FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas -- Fort Sam Houston honored men and women who have devoted their lives to keeping the home fires burning May 7 during Military Spouse Appreciation Day, a free event at Army Community Service.
In 1984, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the Friday before Mother's Day of each year Military Spouse Appreciation Day in recognition of the "countless personal sacrifices" military spouses have made in support of the armed forces.
Besides being pampered with makeup tips and manicures during the six-hour event, honorees received lots of information about local services, classes and upcoming events. Refreshments were catered by the Sam Houston Club and bouncies were available for children.
If music and pampering wasn't enough, there were lots of door prizes and a carnation for each of the attendees.
During opening remarks, Brian Dougherty, acting ACS director said, "We want you to know how important you are to us and to everyone here and on Fort Sam Houston. We appreciate everything you do in support of your Soldier."
While husbands or wives take an oath and sign the dotted line joining the military, spouses sign on with the vows they take during their wedding ceremony.
In choosing their mates, they choose their military way of life.
The life of a military Family is one of unique challenges.
While others have the luxury of decorating their homes knowing they will be there for the duration; military spouses decorate their homes hoping they will be there for three years.
Their civilian counterparts build a measured network of schools, churches, dentists and doctors; while military spouses must hit the ground running, knowing they have a limited time to make friends and contribute to each new community.
Military spouses come from diverse backgrounds calling Texas, New York, Germany or Korea their birth places, but the one thing they learn is "home" is where the military has sent them.
Social Sharing