her community – and country – through military support programs. She’s an active member of the Shreveport-Bossier Military Affairs Council, which helps the community better serve the airmen at the local Barksdale Air Force Base. She also sits on the Northwest Louisiana Military Support Foundation, which coordinates community support for local military families. In 2024 she launched the first Regions Military Support Community in the Shreveport area, which brings together bank associates with a desire to assist military personnel at Barksdale and their families. She is passionate about volunteerism in her community and ended 2025 with an estimated 614 hours of service across the communities she serves on and off base.
“This recognition affirms the importance of the work I care deeply about,” said Goke. “It represents the strength of our military spouse community and the impact we can have when our voices are heard.”
Each year, the Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year® program provides a national platform to elevate military spouse leadership and amplify their impact. From Dec. 1, 2025, to Jan. 16, 2026, nominations were submitted from installations around the world. Winners advance through a multistep selection process beginning at the base level, moving to branch recognition, and culminating with the selection of the 2026 Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year®, to be announced on May 7, 2026, during National Military Spouse Appreciation Week in Arlington, Virginia.
“Leadership and advocacy are at the heart of this program,” said Lori Simmons, Executive Director of National Military Community Foundation. “Each year, we recognize military spouses who are strengthening communities, driving progress, and shaping the future of military family life. Their leadership matters, and AFI is proud to support their work.”
To learn more about Goke and other Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year® honorees, visit www.msoy.afi.org.