Husbands, wives of those in uniform receive thanks Published May 13, 2011 By Sharon Kozak 56th Medical Operations Squadron LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- "If the military had wanted you to have a spouse, they would have issued you one." Remember those words? Well, that was then, and this is now. America's military has long recognized and acknowledged the significance of the military spouse. In 1984 President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the Friday before Mother's Day of each year to be Military Spouse Appreciation Day. Since then, presidents and senior military leaders have echoed the sentiments expressed by President Reagan. In addition to the public support and recognition of these leaders, events are commonly sponsored at installations across the nation and around the world to recognize the importance of these unsung heroes. It is a day for military spouses to stand up and be honored. The husbands and wives of all men and women in uniform worldwide deserve thanks. The Air Force salutes their strength, patriotism and support and realizes they make the mission possible. Thank military spouses for ... · the times they watched a ship sail from the harbor, an aircraft disappearing into the clouds, or a truck convoy pulling out of sight, unsure of when a loved one would return · the countless household moves from a place of familiarity to one unknown, often without the support of a spouse · the families held together and the anniversaries, birthdays and holidays celebrated without a spouse · the hand extended to another military spouse when the need was there, truly creating a military family · the spirit and strength shown when a service member was in harm's way · the pride displayed as a spouse while serving as an ambassador of the military