Barksdale's Spouse of the Year competes for Air Force Spouse of the Year title

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Katherine Holt
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  Barksdale's Spouse of the Year, Stefanie Markin, will compete for the title of Air Force Spouse of the Year Feb. 5.

Markin won Barksdale's Spouse of the Year when 402 members of Team Barksdale got online and cast their vote, Jan. 22.

"This is such an honor to me," said Markin. "I work really hard around base and in the community, and it is nice to be recognized. I am excited to represent Barksdale and be an example for others in years to come. "

Though she has been a volunteer for most of her life, Markin began volunteering on military installations 22 years ago when she married her husband, Chief Master Sgt. Beau Markin, 2nd Maintenance Operations Squadron chief enlisted manager.

"I think it is great my wife won Barksdale's Spouse of the Year," said Chief Markin. "This award has been 22 years in coming. She has volunteered at every base we have ever gone to, and has put in a lot of time helping our Airmen. How can you not be proud of your spouse who has always put their Air Force before herself?"

Markin volunteers roughly 75-100 hours a month just as the manager of the Airman's Attic, not including her time spent volunteering with other base and community organizations and functions.

"The military has been so good to us over the years," said Markin. "Why not give back, everyone should. When I see someone else smile, I smile too."

With only 402 votes compared to Goodfellow AFB, Texas' 1004 votes, Team Barksdale members are encouraged to go online and cast their vote.

"Now that we are at this point, it is on," said Markin. "I am ready to represent Barksdale and the Air Force. Everyone should get online and vote!"

To vote for Markin, visit http://msoy.militaryspouse.com Feb. 5 between 5 a.m. and 11:59 p.m. and click the "vote" button on her profile.