FORT RUCKER, Ala. (May 7, 2015) -- The lives of military spouses are filled with challenges, and Fort Rucker is making sure to let them know they, their contributions and their sacrifices are appreciated.
The Directorate of Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation will salute military spouses through specials in celebration of Military Spouse Appreciation Day May 8, which has been observed since 1984, as a way to say "thank you," according to Janice Erdlitz, DFMWR marketing director.
"Family and MWR recognizes and appreciates the positive impact military spouses have on our Soldiers and the Army," she said. "We're excited about the opportunity to help celebrate this day with numerous activities and specials from our MWR programs.
"The strength of our Soldiers comes from the strength of their Families, and the quality of life of our military families is a top priority," she said. "Ensuring that we recognize military spouses' contributions to the Army family is so important and we're proud to be a part of the day's recognition."
The special day was recognized after a proclamation by President Ronald Reagan for the profound importance of a spouse's commitment to the readiness and well-being of military members, said Erdlitz, adding that each year the day is recognized the Friday before Mother's Day.
Special events run now through May 8, starting with the Military Spouse Appreciation Day Facebook contest, which Army Community Service is inviting service members to submit a photo of their military spouse and complete the sentence "I'm proud of my Military Spouse because..."
Photos and captions should be submitted to the Fort Rucker MWR Facebook page today, and the winner will be announced Friday and will receive two tickets to Mother's Day Brunch at The Landing, Sunday.
On Military Spouse Appreciation Day, The Landing Zone will be offering a special for military spouses. Spouses will receive a choice of complimentary appetizer or dessert from selected menu items, with the purchase of a dinner entrée. Additionally, the Coffee Zone at the Landing Zone will offer half off the purchase of any specialty beverage, tea or coffee. For more information, call 598-8025.
Divots Restaurant and Grille at Fort Rucker's Silver Wings Golf Course will also be offering a special for military spouses: half off the purchase of their lunch for that day.
Spouses can also take advantage of a special offer that day at the Fort Rucker Bowling Center, where they can enjoy a 2-for-1 Lunch 'n Bowl with many food options available. The offer includes two games of bowling, shoe rental, fountain drink and food selection.
If spouses think they might be having car trouble, now would be a perfect time for them to stop by the automotive skills center where they can receive a free vehicle check now through Friday. To make an appointment, call 255-9725.
If their car is running fine, they might be more in the mood for some outdoor fun with a day on the water, and Fort Rucker Outdoor Recreation offers one free hour rental of a canoe or kayak Friday. To reserve a canoe or kayak, call 255-4305.
This might also be a good time for spouses to start on their fitness, as the Fortenberry-Colton Physical Fitness Center is offering one free fitness class Friday. The classes are available on a space-available basis and people should call to reserve a spot in the class of their choice. For more information or to reserve a spot in a class, call 255-3794.
Also, the Arts and Crafts Center is offering a 5-percent-off special on wine box orders taken now through Friday. For more information, call 255-9020.
"Whether spouses want to take advantage of the many dining specials or head to the lake for free use of a kayak, we've tried to create several opportunities for spouses to take advantage of on their special day," said Erdlitz. "We know that taking care of our spouses is just another way of taking care of our Soldiers."
Related Links:
USAACE and Fort Rucker on Twitter
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