TOBYHANNA ARMY DEPOT, Pa. - Tobyhanna's Army Community Service Program sponsored the 3nd Annual Military Spouse Appreciation "Spa" Day luncheon at The Landing May 13.
Twenty-three military spouses spent the day receiving free manicures, facials, chair massages and makeovers from local corporate sponsors.
"It reminded me of why I love being a part of the military family," said Jenny Quintanilla, noting that, "it's great to know the spouses are truly appreciated."
In an effort to draw attention to the personal sacrifices of the men and women of the armed forces and their families, Congress designated May as National Military Appreciation Month. Each year the president encourages people to observe the month with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
"Recognizing our military spouses is one of the best parts of my job," said Nicole Nelson, Army Family Team Building program manager. She adds that being a military spouse presents a host of challenges not faced by many: remaining supportive, meeting the challenges of military life and maintaining the sustainability of the military family. "This speaks volumes of the spouses unwavering strength."
Military spouses living on and off the installation were invited to sign up for three hours of pampering provided by the Bon-Ton department store in Stroudsburg, the Stroudsburg School of Cosmetology and McCann School of Business and Technology, Scranton. Massage therapy students provided paraffin wax treatments and chair massages, cosmetology students gave manicures, and beauty consultants applied makeup during the event. Gifts from Macy's Department Store and Perkins Restaurant and Bakery, both of Stroudsburg, were provided to the spouses.
"This was a great experience," said Blanca Estrada, adding, "It was great to get pampered for a change." Maria Coutts expressed gratitude for holding the event, explaining that it was a "wonderful reflection of the military and community to show the spouses that they are appreciated and play an important part in the military family."
Nelson plans to continue offering a special event each year to recognize the contributions of the military spouse. She hopes the event's popularity continues to grow among members of the intended audience as well as local sponsors.
"I personally had a good time," said Kanoe Durocher. "It is nice to see other spouses get out and see how the military [appreciates] their cooperation, patience and support, when it comes to living the military life."
Tobyhanna Army Depot is the Defense Department's largest center for the repair, overhaul and fabrication of a wide variety of electronics systems and components, from tactical field radios to the ground terminals for the defense satellite communications network. Tobyhanna's missions support all branches of the Armed Forces.
About 5,600 personnel are employed at Tobyhanna, which is located in the Pocono Mountains of northeastern Pennsylvania.
Tobyhanna Army Depot is part of the U.S. Army CECOM Life Cycle Management Command. Headquartered at Fort Monmouth, N.J., the command's mission is to research, develop, acquire, field and sustain communications, command, control computer, intelligence, electronic warfare and sensors capabilities for the Armed Forces.
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