The Reno Dads’ purpose is to shine a spotlight fatherhood in our community. As such, today we take a step back and recognize some of those people whom have helped shape our views and values in a way that makes us better fathers: Military Spouses.

Many of us are the children of service members or have personally served our country; some of us both. We know the sacrifices of military spouses are unending. They’ve put careers on hold to support their serving spouses. They’ve left their friends and family behind to live in unfamiliar places. They’ve even endured long deployments keeping the family strong and together while their spouses defend our country far from home. Through such sacrifice, military spouses have taught us lessons that we strive to pass on to our children. Lessons about sacrifice and duty. Lessons about service to our country and others. Lessons about love.

On April 17, 1984, President Ronald Reagan recognized these sacrifices in Proclamation 5184:

Since the early days of the Continental Army, the wives of our servicemen have made unselfish contributions to the spirit and well-being of their fighting men and the general welfare of their communities.

Throughout the years, as the numbers of our married men and women in uniform have grown and as their military missions have become more complex and dispersed, their spouses have made countless personal sacrifices to support the Armed Forces. In many instances, they subordinated their personal and professional aspirations to the greater benefit of the service family. Responding to the call of duty, they frequently endured long periods of separation or left familiar surroundings and friends to re-establish their homes in distant places. And there they became American ambassadors abroad.

With that in mind, the Reno Dads honor a group of individuals that have contributed greatly to our our country as they honor their spouses whom have sacrificed greatly as well (Click the image to enlarge it; Transcripts available at the bottom of the post)

Markus, US Navy:

Jennifer, Nevada Air National Guard:

Charlie, US Army & Nevada Army National Guard:

[Transcripts]

Markus, US Navy:

Anya,

When we both became doctors in Philadelphia and the Navy said San Diego. You said nothing.

When the Navy said give up your residency dreams because they owned me and mine. You said nothing.

When the Navy said pick up your animals and move across the world to an island in the pacific. You said nothing.

So what I realize today as I celebrate the mother of my baby girl. Is that when you said nothing. You really said everything.

Thank you for your everything and your shared service to this country.

Jennifer, US Air Guard

Dear Craig,

Military Spouse Appreciation Day is coming up and I wanted to take a minute to tell you how much I appreciate what you do for me and our family. You support me in every aspect of my military career and are my biggest cheerleader. When I need to go out of town at a moments notice you never  complain, always adapt, and make sure there are no hiccups at home.

The most amazing part is when, with very little notice, you dropped everything to move across country to live in Washington DC to support me in my career and hair-brained idea to go work at NGB. You made so many sacrifices to ensure I was advancing my career. You played stay at home dad like a champ even though it drove you crazy.

I know you will continue to support me and my military career and will make are the kids are always loved and cared for when I have to leave again and again.

The kids and I are so lucky to have you. Thank you!

Love, Jennifer

Charlie, US Army & Nevada Army National Guard

CB,

Who knew that a year long friendship in the desert would blossom in to this life? From your time in uniform to your time as the mother of our child, I have admired your steadfast commitment. Through good times and bad is what we promised several years ago. During this time you’ve endured multiple weekends without me, even when we had something grand in the works. Those summer vacations and camping trips set aside for my trips around the desert. I’ve missed every actual birthday you’ve had due to it, and still you’re by my side, stronger now than ever. At least two Christmases away from home and still we put up the tree and celebrate.

When we finally decided to begin having a family, you knew the turmoil that could ensue, yet we persevered and chose to start anyways. You spent a long hard nine months mostly alone, save for FaceTime and the occasional trip during one of our breaks. Yet through the ups and downs that pregnancy brings, you persevered. Now that our little G is here, you continue to amaze me by your continual presence, admiration, compassion, and ability to keep it all together. You continue to support my aspirations and perpetual trips for training, development, and deployment. You are the true Soldier and wear the badge of military spouse proud. Thank you for all that you do for me.

TYB,

CB