Buckley spouse selected as installation military spouse of the year Published Feb. 5, 2016 By Airman 1st Class Luke W. Nowakowski 460th Space Wing Public Affairs BUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Heather Feighner, a spouse from Buckley Air Force Base, was recently recognized as the Military Spouse of the Year for the installation Feb. 1, 2016. "I was extremely shocked when I received the email that I had been nominated and that I had won the award for Buckley Air Force Base," Feighner said. The Military Spouse of the Year award was founded in 2008 and honors military spouses from all branches of service and all ranks. It was created to recognize spouses in the military community who have gone above and beyond in their service, advocacy and support of our nation's service members and military families, according to the Military Spouse magazine. "The biggest thing that stands out in my mind about Heather is the fact that no matter how busy she is or how many things she is involved in, there is always kindness in her actions and a smile on her face," said a Buckley Spouses Group member. "I don't think I've ever heard her say one negative thing, unless it was constructive criticism on how to make things better or how to reach out to more people. Even though she is super busy, she finds the time to help others and donate to groups and causes that she believes in." Feighner stated that some of her most fulfilling projects that helped service members and their families included working with the First Sergeant's Council on the Angel Tree, being a vice president for the Spouses Group, awarding scholarships to both military spouses and dependents, and being able to make and donate fleece blankets to the veterans that stay at The Comitis Crisis Center. "I absolutely love being a Key Spouse and part of the Buckley Spouses' Group," Feighner said. "Winning for Buckley AFB is really humbling but also a huge honor. I do this because I love being able to help others and it's just the right thing to do." According to militaryspouse.com, The Military Spouse of the Year award solicits nominations from the military community as well as all Americans in the late fall. Three distinct phases of voting follow, culminating in the announcement of the Military Spouse of the Year at an annual awards luncheon in our nation's capital in early May. "I love giving back to our military community," Feighner said. "I've seen first-hand how amazing the military community can be and I just want to pay it forward. I wish I had more time in my day so I could volunteer more. It's fulfilling."