May is Military Appreciation Month

"... being part of the military tradition and all of the hoopla!"

This month is Military Appreciation Month and while it highlights an opportunity for government leaders, civilians, neighbors, extended family and businesses to thank our men and women in uniform, their families and veterans; we should take a moment to appreciate ourselves too!

The military lifestyle is tough and we share a unique perspective on world events. Yes, we have/had jobs where our families watched CNN or other news to see where we might be going next. How many prayers have gone up for our safety, protection and success?

This month is a great opportunity to reflect on what you as an individual have accomplished. Successful missions, promotions, new educational levels, different skills, homefront care, family growth and spiritual, mental and physical strength shown. How about finances, friendship and focus on goals? We all know our strengths and weaknesses but which do you highlight during discussions, during personal times or meditation? Find a way to appreciate your strengths and build a weakness into a strength when the opportunity comes your way.

Col K and Deb enjoying a military change of command

Today is Military Spouse Appreciation Day and they so deserve some special recognition.  The 150% we/they give every day while juggling job, home, military life, family issues, travel, PCS, long distance to extended families and much more.  The civilian community may not understand the significance of being solo during a deployment but we do! We can and should say thank you to each other!  My military spouse was so important to many of my successes I always look forward to this day of celebration.   Not sure how to say thank you?  Take a quick Look Back at 101 Ways to Thank a Military Spouse!  They often forget how special they are as well!  Tell him/her exactly how much you appreciate their unique role.

Do you tell your military friends thanks?  A social media post, a handshake, a smile, a heart felt verbal thank you, so many ways to share.  Military friendships can be heard to maintain. We all PCS, take new jobs, separate, retire, have changes of interest, etc. that make it hard sometimes to maintain friendships. This week we had a great opportunity to attend a change of command that brought many of our friends together to celebrate the success of two great leaders. It was a rare opportunity to see them together and spend a day being part of the military tradition and all of the hoopla! 

Take care of yourselves and enjoy life; it can be a tumult but grab every day that you have and make a difference. 

Col K