In 1984, President Ronald Reagan recognized the profound impact of the commitment of the Military Spouse to the readiness and well-being of military service members. He officially made Military Spouse Appreciation Day part of National Military Appreciation Month in 1999. Subsequently, the Department of Defense standardized the date by declaring the Friday before Mother’s Day every year as “Military Spouse Appreciation Day” to show appreciation for the sacrifices of military spouses.
This year, the Chamber hosted area military spouses and supporters for a joint resource fair and watch party of the 7th Annual U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Military Spouse Employment Summit from Washington, D.C. in observance of Military Spouse Appreciation Day. This was an opportunity for more than 100 guests to recognize the role of wives, husbands, and partners of the brave individuals who serve in the U.S. Armed Forces, including Active, Guard and Reserve components.
On Military Spouse Appreciation Day, we honor the contributions and sacrifices made by military spouses. Their commitment helps to keep our country safe and our military “mission ready.” America’s military spouses are the backbone of the families who support our troops during training, deployments, and frequent moves. Military spouses are unsung heroes who are essential to the strength of the nation, and their service cannot be underestimated. You will find Military Spouses everywhere in San Antonio, volunteering in local community organizations, working full time in our businesses, teaching in our schools, and staying home raising future generations of Military leaders.
“Military City USA is always paying it forward to our Military Community. Thank you, San Antonio Chamber and USAA, for supporting the Military Spouse Appreciation reception with the Hiring Our Heroes Military Spouse Employment Watch party,” relayed Carla Miller, Deputy Director at Hiring Our Heroes, “At the reception, there were meaningful connections and conversations made!”
The San Antonio Chamber of Commerce continues to advocate for hiring Military Spouses and supporting them in their efforts to continue their education, develop transportable careers with ease of credentialing, certifications, and licensing and highlighting their resilience and dedication to any effort they undertake. We have been proud to support legislation during Texas’ 88th Legislative Session that brings awareness to the unique needs of our Military Spouses.
“We want to say ‘Thank you’ to our Military Spouses, today and every day, for all you do to support our Nation’s Finest,” says Lori Stinson, VP of Military Affairs and Leadership Development. “We also are proud to bring our area’s vast resources together to support military spouses, their families, and their service members at this fun event.”