Be thankful for contributions of military spouses

By Col. Aaron Burgstein, Air Force Public Affairs

Editor’s Note: Air Force Col. Aaron “Chewy” Burgstein wrote this unpublished commentary in the fall of 2014 while undergoing medical treatment for a brain tumor. He unfortunately passed away on Jan. 27, 2015. In recognition of Military Spouses Appreciation Day on May 21 and Memorial Day on May 31, Air Force News is publishing Col. Burgstein’s commentary in remembrance of his contributions to Air Force Public Affairs and as a reminder of the timeless contributions made by military spouses every day around the world.

In my nearly 20 years of military service, I have moved 12 times. It is more frequent than most service members, but yet not that unusual. Along the way in my career, I picked up a spouse. She has moved a total of nine times in our 13 years of marriage. Our children are just breaking into double digits and they have moved six times.

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Military Children Step in Their Parents’ Boots

By Senior Airman Sergio A. Gamboa 325th Fighter Wing

TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla., May 11, 2017 — The 325th Force Support Squadron and the base Family Readiness Center gave military children the opportunity to experience what their parents go through when they deploy overseas during the annual Jr. Raptor deployment experience event held May 6 at the Tyndall Youth Center and Silver Flag Field here.

Jr. Raptor is a program that has been going on for over a decade, benefiting military children by providing educational and hands-on activities with what some of their parents do to support the Tyndall mission.

Read more: Military Children Step in Their Parents’ Boots

Pence Salutes Service, Sacrifice of Military Families

By Lisa Ferdinando DoD News, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, May 10, 2017 - With military children gathered around him, Vice President Mike Pence saluted military families at an event at the White House yesterday.

"We're grateful that you're here at the White House today," Pence said. "We hope you leave here today with your hearts full of the assurance that the American people are grateful for those who serve in uniform and just as grateful for the families who stand by their side."

Read more: Pence Salutes Service, Sacrifice of Military Families

Winners of the 2017 Commander in Chief's Annual Award

DOD Announces Winners of the 2017 Commander in Chief's Annual Award for Installation Excellence
Press Operations
Release No: NR-166-17  May 8, 2017

Secretary of Defense James Mattis recently announced the 2017 recipients of the Commander in Chief's Annual Award for Installation Excellence:

. U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart, Germany
Commander: Colonel Glenn K. Dickenson

. Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina
Commander: Brigadier General Thomas D. Weidley

Read more: Winners of the 2017 Commander in Chief's Annual Award