Military Spouse Appreciation Day – May 12, 2017

The life of a military spouse requires 24/7 dedication, patience, and sacrifice that often goes unsung. To recognize the profound importance of spousal commitment, President Ronald Reagan declared the first Military Spouse Appreciation Day in 1984.

Every year since, on the Friday before Mother’s Day, we recognize what a powerful difference spouses make in the lives of our service members.

Here are 10 ways you can thank a military spouse today:

1. Hire them!
2. Welcome them to your neighborhood when they move in.
3. Check in regularly.
4. Invite them for coffee at your home or a local shop.
5. Send flowers. Better yet, deliver them personally.
6. Catch a funny movie together.
7. Offer to babysit during date night.
8. Be an exercise “accountability” partner.
9. Simply say, “Thank you, too, for serving.”
10. Spread the word that May 12, 2017, is Military Spouse Appreciation Day.

Additional ways to thank a military spouse when their service member is deployed:

• Instead of telling them to reach out if they need anything, show up and just be there.

• Offer to babysit so they can have alone time for errands, a nap or catching up on bills.

• Offer handy services around the house.

• Offer to take their photo or make a video for them to send overseas to their deployed spouse.
• Invite them to join your family for a cookout/holiday meal.

• Deliver a freezable casserole for a night they don’t feel like cooking.

To show your support for Military Spouses visit www.usaa.com/shopping  for special savings and discounts.

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