SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Military spouses are oftentimes unsung heroes. They move frequently, leaving their extended families, they stand behind their Airman, Soldier, Sailor, Marine or Coast Guardsman as they go to war and they keep their families and household together so that servicemembers can focus on the mission.
To honor military spouses, Friday will be the 25th Military Spouse Day.
The first Military Spouse Day was celebrated in 1984. Afterward, former President Ronald Regan proclaimed that Military Spouse Day will be honored the Friday before Mother's Day.
Team Scott will celebrate Military Spouse Day by passing out carnations from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday at the Base Exchange.
This week, Emily Ledford, 375th Communications Support Squadron Key Spouse and wife of Tech. Sgt. Dave Ledford, shares some of the things she has learned from being a military spouse.
Q: What is your favorite benefit to military life?
The culture, we get to move around so much. Before coming to Scott we were in Belgium and before that Alabama. We get to see different people and the way they live, it helps you appreciate what you have.
Q: How do you stay up to date on what's going on around base? How can others?
Mainly e-mails. I come on base two to three times a week and see the signs. Also there is a big calendar in the commissary. I also attend monthly key spouse meetings.
Q: How do you connect with other military spouses when you first arrive at a new duty location?
I always volunteer. Another thing is I attend picnics my husband's squadron has, the Match Up Picnic or anything that is base wide. We also try to attend the holiday parties and anything that is social to meet different people.
Q: What have you learned, or what is the best advice that you have received about being a military spouse and what would you give to other spouses?
The biggest thing is that the military is a big family, but you won't meet other spouses if you never leave the home, which makes it harder on yourself. You don't have to be in charge or responsible for an event, but just go to meet people. We were all civilians before the military. The military was new to me and I never would have leaned anything about the military before I volunteered. Just get out of the house.