In honor of both Military Spouse Appreciation Day, May 9, and Mother’s Day, May 11, the Marriott Marquis Washington, DC, the district’s newest and largest hotel that opened its doors May 1, partnered with the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) to honor exceptional military moms and families.On Saturday, May 10, the hotel welcomed more than 100 military moms and their families – over 300 persons – for AUSA’s first ever Military Moms Mother’s Day Brunch.Military families from the Greater Washington Area were treated to a brunch prepared by Executive Chef Matthew Morrison.Guest speakers included Lt. Gen. Jerry L. Sinn, USA, Ret., AUSA vice president, finance and administration, and Commander Cara G. LaPointe, USN, PhD, a White House Fellow, Office of the First Lady.In addition, a special Sesame Workshop video address from the popular bi-lingual Sesame Street Muppet, Rosita, was a treat for the children and their families."I just want to say thank you for an amazing brunch and that we really appreciated AUSA’s and the Marriott’s work to put it together. My kids and I really enjoyed it, it was such a great treat," said Betsey Mercado, Army spouse and mom.Although we as a nation have celebrated Mother’s Day since 1914, celebrating Military Spouse Appreciation Day is fairly new.In 1984, President Ronald Reagan recognized the importance of spouse commitment to the readiness and well-being of military members and declared the Friday preceding Mother’s Day as Military Spouse Day.Every president since then has observed this day with a proclamation honoring a military spouses’s commitment and sacrifice to their service member and the nation.Observance of this day has evolved over the past 30 years and today it is the highlight of many celebrations at various posts, camps and stations.In 2008, Military Spouse Magazine took the celebration a step further and founded the Military Spouse of the Year Award.Sponsored by Armed Forces Insurance, the Military Spouse of the Year Award shows appreciation, recognition and honor to military spouses throughout the communities of the United States.The nominees are showcased as examples of military spouses that go above and beyond their spouses’ call of duty.According to the magazine, "The Military Spouse of the Year represents the millions of past and present military spouses who continue to thrive in a wartime environment, dedicate their lives and families to service of a grateful nation and give back to a community in need."This past May, 180 installation winners were narrowed down to six service-affiliated contenders for the title 2014 Military Spouse of the Year.Among them was the Army spouse of the year, Reda Hicks, from Fort Riley, Kan.At an awards ceremony May 10 in Arlington, Va., Hicks was presented the Spouse of the Year ribbon and medallion by Ann Campbell, wife of the Army’s vice chief of staff, and Jeanne Chandler, wife of the sergeant major of the Army.
Hicks was cited for her work as a leader of the Military Spouse JD Network, a group of attorneys who work to improve the lives of military families by raising awareness on issues affecting military families.As a partner in a Houston-based law firm, Hicks also advocates for licensing accommodations for military spouses, including bar membership without additional exam.Hicks is married to CWO Jake Hicks and they have a son, three year old Howie.In addition to Hicks, Ingrid Herrera-Yee, who holds a doctorate and works as a clinical psychologist, researcher and licensed mental health counselor, was recognized as Spouse of the Year for the National Guard.She is the co-founder of the Military Spouse Mental Health Professionals Network, and plans to push for initiatives and legislation that increase awareness of and treatment for the unique mental health needs of military families.She is married to Staff Sgt. Ian Yee and they have three sons. Herrera-Yee is also a member of the newly created AUSA Military Spouse Advisory Group.To learn more about the Military Spouse of the Year Program and the 2014 winners go to www.msoy.militaryspouse.comAlthough Military Spouse Appreciation Day and Mother’s Day come once a year, the challenges and rewards of being a military spouse and mother are never ending.Our sincerest congratulations go out to this years’ military spouse winners and our never ending gratitude goes out to all those spouses who fell in love with a soldier, sailor, airman, marine, or coast guardsman, and said "I Do" to a life of service. Family Strong – Army Strong