Being a military spouse isn’t always easy. Visions of grandeur, blissful moves and the perfect duty station are often replaced with reality — claims to the transportation office for broken household goods, re-registering the kids for school and searching for yet another job in what may not be your favorite geographic location. However, life as a military spouse guarantees you at least one thing … it is never boring.

This lifestyle takes a lot of adjustment, flexibility and courage. Servicemembers can deploy on a moment’s notice, leave for stretches of time on TDYs and work long hours to ensure the mission is on track. Military spouses are often the unsung heroes behind the scenes, with many sacrificing employment and education opportunities in order to keep the everyday details in check and manage the home front so the active-duty member can stay focused and ready.

In recognition of these spouses, President Ronald Reagan established the first Military Spouse Appreciation Day in 1984. Each year, on the Friday before Mother’s Day, spouses are honored and recognized at military installations around the world. This year we celebrate the fortitude and resiliency of these amazing spouses on Friday, May 12. Be sure to check with your local Force Support Squadron or MWR for special festivities and events for spouses.