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Pope recognizes the military spouse

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Todd Wivell
  • 43rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
POPE AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  Honor, courage, discipline, patriotism and dedication -- these are the many characteristics of an Airman in today's Air Force. However, they are also the characteristics of those often behind the scene -- the characteristics of the military spouse. The military spouse is the person who stands behind that Airman through their ups and downs, the person who gives so much to ensure the Airman is taken care of and the person who is the constant in an ever-changing world. 

Pope celebrated the military spouse with a spouse's night out "Margaritaville" style dinner at the Pope Club May 7 and a morning full of events at the Airman and Family Readiness Center May 8. 

The May 7 spouse's night out function was full of celebration, as the spouses of Pope enjoyed a dinner, dance and bingo along with a night full of prizes. The back deck of the Pope Club was decorated with tiki torches, brightly colored table decorations and grass skirting, lending the feel of a true "Margaritaville" party. More than 30 spouses enjoyed this evening full of events that included Col. John McDonald, 43rd Airlift Wing Commander, calling out the Bingo numbers. The grand prize for the evening was a $100 dinner for two cooked by the Pope Club chef and hosted by Col. Charles Dunn, 43rd Mission Support Group Commander, and his wife Brenda, at their home. 

As the spouse recognition continued the morning of May 8, the spouses of Pope were welcomed at the A&FRC with vendors handing out free information and gifts. From there they were treated to a free breakfast and a morning of guest speakers and entertainment. 

Colonel McDonald started the day off by thanking all the spouses for their service to the Air Force and reminded them his door is always open for their suggestions and ideas. A local councilwoman from the Fayetteville Mayor's office addressed the spouses as well, thanking them for their unending support to the military member. 

As the morning continued, more prizes were handed out to the spouses in attendance and after a short break they were entertained by the "Stars & Stripes," a group of local women who have been together since 1977 entertaining groups of all ages with their songs of America's pride and patriotism. 

Both the evening dinner May 7 and the morning events May 8 were just a small token of appreciation from Pope to all those spouses who give so much to ensure their military spouse is taken care of. 

As it is the honor of serving their country by supporting Airmen, the military spouses of Pope were recognized for their courage to stay at home while their spouse is deployed, the discipline learned throughout their spouse's career, the patriotism to the United States and the unending dedication to both their spouse and their country. Although this special recognition only lasted two days, it is a reminder that the military spouse should never be forgotten and should always be appreciated.