Our military men and women earn medals, ribbons and awards for going above and beyond the call of duty. Well, military spouses certainly serve in their own way in their own communities, just with much less recognition.
What medals, ribbons or awards do you think military spouses earn during their military life journey?
If military spouses were to earn medals, ribbons or awards, these are a few that we would like to see.
If They Made Military Spouse Medals, We’d Want These
Faithful Friend Award
Military spouses stick together through thick and thin. We show up, with snacks and drinks, during the worst of times. From pinch-hitting on child care to celebrating birthdays, we are there for each other. Sometimes, we even fill in for deployed spouses during birth and delivery!
Through thick and thin, our military spouse friendships sustain and support us across the miles.
Positive PCS Ribbon
We don’t get to pick where we live and most times, we don’t get even a little bit of a say or even a top 5 list. Instead, no matter where we land, we try to make the very best of any situation.
Before we even move, we research new schools, parks and local attractions in our new hometown. We are pumping up the kids and ourselves, planning fun experiences and decorating new bedrooms.
Balanced Budget Campaign Medal
Military salaries are not plush when compared to the amount of risk and work taken to earn them. Military spouses are often forced to take salaries below their education level or remain unemployed, due to frequent moves. Balancing that tight budget can be tricky.
Through dedicated coupon cutting and savvy shopping, we somehow figure it out. We serve nutritious meals. We purchase clothes to suit every clime and place. And we keep a roof over our heads, even if that home has very white walls.
It’s not easy, but we make it work!
Career Flexibility Merit Award
Military spouses are ambitious. Many of us have college degrees, some of us even have advanced education. Others have certifications in a slew of careers, from beauty to child care. We are always trying to find that next thing, at the next duty station.
Despite all that education and planning, military spouses are notoriously underemployed or unemployed. Yet, we take the setbacks and hiccups in our careers in stride. When we can’t find something that perfectly suits our background, we create positions or retrain in a different field. We volunteer to learn new skills.
Above all, we are flexible and willing to meet the needs of the military. Even when that means sacrificing a job that we love.
Meritorious Volunteer Ribbon
When a military unit needs something handled, the military spouse is right there. We are ready to serve in volunteer positions both on and off base. From family readiness groups to religious organizations, we are more than willing to step in.
Military units rely on us to organize care packages, host family fun days and activate phone trees. Without us, so many necessary tasks wouldn’t get accomplished.
Family Travel Agent Award
Everyone loves a vacation! Military spouses are experts at planning economical and fun adventures. We work those military discounts like a boss.
We search out places that will cut us a deal on hotels, cruises and airfare. From Disney’s Military Salute discounted tickets to Sandal’s 10% discount, we are like bloodhounds for the best deals.
Facebook Friendship Medal
Facebook and blogs have created connections between military spouses across continents and around the world. We reach out to each other online with questions, concerns and helpful hints. Facebook groups help us to find job leads and the best restaurants in our new hometown.
Social media is our sounding board and go-to place for stand-in therapists. We get the dirt on Tricare rules and regulations, and can ask the what-ifs of life. Even after our spouses have left active service, online groups allow us to connect to friends in similar situations.
The best part is when our online friends turn into real life friends. With how often we move, the chances are good that one day soon you’ll bump into a Facebook friend IRL.
