SMDC hosts Military Spouse Appreciation Day

By Jason B. Cutshaw, USASMDC/ARSTRAT Public AffairsMay 10, 2016

SMDC hosts Military Spouse Appreciation Day
Members of U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command celebrate the role of military spouses during a 2016 Military Spouse Appreciation Day ceremony May 6 with units at Huntsville; Colorado Springs, Colorado; Fort Greel... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

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 2016 Military Spouse Appreciation Day ceremony May 6 with units at Huntsville; Colorado Springs, Colorado; Fort Greely, Alaska; and other locations participating. The command recognized spouses at each location with a certificate of appreciation signed by the headquarters commander.

"As a result of the many deployments and combat operations, the Army, as well as the other services, have come to understand the important role our spouses play," said Lt. Gen. David L. Mann, SMDC commanding general. "Our military spouses provide a tremendous service to this country. They are the ones left to take care of families, providing stability for our children when their loved ones are deployed downrange.

"I think it is very important that we never take for granted what our spouses do for all of us," Mann added. "I am very humbled and truly blessed to have a spouse who is my better half and who has provided tremendous support during difficult times."

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.

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 during the week before Mother's Day in the United States to recognize the difference spouses make in the lives of service members.

"I want to thank everybody for participating in this special appreciation today," said SMDC Command Sgt. Maj. Jerome Wiggins. "Our military spouses embody specific attributes we cherish; strength, loyalty and commitment. They stand beside those who stand behind our flag, our nation and our Army, giving their all and making tremendous sacrifices. They shoulder the burdens of countless moves, stressful deployments and they more than uphold their end of the bargain.

"On this day, we celebrate and show appreciation for the military spouse," he added. "We celebrate the spouse who stands beside, not behind the Soldier, and we show these very special heroes the full recognition they so rightfully deserve and have earned. We humble say 'Thank you' from the bottom of our hearts for what you do day in and day out for your Soldier."

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