R 111042Z MAY 12

ALCOAST 233/12
COMDTNOTE 1750
SUBJ: MILITARY SPOUSE APPRECIATION DAY
1. Since 1984, the Armed Forces have set aside a special day to
acknowledge the significant contributions of our spouses. This year,
Friday, 11 May 2012, has been designated Military Spouse Appreciation
Day to honor the husbands and wives who proudly serve beside us. As a
pillar of strength in our families, they are vital to our individual
successes and the overall readiness of the Coast Guard.
2. The life of a military family is one of unique challenges. Spouses
continue to meet these challenges with grace and strength. Military
spouses serve our country in their own special way by helping
families and friends through the stress of countless deployments,
demonstrating patience over many household moves, often to places far
from friends and family, holding families together during
anniversaries, birthdays, and holidays despite separations, extending
their hands to another military spouse or family when the need is
there, and for serving their communities and supporting each other
with pride when a loved one has made the ultimate sacrifice.
3. I encourage commanding officers, and officers-in-charge to honor
our military spouses during the month of May through the use of
appropriate ceremonies, celebrations, proclamations or a simple
"Thank You." Command ceremonies are appropriate venues to do so, and
evening activities may accommodate the schedules of working spouses.
4. Words cannot convey the depth of gratitude and appreciation for
our Coast Guard spouses as they support, encourage and serve
alongside the military member. I urge each of you to take time every
day to thank the husbands and wives who enable us to passionately and
successfully honor our profession.
5. RADM M. K. Dollymore, Director of Health, Safety, and Work-Life,
sends.
6. Internet release authorized.