RAF Lakenheath appreciates military spouses

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. J. LaVoie
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, ENGLAND --  The Airman and Family Readiness Center, with support of AAFES vendors, 48 SVS, Private Organizations, and local businesses from the economy celebrated National Military Spouses Appreciation Day at RAF Lakenheath by saying thanks with a special event.

Spouses were treated to mini massages, portraits, manicures, facials, plants and door prizes as well as snacks. For any of the male spouses who were not interested in the pampering, the AFRC had free giveaways, such as haircuts, bowling, and golf up for grab.

"I think it's really nice. It kinda makes you feel special," said Maaret Ingram, an 48th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron spouse.

According to the AFRC staff, their goal was making spouses feel special is on this particular day.

"We are celebrating National Military Spouses Day because of the job spouses do," said Master Sgt. Mark Gilliard, 48th Mission Support Squadron AFRC superintendent. "It's easy for some to take them for granted. When military members deploy, we know they are serving their country, but we tend to forget the husbands and wives left at home. Their job is just as important because they tend to the family and home while their loved ones are downrange. We wanted to recognize the countless things they do behind the scenes in support of the mission."

Pauline Madison, 48th Mission Support Squadron AFRC Community Readiness Consultant, the event organizer, who is a spouse herself, concurred.

"When the service member is called to duty, the spouses step up and we wear many hats." They become the father, the mother, they take care of finances, maintain the house and car, become the disciplinarian, and so much more. Everything we do is so often not visible to the public eye and that's why it's important to have events like these." "I am very fortunate to work at the AFRC because I am afforded the opportunity to put on a show of appreciation and make our military spouses feel special firsthand."