Spouses Day educates, recognizes, appreciates loved ones

  • Published
  • By Katie Boles
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga --  Military spouses are no stranger to sacrifice, and Moody Airmen have planned a special way to thank them for their dedication and contribution to the base's mission.

National Military Spouse Day is celebrated on May 9 across the Department of Defense. In conjunction with this day, the base will hold a local recognition event on this day from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. outside the Freedom I Fitness Center.

The free event will kickoff at 8:30 a.m. with opening remarks by senior leadership followed by a day full of activities and information.

"This is the first time Moody has gotten together and consolidated events," said Sharon Thompson, Airman and Family Readiness Center interactive community readiness consultant. "We hope there will be something for everyone who attends."

Static displays will be set up at the Fuels Barn and feature an HH-60, HC-130, humvee and pararescue equipment.

On site, attendees will be able to try on different equipment Moody Airmen wear, as well as receive free aqua massages at the fitness center.

Along with these displays, information booths will be ongoing throughout the day to educate and inform spouses of the services and opportunities Moody has to offer.

"I have found there are many spouses that are not aware of all the opportunities and assistance programs the base offers," said Lt. Col. Jim Buchman, 23rd Wing director of staff. "Our objective is to educate and provide information to the spouses in a fun and exciting atmosphere."

There will be a first-come, first-served sign-up available for three off-site events, which will run from 9 a.m. to noon. These activities include an A-10 simulator and hanging harness tour from the 23rd Fighter Group and tours of the 820th Security Forces Group firearm training simulator and humvee rollover trainer. Spouses will also have the opportunity to tour the Air Traffic Control tower and Radar Approach Control facilities.

"The whole goal is to get the spouses to understand, in a fun way, what their service member goes through," said Ms. Thompson. "We have tailored the day for spouses."

A free lunch and opportunities to win door prizes will be provided at the information-fair area from noon to 2 p.m.

"The great thing about this day is the flexibility of the schedule," said Ms. Thompson. "Spouses are free to come and go as their schedule permits and plan their activities accordingly."

Childcare services will be available for spouses with young children. To sign up, attendees should contact the Child Development Center at 257-3935 by May 6.

Over 25 agencies are participating to make this day possible. Planning has been ongoing for the past couple months.

"We are very thankful and excited to participate in Spouses Day," said Amy Beers, a military dependent. "The planning committee was really good about asking our input and planning the day around us. I can't wait to try out the 820th Security Forces Group shooting simulator."

Moody hopes to continue the tradition of Spouses Day for years to come.

"It's amazing what our spouses do," Colonel Buchman added. "This job is basically thrust upon them because their significant other is in the military. It is really important to say thanks and show them that their contribution is important to the Moody mission. One day is not nearly enough, but it is our hope to, in a small way, show our appreciation."