Spouses are stars during appreciation week

  • Published
  • By Rebecca Burylo
  • Air University Public Affairs
MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala.-- --  The Maxwell community has a chance to shower spouses of military members with lunch deals, family drafts, life classes, bowling and golf specials throughout this year's Military Spouse Appreciation Week, May 6-10, themed "A Salute to Maxwell Stars."

After giving of themselves daily for military members, their families and the community, spouses deserve at least a week to be pampered and recharged, according to La Tonya Lewis, community support coordinator, who is overseeing the week's events.

"This is a week to celebrate them and let them know that they are important. Let's take our hats off to them for a moment, let's take time out of our year to salute them," said Lewis.

Vanessa Edwards, wife of 42nd Air Base Wing Commander Col. Trent Edwards, and Karen Meade, wife of Chief Master Sgt. Garth Meade, the wing command chief, both agree on the necessity of caring for spouses who may not otherwise allow themselves a break from life's demands.

"Everyone has to recharge their battery once in a while," said Meade. "If you don't, you won't have anything left for anyone else much less yourself."

Kat Fadok, wife of Lt. Gen. David Fadok, Air University commander and president, will begin the week as the luncheon speaker at 11 a.m. May 6 at the Maxwell Event Center. Dozens of vendors offering cosmetics, lotions, clothing, accessories and more will line the walls of the MEC for spouses to browse from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Base Integrated Delivery System agencies will also have information to share at the luncheon, and door prizes will be available.

Registered spouses can enjoy free sandwich trays, fruit, chips, cookies, brownies and beverages. Children accompanying parents must bring a separate lunch and will be provided a supervised play area beginning at 8 a.m. Registrations for spouses and children can be made by calling 953-9822 or 953-6214 by April 30.

Other offerings throughout the week will include a Zumba class at the Maxwell Fitness Center, Mother's Day craft session for spouses and children at both Maxwell and Gunter community libraries and free classes through the Airman and Family Readiness Center helping with child peer pressure, managing money, developing a resume and refining public speaking skills.

The Maxwell Club, Two Putts Grill, Maxwell Bowling and Gunter Lanes are offering discounts on lunch buffets, specials and combo meals. Maxwell Bowling and Gunter Lanes will also have $1 games and shoe rentals on select days.

A free bucket of range balls and Professional Golfers' Association tips will be given to spouses on Wednesday by the Cypress Tree Golf course.

A "tough breed," spouses are serious about their role in supporting their military spouses, according to Edwards, and she hopes this week acknowledges their unseen efforts and gives them the appreciation they deserve.

"I want to thank spouses for their military service," said Edwards. "I want them to know we see their sacrifice and we're very grateful."