Chaplain’s Column

The month of May is filled with notable celebrations; however, there is one that is particularly noteworthy and that is the celebration of military spouses.

There is probably no one who sacrifices more than the spouse who supports the love of their life in serving our country. This patriotic- and love-centered posture is the impetus for many military members to effectively meet the mission of their command, endure lengthy deployments and maintain a level of confidence that the home front will be fine in their absence.

Our spouses bear the burden of transporting our children, monitoring homework, nursing our children back to health and so many other things often times alone.

To our spouses, we appreciate every moment that you dedicate to ensuring our family is healthy and prepared to carry out the routine of each day.

Likewise, our spouses often sacrifice their careers for the sake of being supportive of ours. That choice can be difficult at times and may even present some challenges in the home.

Allow me to recognize and acknowledge every military spouse who placed their career dreams on hold, or adjusted their career path, so that their active-duty spouse would be able to answer the call of duty.

Your willingness to adjust is honorable and worthy of acknowledgment.

For the purpose of this month’s celebration of military spouses, allow me to suggest some ways that we, as active-duty members, may celebrate our spouses in an intentional manner this month.

Here’s a list of suggestions:

*Take a weekend this month and designate it as “Military Spouse Weekend.” To celebrate, ensure that your spouse is relieved of all of their responsibilities to the family and receives an entire weekend of fun and enjoyment.

*Go out on a date. Secure a babysitter and enjoy an evening of fun and dinner. Take some selfies to share with family and friends showing how you celebrated your spouse.

*Make a Military Spouse greeting card.

*Give your spouse a relief-of-duty certificate that can be used anytime during the month of May. The idea is for the active-duty member to take on those duties in place of their spouse.

*Invite family and friends over to a Military Spouse Appreciation party. Get a cake, barbecue and do whatever else your spouse loves to do to celebrate them and all they have done for the family.

Of course this is not a complete list, but it may spark other ideas.

The fact of the matter is we, the active duty member, would not be able to do what we do without the love and support of our spouse. Be intentional this month and celebrate your special honoree, our military spouse!