We can’t think of a better way to celebrate Military Spouse Appreciation Day than to recognize the amazing contributions MilSpouses make on behalf of SpouseLink and AAFMAA. From our SpouseLink Ambassadors and guest bloggers… to the military spouse employees at AAFMAA, they are all part of the power behind our military community. We’re so proud to have them as part of our workforce!
We asked some of our teammates what makes them feel appreciated as a MilSpouse and what they plan to do to treat themselves this month. See what they said and how they plan to celebrate their unique roles.
What makes you feel appreciated as a Military Spouse?
“In working with our AAFMAA Members and their families… I now understand the value and honor of being a Military Spouse.”
How are you celebrating yourself in May?
“I will celebrate by continuing to serve AAFMAA Members and their spouses. Thanking the military spouse for their service, past, present and future. Every day is a military spouse day!”
Gisella Mancilla
SpouseLink Ambassador Marine Corps | San Diego, CA
“I feel truly valued and supported when my spouse not only acknowledges but wholeheartedly expresses gratitude for my dedication to “holding down the fort” throughout his demanding work environment.”
How are you celebrating yourself in May?
“I plan on celebrating with the new friends (military spouses) I’ve connected with in a short amount of time. Military friendships are one of a kind; we are in this together.”
Megan Penry
AAFMAA Member Benefits Representative
“As a military spouse, I feel most appreciated when connecting with other spouses. It’s validating to share our accomplishments and challenges with one another and the support from the military spouse community is unmatched.”
How are you celebrating yourself in May?
“I will celebrate by taking my first ever vacation away from my kids and husband. Meeting up with my childhood girlfriends in Fort Walton Beach, FL!”
Tara Smith
SpouseLink Ambassador Marine Corps | MacDill, AFB
“What makes me feel appreciated as a military spouse is being recognized and thanked. Military spouses do a lot to support their servicemember but often are overlooked. Additionally, military spouses face many trials and tribulations that go unspoken. Our unwavering hearts and ability to persevere make us strong.”
How are you celebrating yourself in May?
“I am in the middle of selling my house, PCS preparation, and finishing my master’s degree. What break? LOL! I will try to give myself a day off.”
Jaimi Erickson
SpouseLink Contributing Writer
“When community-building projects I work on grow to produce military spouse friendships, I feel appreciated through the accomplishment. Military spouses carry a heavy load to balance out the demands that come with the active-duty member’s service. But, we really do have the power to create community and connection everywhere we go. That is a special opportunity.”
“I always look forward to my husband coming home after travels. He knows I love jewelry and tries to bring me home something unique from each location.”
How are you celebrating yourself in May?
“I will treat myself to a spa day and attend some events to support other Military Spouses.”
So now that we’ve heard from our team, we’d love to hear from you! Let us know in the comments below how you’d like to celebrate being a Military Spouse.
And, as always, we want you to know we truly appreciate you! Thank you for being here and for everything you do.
Article originally published May 6, 2021. Updated May 8, 2024.
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