Military wife from O’Fallon brings enthusiasm, drive to projects for kids, veterans

Alicia Steele of O’Fallon would prefer not to shine the spotlight on herself but instead focus on all the community projects she works on for the betterment of veterans, the military, and children.

The wife of a U.S. Air Force pilot and mother of two special needs children, Steele is originally from Colorado Springs, Colorado. Stationed at Scott Air Force Base, this is their fourth deployment and second time living in O’Fallon.

Wherever they have been stationed, she has looked for ways to serve, volunteering alongside command spouses to help make a viable impact on those in need, she said.

She’s made it her mission to be a relationship builder and said whenever she asks, has received strong support from neighbors in her Bristol Hill Estates subdivision as well as the community at large.

“People have been so kind and helpful. It really is a special place here,” Steele said.

That’s why she agreed to be a candidate for Military Spouse of the Year, a contest sponsored by the Armed Forces Insurance to recognize outstanding contributions in all branches of service to the military community and the world.

“It is my fervent hope to show military spouses what is possible through advocacy and using your voice for good,” she said. “It could be energizing, get more support for kids and teens in our area.”

She is grateful for a platform to create more awareness. The contest is in four rounds — including selecting someone at Scott Air Force Base and the national honor.

Describing herself as an introvert, Steele said she hasn’t let that stop her from what she calls “purposeful living.”

“I want to stand in the gap for those in need. Here in the Scott AFB area this means serving our foster children, vulnerable families, homeless veterans, and special needs children,” she said.

Living in O’Fallon is how she met Jessica Manfre, another go-getter, and together they are a dynamic duo, striving to improve the quality of life for military families.

Manfre nominated Steele for the award as she was named Coast Guard Spouse of the Year in 2019 and understands how that can help get things done. About her friend, she wrote:

“Despite having two children with special needs and supporting her spouse’s demanding career as a pilot, Alicia has continually gone above and beyond for those in need. In 2021, her work was extraordinary. Started a nonprofit for youth; built and established blessing boxes throughout the county; organized drives for the homeless and foster children; set up numerous blood drives .... and so much more!”

Steele has been the lead ambassador for two years for the Scott AFB group GivingTuesdayMilitary.

“Together, we have impacted our most vulnerable. We’ve done this by doing things like forming unique partnerships with a local business to raise thousands of dollars for a transitional living facility for families,” she said.

She has organized multiple blood drives, a “Be the Match” drive, and a pajamas collection for foster children in Illinois.

Last holiday season, they worked with Blue Star Families and USO Missouri to provide pantry boxes, food and presents for over 300 Scott Air Force Base families.

Veterans Community Project

One of her major interests is the St. Louis location of the Veterans Community Project, a tiny home community being built for 50 homeless veterans in the JeffVanderLou neighborhood in north St. Louis and he helped coordinate a fundraiser that collected more than $4,000. A veterans’ outreach center also will be on the grounds.

Additionally, Steele organized a quilt drive and has handmade quilts ready to provide to the veterans when the Tiny Homes community opens. Ground was broken last fall, and if all goes well, the housing could be ready this summer.

As volunteers in the national non-profit group Moving with the Military, she and Manfre spearheaded an elf team who transformed the home of the Brandon and Robin Bentley family on Scott Air Force Base with a front yard makeover in December 2020.

The Moving with the Military group was featured on “The Today Show” then as part of a “Joy to the World” series, about people spreading cheer this holiday season.

Steele cherishes assisting families

Supporting other families faced with challenges is important to her.

“I am passionate about serving those with disabilities, especially children and teens. As a mother of two children with special needs, it grew from a deep love and need to ensure they were receiving what they needed,” Steele said.

With her experience, she began helping other families. That led to Steele creating a non-profit, SPARK Adolescent Services.

“We need more inclusivity for our youth with special needs as they are often forgotten in the service/resource world,” she said.

“It is our goal to ensure every child, regardless of abilities, has a space at the table and a community surrounding them with support and resources,” she said.

Contributions to local school

Last year, she rallied her neighbors and others to support Blessing Boxes in the Central School District 104, which are filled with non-perishable food items, toiletries, hygiene products and other items, and were placed at Central Elementary School and Joseph Arthur Middle School.

“I placed 40 sets of hats and mittens there, and in a couple of days, they were all gone,” she said.

The need is so great in these challenging times she re-stocks items — like toothpaste and snacks — once or twice a week, she said.

Steele added they hope to place three more boxes in the community, including one at base housing.

Author, how to vote

In addition to her community efforts, Steele established a popular sewing blog years ago, “Sew What Alicia.” She is the author of the paperback, “Eco-Chic Bags: Simple Sewing Projects to Make Tote Bags, Purses, Gift Bags, and More.”

The public can cast ballots through Friday, Feb. 11, until 11:59 p.m. One must register to vote. Here is her page: https://msoy.afi.org/profiles/2022-alicia-steele?fbclid=IwAR1x3W_SnAV6I095_u10QlVeiWTDpiltpmy4dVTy35preHqrl-TSoxH5gKk