Bush Recognizes Military Spouses at White House

By Ros Prynn

Military spouses have long been known as the backbone of the military in America. Yesterday at the White House, President Bush paid tribute to some very special spouses. No coincidence, yesterday was Military Spouse Day; a day set to recognise these special people by Ronald Reagan twenty four years ago.

During his speech, President Bush acknowledged a few military spouses by name. They included: Army wife Colleen Saffron, Coast Guard wife Ramona Vazquez, Air Force husband Bob Davison, Navy wife Ellen Patton, Dawnle Scheetz, an Army Reserve wife and Kaprece James, a Marine Corps wife.

To read the stories about these spouses who, along with the others at the White House yesterday, represent the best of America, read all of President Bush's speech. [ President Bush Commemorates Military Spouse Day ]

Military Spouse Day at the White House White House Press Office

President Bush awarded the spouses named above the Presidential Volunteer Service Award today for exceptional support to their communities and the nation. As he spoke of these spouses' invaluable contribution to America, President Bush said:

"...that military spouses' contributions don't always get the attention they deserve. "But I can tell you that every one of your efforts matters," he said. "You do not do this only for your loved ones who are serving and sacrificing in distant lands, but for your entire community and for our country.

"Your dedication, compassion and selflessness play a vital role in uplifting spirits," he said, "and our nation is deeply in your debt." [ http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=49792 ]

From the American Forces press Service comes this:

Alex Loudon, wife of Navy Command Master Chief Petty Officer Michael Dyer, left, and Amanda Villiers, wife of Army Staff Sgt. Stan Villiers, join about 1,100 military spouses at the White House for a Military Spouse Day celebration, May 6, 2008. Defense Department photo by Donna Miles

President Bush:

"...we need to recognize military spouses every day."

"One way we can repay the service of our spouses is by making the burdens of military life a little easier," he told the group, who enjoyed breakfast at red-and-white-checkered tables dotting the White House's South Lawn.

Bush noted that he signed a change to the Family and Medical Leave Act into law this year, drawing applause from the group. The law allows a spouse, parent, child or next of kin to take up to 26 weeks of leave from work to care for a seriously injured or ill servicemember undergoing therapy or treatment.

Referring to last week's revelations of poor housing conditions at Fort Bragg, N.C., Bush promised to do better. "When we find substandard housing, we'll take care of it," he told the spouses.

Bush said he's hoping Congress moves quickly to pass legislation he sent to Capitol Hill to ease some of the burdens military families face. These initiatives, announced during Bush's State of the Union address in January, would expand access to child care, create new authorities to appoint qualified spouses into civil service jobs, and provide educational opportunities and job training for our military spouses.

But the initiative that drew the most cheers from the crowd would amend the Montgomery GI Bill to allow troops to transfer their unused education benefits to their spouses or children.

"This legislation is moving. I hope to be able to sign it as quickly as possible," the president told the spouses. "It is the absolute right thing to do. It should send a clear message that we care for you, we respect you, and we love you."

Bush thanked military spouses who stand behind their loved ones serving the country during wartime. "Whether you signed up for military life at the recruiting station or at the altar rail, ... each person's a volunteer," he said. "And when you married your soldier, sailor, airman, Marine or Coast Guardsman, you became more than just part of a family. You became part of our nation's military family." [ http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=49791 ]

In related news, Military Spouse magazine honored Michelle McIntyre-Brewer as the 2008 Military Spouse of the Year yesterday.

The wife of an Army second lieutenant, McIntyre-Brewer somehow finds time to volunteer at the United Service Organizations, Soldier's List, American Red Cross, American Heart Association, and March of Dimes, all while raising two young children, including a daughter born with a heart defect.

During the award ceremony today, McIntyre-Brewer, 29, said the award represents the idealized military spouse, one who supports the mission of an American military that aims to improve conditions in parts of the world less fortunate than the United States.

"As military spouses, we have a responsibility that we are humanitarians, that we are not war mongers. We are people who want to be able to bring and instill peace around the world," she said receiving the first-ever award. "We want to show people that our hearts are made of gold."

McIntyre-Brewer, who has been described as an "alpha mom," told the audience she feels obligated to empower other military family members to make change the world for the better.

"It is my responsibility to give back and give forward, and to make sure that everybody else who's risking the loss of their children, or their husbands or their community, are able to make a difference in this world," she said.

Army Second Lt. Stephen Brewer said his wife wanted to accept the award, not to celebrate her own virtue, but for the honor it bestows on all military spouses.

"I think it's time that the spouses and families are more recognized for the hard work and effort they put in," he said. "As military people, we volunteer, but our families don't, and yet they put forth so much effort with very little recognition. They like to give us medals and ribbons, but very rarely is a spouse given his or hers."

The Army officer, who is pictured with "Chelle" on the cover of Military Spouse Magazine, said he generally avoids the limelight. "But to be on there with her is definitely something special," he said.

Babette Maxwell, Military Spouse magazine co-founder and executive editor, called McIntyre-Brewer an inspiration.

"Chelle is a reminder that inside each of us is the same passionate and committed spirit that puts others before themselves, sees the need and fills it, and follows dreams," Maxwell said. "Chelle's relentless dedication to her family and others in need make her a most deserving candidate for military spouse of the year." [ http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=49795 ]

Congratulations to ALL our military spouses - who DO always have a place in this writer's heart!

Ros Prynn is a NewsBlaze investigative reporter and editor, who writes on many topics. Contact her by writing to NewsBlaze.

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