Indulgence, information for honorees on Military Spouse Appreciation Day

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Tonnette Thompson
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  There were many luxuries offered at the Community Activity Center May 11 that one usually doesn't get for free.

A quick manicure, complete with a chance to win a gift set of beauty products. Teenagers posing on a stage modeling the latest fashions. Airbrushed tattoos of anything from a rose to flaming footballs to a scorpion. And two massage chairs, one offering electric "magic fingers," and a traditional chair with a trained masseuse standing by to offer an old-fashioned rubdown.

This and more was offered to all military dependents during the Military Spouses' Appreciation Day celebration. The event, hosted by the Airman & Family Readiness Flight, served as a small tribute to those who serve their country by supporting their loved ones who wear the uniform.

"I'm really enjoying it, we're having fun," said Dawn Poulton, showing off the temporary tattoos she and her son Calvin had just received. "It's a chance to just have a little fun, relax and get pampered."

Other organizations represented at the event included Sheppard Youth Services, the Family Advocacy Program, Family Child Care, the 82nd Services Squadron, the Sheppard Officers' and Enlisted Spouses clubs, the 365th Training Squadron Spouses Group, the Health and Wellness Center, TRICARE and the Defense Commissary Agency.

"This was the best turnout ever," said Natalie Henderson, a TRICARE beneficiary counselor, gesturing toward her cleared table, once fully stocked with information brochures just a few hours earlier. "This was an excellent networking method."

"It went very well, the turnout was probably around 150, and that's not counting all the children," said Beatrix Mote, a health educator with the 82nd Medical Group, and an organizer for the event.

While the Commissary booth offered news of their upcoming food sales and the Spouses' Club booths gave notification of their next meetings, the Family Advocacy booth had pamphlets on coping skills when a family member deploys, and baby dolls specifically designed to illustrate how an infant can suffer brain damage when shaken. In short, each booth offered information on about every situation a military spouse might face ... or at least an idea of where to go for the answer.

"Not every military dependent knows where to go when they need something, and although this was first and foremost about recognizing the spouses on their special day, we also used this opportunity to get the word out about these organizations as much as anything else," said Valerie Cook, a member of the 82nd Mission Support Squadron and an organizer for the event.

Military Spouse Appreciation Day falls every year on the Friday before Mother's Day.