Let’s Celebrate Military Spouses

By Jessica Manfre

Being a military spouse is pretty special. We get to love and stand beside a real life hero, every
single day. Watching them continually put on that uniform and going out into the world to
defend us all is powerful stuff. It’s also really hard sometimes. Military spouses have often been
called the silent or hidden heroes and for good reason.

A military spouse has a role in serving this country with responsibilities right along their service
member. While they are completing their missions, the spouse stays behind to complete theirs.
This means maintaining the home front, solo parenting when there are children involved,
working, and trying to take care of yourself all at the same time. Thankfully, leadership
understands this and has devoted the last few years to providing resources for military spouses
to support them. They’ve never been more appreciated.

In 1984, President Ronald Reagan dedicated a day in May to military spouses. In 1999, the
Friday before Mother’s Day became the official Military Spouse Appreciation Day. May was also
dedicated in that same year as National Military Appreciation Month. Since then, each
president has typically put out an official message thanking spouses for their service and has
also issued an official proclamation about it.

The 2020 Military Spouse Appreciation Day is going to be different, but that’s okay. With the
COVID-19 pandemic currently causing worldwide quarantines, just about all scheduled in
person events have been canceled. But don’t let this deter you from enjoying this special day.
There are still many ways to celebrate you and all the other military spouses in your life.

Check out your local base

Although the social distancing restrictions are in place, many bases are still finding ways to
celebrate. Many are doing drive through gift bags, filled with special surprises for military
spouses. Look to see what your base is doing, if they haven’t yet coordinated a safe work
around, offer to help support the efforts. This will get you out of the house and doing
something really special for others.

Virtual events are in

Many organizations and bases are coordinating virtual events to celebrate military spouses. Do
a quick search for your area to see what is planned for that day. If there aren’t any options,
organize an event yourself. Here are some ideas:

• Many movies set to open in theaters are now doing steam releases. A zoom movie night
  can be a lot of fun! Enjoy snacks and fellowship over a new movie, in your PJs of course!
• Set up a night of pampering for you and your MilSpouse friends over a video call. Paint
  your nails, vent, and enjoy.
• Organize a video call to plan out your sports fantasy leagues over snacks and adult
  beverages
• Organize a virtual brunch or cocktail hour. While it’s not the same as doing it in person, it’s still special. Plus, you get to do it in comfy clothes.

Remember those with deployed spouses

While all military spouses are to be celebrated, we need to be sure to pay special attention to
those with a deployed service member. Here are some ideas for lifting them up and celebrating
them on this day:

• Get crafty and make them something special letting them know you are thinking of
  them.
• Create a special gift basket filled with thoughtful items to make them smile.
• Offer to watch their children, if they have them, so they can take some self-care time.
  This gift is absolutely priceless.
• Do you like to cook or bake? Surprise them with a homemade dinner or sweet treat! If
  you aren’t the best in the kitchen, find a restaurant that delivers and order out. You’ll be
  not only gifting the spouse, but you’ll be supporting your local restaurants that have
  been hard hit by the pandemic. It’s a win for everyone.

In the end, the biggest and most important thing you can do to celebrate a military spouse is to
see them and their service. While they don’t put on a uniform, they willingly sacrifice many
things to support this country. On this day, celebrate all of the military spouses both past and
present by remembering them and the vital role they play. At Caliber Home Loans we do our
part to honor and recognize military spouses on Military Spouse Appreciation day and every
other day of the year too!

As a military family, you need home loans specific to your needs. You deserve a trusted home loan company that is committed to serving you. MilHousing Network is proud to partner with Caliber Home Loans, Inc. to bring military families mortgage options when buying a home. Contact them today at 855-202-1124 or visit www.calibermilitarylending.com to learn how they can support your unique military lifestyle.