Making a Home on the Move

Sponsored Content brought to you by the Armed Services YMCA of Alaska

“We try to understand and embrace every community we live in, as well as give back,” says Lori Hunter, Armed Services YMCA of Alaska’s 2023 Military Spouse of the Year. “This mindset really helps us stay active and healthy.”

Lori’s active duty spouse, Major Ben Hunter, is stationed at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson and Lori is a full-time preschool teacher in Eagle River. The couple has three teenage daughters—Addi, Lilli, and Cami—who are dedicated students and competitive athletes. During her 20-plus years as a military spouse, Lori has supported Ben’s military career at five duty stations, as well as a dozen overseas combat deployments. Through it all, Lori has remained committed to helping her family stay healthy and active in every community they’ve called home.

Lori is also committed to finding ways for her family to enjoy all that Alaska has to offer. During their two years here in The Last Frontier, the Hunters have tried their hand at ice fishing, snowshoeing, and many other adventures.

Lori credits organizations like the Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA) for making transitions easier for military families by offering seasonal and year-round opportunities that help military members, spouses, and children of all ages thrive.

“Here in Alaska, ASYMCA provides military families with tools to help us explore and enjoy Alaska,” says Lori. “Not only do they support families with necessities such as early learning programs, winter gear, and emergency financial assistance, but they also help us make the most out of our time up in Alaska with fishing trips, mother-son outdoor adventures, and military spouse retreats. Alaska is pretty different from the Lower 48, and ASYMCA gives us resources that help us feel comfortable exploring our new home.”

Founded in 1941, the Armed Services YMCA of Alaska enhances the lives of military members and their families in spirit, mind, and body through programs relevant to the unique challenges of military life. Thanks to the generosity of numerous partners and donors, the nonprofit runs a variety of seasonal and year-round programs designed to support Alaska’s many service members and military families.

You can help, too! Donate and help provide life-changing Alaska experiences to service members and military families.

asymca.org/alaska

Published in the Winter 2023 issue of Edible Alaska.