Happy Military Spouse Appreciation Day!

The Air Force life is certainly not for the faint of heart. Though I’ve only technically been a military spouse for a little over a year now, I’ve been submerged in this lifestyle for almost a decade. Moving every couple of years (if you’re lucky to be somewhere that long), the “hurry up and wait” mentality, deployments, ever-changing schedules, missed holidays, and lonely nights… this life is not the easiest. And, I find that most people who are unfamiliar with the military only see this side of it- the negative. But, I’m here to tell you there’s so much more to this lifestyle. There are so many things to LOVE when it comes to being an Air Force spouse!

10 Things I Love About Being an Air Force Spouse

 

10. BRINGING OUT MY INNER “TYPE B”

I have always been incredibly “type A”, sometimes I even tease myself by saying that I’m “double A.” Since I can remember I’ve always had a plan, a schedule, my lists have lists. My anxiety gets exponentially worse when plans get changed and I’ve never been great about just going with the flow. Luckily, my husband helps me with this, but so does the Air Force. With the military, you MUST be able to go with the flow. Because, plans change- dates, times, and locations- everything changes. And sometimes, there’s no plan at all, it simply just happens! The Air Force has allowed me to calm down a bit and let things happen because truly I have no control whatsoever. And while I still don’t go with the flow very well, I’m getting there. Slowly but surely!

9. IMMUNE TO HOARDING

The fact that we move so frequently allows us to minimize our “crap” (for lack of a better word). Or, if you’d like me to put it politely, our household items that aren’t quite essential. Whether we pack it up ourselves, or the moving company does, the more you have the more time, more energy, more money, and more things to break! I love the simplicity of our home and the feeling of clean and organized (here comes that “double A” again). Put simply- the Air Force allows us to easily determine what’s important and what’s not so much.

 

8. DEPLOYMENTS

Before you go judging me, please know this doesn’t mean I enjoy being separated from my Husband. Truly I hate it more than anything, and often times deployments and TDYs are when I curse this Air Force the most. Though, the good thing about deployments are that they’re a time for a fresh start. It’s a time to work at something you’ve been thinking of for a while- whether that be exercising more to lose a few pounds, taking a class, learning a new language, deep cleaning your home, or working on a fun project. Not to mention- you’re able to watch endless amounts of your favorite trashy TV shows without judgement from your hubby.

Also, truly, absence does make the heart grow fonder. I think back to the time of dropping him off for deployment, coming back home was excruciating. I was hurting and I knew he was hurting too. There  were so many times I wished i could heal, be strong, and take that pain away and get rid of it. But at the same time I don’t, because through the tears, the lonely dinners for one, the sleep I couldn’t find, and the ache in my heart I realized that pain was the feeling of being in love, of being alive- the feeling of an emotion some don’t ever get to experience. I love him. He loves me. Totally and completely. I don’t want the pain, but I’ll take it if it means I get to live a life full of that kind of love.

And although deployments are very difficult while they’re ongoing, they help me put my own life into perspective. It makes my marriage stronger, and my relationships with friends more special. Truly, deployments help me focus on what is really important in my life.
7. AIRPLANES 

OOOOOH the Airplanes! There is nothing else quite like the roar of the engines overhead, or walking onto the flight line next to those big, beautiful, massive flying machines. I mean, planes are what we’re all about, right? As an Air Fore spouse, we constantly put up with continuous “plane talk.” Our spouses spend long days and weeks at work constantly flying and talking planes, yet on their days off that’s still all they can talk about. And undoubtedly you can pick out a pilot in the crowd just by looking for which ones always have their eyes to the sky whenever they hear a plane overhead. While it may bother some, there’s nothing I love more than hearing those planes fly over my house. Whether it be the booms of the AC-130, the chop of the CV22 flying low, or the roar of a fighter jet, to me it is a sound of comfort. Though they always rattle my expensive wine glasses on my display shelves, I wouldn’t change it for the world. It’s the sound of freedom!

6. UNIFORMS

Simply put… hubby looks great in uniform- any of them! Another bonus? WAY less laundry, so I’m good with that!

5. THE SISTERHOOD

No matter where you are in this world, as soon as you learn that someone is a military spouse, you share an instant bond. Truly, it’s a sisterhood like no other. You instantly understand each other in ways that most people can’t relate to. Without saying a word you know you’ve both shared tearful goodbyes, joyous hellos, deployment dinners consisting of Ben & Jerry’s and a glass (or three) of wine, the stress, lack of sleep, and you know how to dress up for a costume themed party real well. This is a sisterhood that protects each other through thick and thin. Who will support you, encourage you, and guide you along the way. Never rich by monetary standards, our hearts are overflowing with a wealth of experiences, common only to those united by the special tradition of military life.

4. TRADITION

This Air Force runs on customs, courtesies and traditions- it’s what connects us with those who have traveled this military journey before us. Many of these traditions are so fun and enjoyable, and some of the best parts of being an Air Force spouse.

-Honoring the Flag every night on base
-Dining Outs
-Military Balls (and their own traditions)
-Fly Overs
-“Fini Flights”
-Wedding Saber Arch
-Blue Star Banners
-Mustache March (Yes, this is a real tradition in the Air Force)

3. BEING ANYTHING BUT “DEPENDENT”

In the Air Force world, I’m considered a “dependent.” But really I have to disagree. If anything, this life teaches you how to be the most independent version of yourself. Because, let’s be honest, Murphy’s Law is a real thing- what can go wrong, will go wrong- especially during deployments. Being an Air Force spouse teaches you how to do so much on your own (though, I won’t lie- I have made quite a few phone calls to my Dad for help when things break!!)

2. OUR AIR FORCE FAMILY
 

The people in our United States Air Force are truly one of a kind. It’s incredible how quickly people you just meet become friends and then soon family. These are the people you laugh with, cry with, welcome new pets, babies, and spouses with. These are the people who will rush to your home in the drop of a hat during times of emergency or whenever you need them. They’re the people you lean on to get your through deployments. And the people who will always embrace you no matter what. In the Air Force you never have to worry about being alone or away from family during the holidays. There is always your Air Force family there to welcome you with open arms, into their home to celebrate those special times. The “see you laters” are never easy, but the beauty of it all is the USAF is a very small world, and undoubtedly, you’ll cross Air Force paths again.
1. THE ONGOING ADVENTURE OF THIS CRAZY LIFE

I’ll take the roller coaster over the carousel any day

” You are a patriot- the sort of citizen that all of us should be, but so few of us are. You live with sacrifice, because you believe in the rights and ideals that your spouse defends. Although you wear no uniform, you are a part of that defense- a vital link in the chain of freedom. Although you wear no medals and will reap no glory on the field of battle, you are a hero in the truest sense of the word. You are a military spouse.” – Jeff Edwards

To my fellow MilSO’s:

HAPPY MILITARY SPOUSE APPRECIATION DAY!