The Military Spouse of the Year award is presented annually to an individual who embodies the best characteristics of today’s military spouse. The award honors the sacrifices and selfless service 1.1 million military spouses who provide unwavering support to our armed services today and those who have silently served in generations before. The honoree is chosen from among hundreds of reader nominations submitted to Military Spouse magazine based on their representation of all military spouses and their own personal story. Criteria used to select the recipient, includes impact on community change, volunteerism, personal sacrifice, education and career pursuits and other spouse related efforts.

About the winner:
Tanya is a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) New Leader Program graduate, an active Civilian Career Leadership Development participant and mentor, American Military University Career Mentor and Operation Noble Heart volunteer. She has also volunteered as a Lifestyle Insight, Networking, Knowledge, and Skills (LINKS) mentor, Onslow County Women’s Shelter Victim Advocate and Key Volunteer.

As a life-time member of the Women's Marine Association, Tanya is dedicated to cementing the bond and camaraderie shared by those who have gone through the training to become a U.S.Marine. Additionally, Tanya is currently pursuing a doctorate degree in organization and management, has received numerous professional awards, and has been a distinguished speaker for several organizations and agencies.

Tanya served as an active duty Marine for more than 12 years and she effectively planned and executed a myriad of mission sets ranging from deployments, raising three children and obtaining her bachelor’s and master’s degrees. It was during her active duty tenure that Tanya met and married her husband, Jose.

About Tanya:
Full name: Tanya Michelle Queiro
Husband's full name and rank: Jose Queiro, Gunnery Sergeant (E7)
Children's first names and ages: Jose, 12; Marcus, 10; Adrianna, 8
Favorite Pastime: Spending time with family, reading classic English literature
Free time indulgence: Relaxing on the beach
Favorite food: Grandmother's chicken pot pie
Little known fact: I love to dance.
Present job: Human Resource Specialist (Labor/Employee Relations)

Additional Information:
Full article from Military Spouse magazine            Press Release