HAVE YOU THANKED A MILITARY SPOUSE TODAY?

Obama recognizes, thanks military spouses

By Karen Jowers - Staff writerPosted : Friday May 7, 2010 12:40:52 EDT
http://www.armytimes.com/news/2010/05/military_spouseappreciationday_050710w/

Have you thanked a military spouse today?

You should. It’s Military Spouse Appreciation Day.

“At the heart of our Armed Forces, service members’ spouses keep our military families on track,” President Barack Obama wrote in his proclamation designating the day.

And one lawmaker has introduced the “Military Spouse Pin Act,” legislation that would authorize the design of an official military spouse pin.

Since 1984, the Friday before Mother’s Day has been designated as Military Spouse Appreciation day.

Military spouses “are pillars of strength in their families, often celebrating their children’s life milestones while the other parent is away,” Obama wrote in his proclamation.

He said the administration is “committed to improving opportunities and quality of life for these brave spouses and families who know the separation and stress of war. We are increasing service member’s compensation as well as funding for better housing, job training, counseling, outreach, and support for spouses and their families. We are also expanding our ground forces to reduce the strain of repeated deployments, and to give service members more time with their loved ones.”

Obama encouraged Americans to show their appreciation for spouses. “Working through community-based organizations, workplaces, schools, and places of worship, we can help them support their families, establish or build a career, and address the unique challenges they face,” he wrote.

On May 6, Rep. Carol Shea-Porter, D-N.H., introduced the bill to honor military spouses by providing a lapel pin to all spouses of service members or veterans who have served in a combat zone for more than 30 days.

“For their service, sacrifice, and patriotism, military spouses should be honored alongside the military men and women they support,” Shea-Porter said.