LINCOLN, Neb. - Cara Loken, reserve component transition assistance adviser for the Nebraska National Guard, has been named the 2024 Air Force Association Air National Guard Spouse of the Year.
This prestigious Air Force Association award highlights the exceptional contributions and sacrifices made by military spouses and recognizes the invaluable support of non-military spouses who help Air Force personnel maintain their focus on the mission. To be eligible, a person must be married to a service member of the Air Force — Active Duty, Guard or Reserve.
Cara, who has supported Nebraska National Guard families and service members for over 25 years, is married to John Loken, 155th Maintenance Group commander.
“Cara’s award is a testament to the critical role that family support and resilience play in the Air National Guard,” said Col. Christopher Hesse, commander of the 155th Air Refueling Wing. “Military families, like Cara’s, make significant sacrifices in support of their loved ones’ service, and their contributions are essential to our unit’s success.”
Those who work with Cara say she excels as a military spouse, earning respect as a leader, volunteer, and mentor. She is making a lasting impact across the force by organizing welcome-home events, deployment classes, art programs and self-care sessions to help families navigate the challenges of military life.
“This gives me a purpose by giving back to those who are fighting for my family and friends for the freedom we have,” Cara said. “I want to make sure we are taking care of them in all the good and bad times.”
In addition to this year’s award, her efforts have earned her multiple other accolades, including the Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year in 2016 and the Scheels Award in 2021.
Cara’s husband said the award reflects her commitment to Air National Guard service members and families.
“She does so many things for our service members, families, and the veteran communities that it is difficult to explain all the positive impacts she creates,” John Loken said. “Her dedication to supporting military families has positively impacted my own career, as she has been one of the maintenance group’s key volunteers for over 20 years, advocating for service members and their families.”
The couple’s commitment to the Air National Guard exemplifies how teamwork and selflessness can come together to make a difference for others.
“She has great ideas to help members and families and does an amazing job bringing those ideas to reality,” John added. “She really is a role model for service before self, and we make a great team together.”
Chief Master Sgt. Scott Tontegode, Nebraska Air National Guard state command chief master sergeant, said Cara’s support of military families is critical to mission success.
“By supporting military families, she directly strengthens the readiness and resilience of the force, which is essential to the nation’s defense and security,” Tontegode said.
Besides serving as a spouse and working as a government contractor helping service members transition to civilian life, she is a military mother with a son, a U.S. Army veteran, and another recently enlisted in the Nebraska Air National Guard.
“I want to be a good role model for military spouses and their children,” Cara said.