Military Spouse of the Year Award - Now Accepting Nominations
Although praise is deservedly lavished on military service members serving this country, we sometimes overlook their support system at home; their military spouses.
Long deployments to far away lands are no easy task. Military service members are in harms way and away from the family they love for extended periods of time. The wives and husbands left at home have an equally daunting task in that they're charged with keeping the home fires burning.
In recognition of their countless contributions and sacrifices, Military Spouse Magazine is accepting nominations for the 2009 Military Spouse of the Year.
Folks are encouraged to submit a nomination for either themselves or an eligible nominee of their choice. To submit a nomination, individuals must complete the nomination form online at www.msoy.milspouse.com. The nomination period runs from today through Oct. 8, 2008. Judges will review all submissions and select ten finalists from each military service branch, after which readers will select one branch winner.
"This award is an opportunity to thank all military spouses for their invaluable contributions, in addition to recognizing them for the challenges they overcome every day," said Babette Maxwell, Military Spouse magazine co-founder and executive editor.
What a terrific idea! You're right the families so need support and encouragement - their sacrifice is just as great.......in essence for extended periods of time they're function as a single-parent home........and for those with children over seas......its their very life blood.......there should be another award for 'parents' of'....
Great Idea! Having served I totally understand long deployments in far away places. Thankfully, I was not married at the time I was in the Corps...
Jesse, this is a great idea for the spouses of our Military.
Wow Jesse what a cool idea. I never knew there was such an award!
Jesse, great job making people more aware of this. I'm sure it is very hard to hold down the fort when a loved one is in harm's way. xxoo Thanks for updating my TLW post. You are a prince among men!
Jesse, This is a great idea and such an honor for the spouse to be recognized. I believe they have the harder job and are oftentimes totally forgotten about.
Jesse...
I love to see attention focused on the families that make the sacrifice of giving up their loved ones in order to serve our country. Thanks for bring this to everyone's attention!
Jesse, I wasn't even aware they had this kind of award out there but it is just deserved. The support that the spouses and families have back home for the soldier, airmen or Marine overseas is incredible. It is a huge sacrifice they make as a family.
It's wonderful that you posted this, Jesse, as I imagine many people read your blog and will submit nominees -- all because you cared enough to take the time to write about it.
Hi Jesse,
It's so nice to hear about this. Those left behind while loved one are serving certainly need our support too. I can't even imagine what that would be like, especially for spouses and children.
Jesse: What a GREAT contest! Coming from a military family, I DO understand the impact that the job has on those at home, supporting the enlisted mates and children. I'm glad to hear that they're recognized like this!
Jesse, what a great post. You are right, the spouses really have to bear a big burden. My Mom had to do double time when my father was overseas either for duty or war. Bless her heart, she really gave us double love at that time.
Good for you for reminding us of the spouses and how important they are to our country.
Jesse - This is an awesome contest and you are awesome for calling it to our attention. I may just have to take this inspiration and come share it with my neighbors in Maryland.
I LOVE IT! I can't think of a more sacrificing group of people. IMHO...they give just as much to our country as the men in uniform. GBU!
JESSE, Thanks for the information as I never knew about this. In my opinion All of the spouses are Winners. May God Bless them, each and every one.
Thanks for all the comments. It's truly a challenge when the family is left behind. There are support systems in place but it's always nice to have the community rally behind them as well. Feel free to reblog this to help get the word out!
As the spouse of a (now retired) Army officer, I met many, many awesome military spouses. They are truly unsung heroes. Thanks for posting this!