(9:00PM EST – promoted by Nightprowlkitty)
Today, May 8, 2009, is “Military Spouse Appreciation Day”!
And while it comes two days prior to Mothers Day not all the spouses of military personal are women, especially in todays military, for women have increased not only their numbers in serving but what they now do in their military service to country.
Below is just a collection of news reports and appreciation letters about this day.
First Lady Vows More Support for Military Spouses, Families
First Lady Michelle Obama was surprised to learn that the majority of military families feel their struggles often go unnoticed, she said during an interview today with The Pentagon Channel and American Forces Press Service.
“I just saw the results of a recent survey done by Blue Star Families that shows that 94 percent of military families feel as if the country doesn’t understand their challenges,” Obama said. “That’s a pretty powerful statement.” ………………..
Fort Bragg focuses on military spouses
Fort Bragg wraps up a special two-day event on Friday for military spouses. Organizers say their goal is to provide an outlet for families to have fun and network with other families.
Military Spouse Appreciation Day started in 2001 as just a one-day event, but soon expanded to two days in 2007. It’s only one of the programs the military has to help the families of soldiers…..>>>Rest Here with Video
By General William E. Ward, commander,
U.S. Africa Command Print
STUTTGART, Germany, May 8, 2009 – The 8th of May is “Military Spouse Appreciation Day,” a special day for all spouses here at U.S. Africa Command. Our spouses are very important members of the Team, whether residing in Stuttgart, Molesworth, Tampa, on the continent, or elsewhere. This is an opportune time to thank our spouses for all the support they provide that helps our Team accomplish the mission.This day gives us a chance to reflect upon the situation our spouses face: frequent moves, family separations, and uncertainty in the face of current and potential global crises and thank them………………
Former Marine NCO Takes Military Spouse of the Year Honors
Tanya Queiro, a former Marine Corps noncommissioned officer, was named the 2009 Military Spouse of the Year at a ceremony held here today.
Queiro, who achieved the rank of staff sergeant during her 13 years in the Marine Corps, also was recognized as the Marines’ top military spouse for 2009.
“Military spouses know that military service is not a job; it is a lifestyle,” Queiro said upon accepting her two crystal-glass award trophies.
Living the military lifestyle, Queiro pointed out, provides “endless opportunities” for adventure and learning for many military spouses……………………….
Commentary by Brig. Gen. Mark. W. Graper
354th Fighter Wing commander5/7/2009 – EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska — From deployments overseas in support of global operations to local missions at Eielson Air Force Base, we read about the many contributions of our servicemembers daily. But often we overlook the selfless support those same servicemembers receive at home from their military families.
There are thousands of men and women who sacrifice for our country without donning a uniform each day. They receive little public recognition, no medals, and no honors………….
Military Spouses Honored in D.C. Ceremony
During a special ceremony honoring military spouses, five women – representing each branch of the armed services, were recognized in Washington.
Marching in line, flag bearers paid tribute to the U.S. armed services, its fighting soldiers and the military spouses who help make it all happen……………………..
MCPON Honors Navy Spouses’ Service, Sacrifice
Written by Office of the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy
Wednesday, 06 May 2009 00:00WASHINGTON (NNS) — On the occasion of Military Spouse Appreciation Day May 8, Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) (SS/SW) Rick D. West sent the following message to the fleet, including Navy spouses and families:
“When I took this job in December, I made a promise to every one of you that I would do everything in my power to ensure you are supported, that you have the quality of life you deserve and when your loved ones are deployed, our Navy will take care of you when you need it.
These were not just words, and I will say the same thing to every family member or Sailor I meet…………………………………..
We owe them love, gratitude and respect
Commentary by Brig. Gen. Edward L. Bolton Jr.
45th SW commander5/8/2009 – PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. — While all DOD observances are important, I can think of none more fitting – and more justified – than the one we celebrate today. Today we will join with other services and military installations around the world to celebrate Military Spouse Day.
It would be impossible for me to put into words how much our military spouses mean to us……………….
Honoring the Silent Service of Military Spouses
With today’s on-going war on terrorism, many people pay tribute and give thanks to the brave men and women in uniform who go into harms way to defend the rights and freedoms of our great nation. But there is another brave group who seldom receive the appreciation they deserve for the sacrifices they make every day: our nation’s military spouses.
Friday, May 8, is Military Spouse Appreciation Day, and is dedicated to honoring the spouses who keep the home fires burning while their significant others serve…………………….
Military Spouses’ Appreciation Day events at Fort Lewis, WA
Military Spouse Appreciation Day is May 8, 2009. This year, Fort Lewis, WA has various activities and specials going on to thank the spouses of service members. Here’s a list of the current activities going on in the Fort Lewis community for Military Spouse Appreciation Day.
1…………………….
Chairman Issues Military Spouse Appreciation Day Message
Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, has issued a message to service members and their families around the world, commemorating May 8 as Military Spouse Appreciation Day.
Here is the chairman’s message:
“Each May, our nation pauses to pay tribute to our past, present and future military spouses. Nothing could be more right, or more honorable, than this. Without our families, those of us in uniform cannot serve. And truly, our spouses serve just as much as we do.
“Despite the strain of nearly eight years of war and numerous critical engagements around the globe, America’s military is stronger and more capable than ever. From personal experience, I know that much of that strength comes from our spouses…………………..
Military spouses and their children, if they have any, along with immediate family and relatives of those serving, are the only ones who are actually sacrificing anything and possibly everything for this countries security, especially the spouses and the children!
The least you can do is keep them in mind today, especially those who’s spouse are now, or have been, serving in the two theaters of occupation we have had ongoing for going on eight years. Those who are directly in danger right or wrong these occupations may be!
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work, children, chores, home/yard upkeep, etc. for months and months at a time, while their spouses are deployed. During those months, they manage all those and many other tasks while experiencing an almost constant worry and/or mindfulness that their loved ones are not only far away, but often in danger.
I’ve heard people comment that they know that military spouses have a difficult life, but that they have a lot of support from other military families on base. While that’s true in many cases, it’s also true that many military families don’t live on base. They live in homes scattered miles away from the base, with neighbors that aren’t in the military and don’t really understand completely. In addition, with relocation every few years, they often live far away from extended family, and long time friends so immediate back-up in times of emergency is a real issue.
For every Service member, there are family members who carry their own plus that Service Member’s load of family responsibilities during each deployment.
These military families do deserve recognition for their sacrifices.