Dyess appreciates its spouses

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Todd Wycoff, 7th Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordinance disposal, demonstrates a robot’s capabilities for a group of spouses during the 2012 Team Dyess Military Spouse Appreciation Day May 11, 2012, at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas. The event included security forces K-9, firefighting and EOD demonstrations, as well as a tour of a B-1 simulator and weapons load crew training facility. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Richard P. Ebensberger/ Released)

Dyess appreciates its spouses

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Troy Drasher, 7th Munitions Squadron weapons standardization crew member, explains how to load weapons on a B-1 during the 2012 Team Dyess Military Spouse Appreciation Day May 11, 2012, at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas The event included security forces K-9, firefighting and EOD demonstrations, as well as a tour of a B-1 simulator and weapons load crew training facility. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Richard P. Ebensberger/ Released)

Dyess appreciates its spouses

A group of spouses tour the fire fighting training complex, during the 2012 Team Dyess Military Spouse Appreciation Day May 11, 2012, at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas. The event included security forces K-9, firefighting and EOD demonstrations, as well as a tour of a B-1 simulator and weapons load crew training facility. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Richard P. Ebensberger/ Released)

Team Dyess hosts spouse appreciation day

Published May 15, 2012
By Senior Airman Robert Hicks
7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- "Military spouses serve as steady and supportive partners to the heroes in uniform who protect and defend our great nation every day," said President Barack Obama. "Across America and around the world, military spouses serve our country in their own special way, helping families and friends through the stress of a deployment, caring for our wounded warriors, and supporting each other when a loved one has made the ultimate sacrifice..."

Team Dyess spouses were recognized for their hard work and dedication toward their significant other with demonstrations from the fire department, military working dogs and the explosive ordinance disposal unit May 11, 2012.

"I have to give our spouses a lot of credit, it's a tough job," said Liz Béen, wife of Col. David Béen, 7th Bomb Wing commander. "The Air Force, as well as the other services, has provided a strong core source of information and support for us through the Airman & Family Readiness Center and other base entities."

Military Spouse Appreciation Day began on May 23, 1984, after President Ronald Reagan made a proclamation to recognize the hard work done by military spouses every day. Typically held on the Friday before Mother's Day, the eventful day is celebrated on military installations worldwide.

"On Military Spouse Appreciation Day, we have an opportunity to not only honor the husbands and wives of our servicemembers, but also thank them by actively expressing our gratitude in both word and deed," said First Lady Michelle Obama, May 5, 2011, from the Presidential Proclamation.

Military spouses have been known for their strength through deployments with the help of friends and special programs offered at all military installations. While their significant other serves overseas, spouses keep things stable and running smoothly on the home front.

"There are numerous struggles a spouse goes through when their significant other is deployed," said Anna Hill, 317th Maintenance Squadron key spouse. "You become responsible for taking care of the children and your home, while working. But we have a great network here, people pull together and if you have a problem, you will always have someone to call on."

The A&FRC offers PLAYpass cards that provide members and their eligible family members the opportunity to participate in a multitude of force support squadron programs for free or at a reduced cost.

The cards, valued at more than $500, feature discounts on activities such as child care, youth sports, recreation programs and classes.

"It's a great privilege to be here today," Mrs. Béen said. "I really count myself blessed to be in the company of other spouses doing the same, if not more than me. I'm always amazed at the strength and flexibility of these women and how well they support their families and spouses."