REDSTONE ARSENAL, Alabama -- Leaders from the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command took a few moments to show their appreciation for military spouses throughout the command.
USASMDC/ARSTRAT hosted a 2015 Military Spouse Appreciation Day ceremony May 7 with units at Huntsville; Colorado Springs, Colorado; Fort Greely, Alaska; and other locations participating. The event was intended to recognize spouses at each location with a certificate of appreciation signed by the headquarters commander.
"I want to thank you all for joining us from around the world to recognize the contributions of our military spouses for all that they do," said Lt. Gen. David L. Mann, SMDC commanding general. "We want to recognize the contributions of our spouses and what they do. Sometimes we take it for granted.
"I think everyone who has worn the uniform knows what I am talking about," he added. "We ask a lot of our spouses. They not only provide us with a lot of love, encouragement and support, but they are also there to give us that sounding board. They also tell us to take a hard look at ourselves from time to time to make sure that we don't get too big for our britches."
Military Spouse Appreciation Day was established by President Reagan in 1984 and is celebrated every year to acknowledge the significant contributions and sacrifices of military spouses.
"It means a lot to be recognized," said Phillis Reid, SMDC assistant inspector general. "I spent many years being the one who stayed back and took care of the home and the kids so this means a lot.
"The ceremony was wonderful," she added. "I am proud that SMDC took the time to recognize us and let us know they care."
The day was created to honor the spouses of those who serve; be it in the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force or Coast Guard. Each year, a day is set aside prior to Mother's Day in the United States to recognize the difference spouses make in the lives of servicemembers.
"It is a pleasure to be here and I want to thank you all so very much," said incoming SMDC Command Sgt. Maj. Jerome Wiggins. "I think it is very important that we recognize our spouses because I think our spouses are of tremendous value to us. They really are the backbone of our Army.
"They are not only strong, they are resilient, they are unstoppable, they are military spouses and they are anything but a dependent," he added.
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