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Military spouse appreciation events at Kirtland

  • Published
  • By Teresa Reinhard
  • 377th Force Support Squadron
Kirtland Air Force Base, NM --  President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the Friday before Mother's Day, 1984, as the first "Military Spouse Appreciation Day," in "recognition of the countless personal sacrifices military spouses have made in support of the Armed Forces."

Every year since, the President of the United States has continued the tradition. President Obama wrote in his 2010 Military Spouse Appreciation Proclamation letter, "At the heart of our Armed Forces, servicemembers' spouses keep our military families on track. They balance family life, military life, and their careers all while supporting other military families and giving back to their communities. They are pillars of strength in their families, often celebrating their children's life milestones while the other parent is away."

This year, Kirtland AFB will celebrate and recognize military spouses by hosting four events June 11-18. The events, developed as the result of meetings with Kirtland AFB key spouses, offer something fun and relaxing "just for the adults," as well as activities for the entire family.

"Movie under the Stars" will be June 11, starting at dusk at Hardin Field. Bring the entire family, along with lawn chairs and a picnic meal, to enjoy the movie, "The Tooth Fairy."

Family Bowling Night at the Kirtland Lanes Bowling Center will offer discounted bowling to families June 16, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Military spouses will receive a free soda and be eligible to enter a drawing to win a bowling ball.

Tijeras Arroyo Golf Course will provide a "Party on the Patio" for the family June 17 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The grill will be fired up and refreshments will be available for purchase.

Finally, the culminating event will be a Military Spouse Appreciation Pool Party on June 18 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Outdoor Recreation Pool, behind the Mountain View Club. The pool party will be an "adults-only" evening, and RSVPs are requested. Child care will be available at the CDC for those who register by June 11. Appetizers and a cash bar will be available. The first 50 military spouses who RSVP to the Airman and Family Readiness Center at 846-0741 will receive a military spouse coin.

Activities will include "Noodle" duct tape boat races, bingo, chair massages, manicurists, color analysis, aroma therapy, acupuncture, and nutritional awareness table. All military spouses of all branches, including Reserve and Guard, active-duty and retired, are invited to come out, have fun and be recognized. Bring the military member or leave him or her at home with the kids! Come solo or attend with your friends. Either way, have fun, relax and feel pampered.

Military spouses display unfailing dedication, courage and support to their military member and family, the Armed Forces, and the military mission. They keep our families and community strong.