May 9th is Military Spouse Appreciation Day

I’ve spent the past week attending different events recognizing military spouses from the White House to events sponsored by Military Spouse magazine and the Military Newspapers of Virginia recognizing spouses who have made tremendous contributions to their communities. It’s clear that the leadership is making a big effort to support and recognize military spouses because they understand that family quality of life issues are important to both recruiting and retention. They know that your contributions are numerous and they matter.

Hearing the stories behind the awards and recognitions, one thing stood out…. even after years of increased op tempo and back to back deployments, you all are still doing just as much to support fellow spouses and better your community at large. That spirit of volunteerism and philanthropy is what sets the military spouse community apart. It doesn’t matter how much you’re missing your loved one who is probably thousands of miles away, or how worried you are, you still find time to give back and take care of others. There is no question in my mind that it is your spirit and your unflagging support that make it possible for your spouse to do what they do. Military life is not for the faint of heart and it’s great to see military spouses getting the attention you deserve.

Happy Military Spouse Appreciation Day!