Lauren Tomkiewicz grew up in Fort Wayne, Ind., with four siblings. Her family and faith shaped her commitment to service. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Indiana University and volunteered with at-risk youth in Indianapolis.

In 2018, Lauren married Capt. Matthew Tomkiewicz, USMC. They lived in Florida, Texas, and North Carolina, where she substitute taught and volunteered with the Guardian ad Litem program, advocating for abused or neglected children. Matthew died in an Osprey mishap during a deployment to Norway in 2022, leaving Lauren widowed at 26.

Lauren worked with then-Rep. Jim Banks (R-Ind.) on legislation in the 2023 National Defense Authorization Act to shorten survivor notification processes and give surviving families choices regarding government or commercial transfers. She also worked with former Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb to update the state’s Gold Star Family license plate. Through the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), she advocates for the Love Lives On Act and other military family legislation.

Lauren brings this experience to MOAA’s Surviving Spouse Advisory Council. She lives in Indiana with Kevin Bacon, the dog she shared with her late husband. She substitute teaches and enjoys time with family.