Thank a military spouse

Traveling through America's airports in uniform is often a humbling experience for me. I feel deeply appreciated for my military service by so many men, women and children who take the time to shake my hand, anonymously pick up a dinner check, or give me a slap on the back with a smile and a sincere "Thank you!" And it doesn't matter if I'm at Logan or in Charlotte, traveling to San Diego or to Denver. People make the time to say thank you to a soldier they've never met and will never see again.

Thanking a soldier in uniform is a relatively easy way to express gratitude for those that serve our country in the military. We're easy to spot and usually easy to approach. But not all who serve our country are as visible to the public.

Today is Military Spouses Day. There isn't a lot of fanfare that goes along with celebrating this day, and most spouses who are also moms and dads are generally busy with everything else in their life to really pay much attention. Yet, sadly, we often miss the opportunity to recognize one of the most important members of our American military family.

This year I am participating in some good 'ole Ahmy trainin' at Fort Bragg in North Carolina and will miss Mother's Day...again. I also am not home for four weeks to walk the dogs, take out the trash, replace a light bulb, cook the meals, and tuck the kids into bed. I'm not home to help with homework, drive to a softball game, pick up the house, or pay the bills. Military spouses do this alone more often than they'd like and often more than they should be asked. I've been away from home for about three of the last seven years in aggregate, and my military spouse has always taken up the slack.

The difference between my better half and I is that she doesn't get the handshake or the thank you in public from total strangers. She is the silent supporter of her husband, the Army officer who's deployed so often to such dangerous places. She is the one waiting at home, clutching the body pillow and crying herself to sleep, then picking up the pieces the next day trying to keep it together for her sake and the sake of our girls. 

I am successful only because of the love and support of my military spouse. She didn't volunteer for this mayhem like I did, but the military has dragged her along on the emotional roller coaster as my commitments often take me far from home.

This is a day to celebrate all that she and other military spouses have done to support us and our military families, it is their selfless contribution to our country. The next time you find yourself in the presence of a military spouse, please take the time to thank them for their service and their sacrifice. A simple thank you would be so well deserved.