Spouses praised for vital role

  • Published
  • By Airman Alessandra N. Gamboa
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  Approximately 150 Ellsworth spouses came together to participate in a wide array of activities designed to thank them for all they do and the important role they play in the lives of their Airmen during Spouse Appreciation Day, May 6.

The day began with opening remarks from Jenn Pederson, Officer and Civilian Spouses' Club president, who focused her speech on the commitment of spouses to support their Airmen and ensure the success of the Air Force mission.

She spoke of personal sacrifices many spouses make in order to support their Airmen, day-in and day-out, at times by leaving friends behind to move to a new base or by spending special occasions alone as their Airmen are away serving the needs of the Air Force.

Mrs. Pederson emphasized that although spouses do not marry their Airmen to become recognized for their sacrifices, they make a personal commitment to their Airmen and to the Air Force which is honorable and is something they should feel personal pride in.

"We're not spouses to be appreciated," Mrs. Pederson said. "We just happen to love someone who puts on a uniform every day, and a part of that is accepting everything that goes along with being a military spouse. We sometimes sacrifice a piece of ourselves to ensure our husbands and wives do not bear the weight of the flag [and all it symbolizes] alone. We should all feel a little pride in the vital role we play."

Col. Jeffrey Taliaferro, 28th Bomb Wing commander, commended the spouses for the vital mission each plays to helping Ellsworth accomplish its mission.

"I'm very appreciative for everything you do for your Airmen to support and help them accomplish their mission," Colonel Taliaferro said. "Please enjoy this day and feel free to ask questions at your Airmen's work centers as you learn about their squadron and what they do."

The base commander also informed spouses of various ways they could connect with social support networks, answered questions regarding base issues and encouraged them to provide feedback on the day's events.

Following the opening event, spouses were invited to visit and tour their spouses' workplaces, learn about squadron missions from squadron commanders and partake in free lunches provided for the spouses and their Airmen.

One of the spouses, Jason Haddad, husband of Airman 1st Class Kendal Haddad, 28th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron defense avionics specialist, visited his wife's work center for the first time.

While taking the opportunity to introduce himself and make new friends, Mr. Haddad spoke about the challenges a military spouse can face.

"It's not always easy to meet other spouses, so this is nice," Mr. Haddad said. "While the military helps in many ways and does a lot for you, it can be difficult, at times. My wife works different shifts that vary the time she can be at home with me, and this can sometimes add to the stresses of a relationship."

Spouse Appreciation Day is focused on recognizing husbands and wives for enduring the unique stresses that come from being married to someone in the military.

"We each have different stresses," said Lt. Col. Jason Combs, 28th Operations Support Squadron commander. "I realize challenges you and your families face may be different from those my family and I face, however I know the stress that comes with being apart from your loved ones due to deployments and other mission requirements. I want to offer you my sincerest thanks and let you know I really appreciate what you do. If I could give each of you $50,000 pay raises and two months off, I would do it in a heartbeat. But the one thing I can offer you is my appreciation and my empathy for all the challenging times you and your family go through in support of our mission."