May 7 has been designated Military Spouse Appreciation Day. The Fort Gordon Military Community will recognize our spouses in a week-long celebration full of events and activities to demonstrate our appreciation for our “heroes at home.”

Military Spouse Appreciation Day began in 1984, when then, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the Friday before Mother’s Day as Military Spouse Appreciation Day. Since that time, bases around the world conduct recognition events to honor this extraordinary group of individuals.

Military spouses sacrifice on a daily basis, missing birthdays and anniversaries, late night dinners due to long work hours, being single parents while waiting for the return of Soldiers after lengthy deployments; not being able to put down roots because they’re moving from assignment to assignment; unable to fully enjoy their homes because – they are not “their homes.” These extraordinary individuals embrace challenges most would run from and still they smile. Their strength and patriotism is unrivaled. This week the installation will recognize military spouses by offering several free events. The weeklong celebration includes:

May 3 - Kick off will be an icebreaker event at the home of our Commanding General, Brigadier General Jeffrey and Mrs. Beth Foley in the Maglin Terrace Housing Area, 11a.m. – 1p.m.

May 4 – One Hour Trail Ride – Hilltop Riding Stables at noon and 1:30p.m. All riders are asked to arrive 30 minutes prior to trail ride for check in. Closed toed shoes required. Join us for a bike ride starting at Leitner Lake from 1:30 to 4 p.m. Don’t have a bike, no worries. Be the first of 20 to sign up and use one of ours.

May 5 - Join us at Darling Hall for the announcement of the winning Essay “My Spouse is Special Because…” There will be an award presentation and light refreshments in the lobby at 10a.m. From noon until 2 p.m., play a 9-hole round of golf at Gordon Lakes (note: golf cart extra fee required). From 1-4p.m., shooting lessons are available at the Tactical Advantage Sportsman Complex.

May 6 – There will be a Book Signing event at Woodworth Library, 10:30-11:30a.m., featuring Sharon Schroeder, spouse of Lt. Col. (Ret.) James Shroeder, former commander 551st Signal Company. Shroeder’s poetry captures the essence of military life with humor, family experiences and some good old fashioned wisdom. The first 15 people to show up will receive a signed copy of the book. Spend the afternoon at Gordon Car Care and get your wheels ready to ride this summer. Classes begin at noon and will run until 2 p.m. A clinic on the proper use of the machines as a circuit workout will be conducted at the Gordon Fitness Center 1:30-3:30p.m. Want to bowl and don’t want to pay? Today only join other spouses for 2 games of bowling and the shoes from 1-4p.m.

May 7 – Military Spouse Appreciation Day Expo from 10 a.m. - 2p.m., Reserve Center, Bldg. 14401 (Lane Ave and 15th Street). Local vendors, facials, fashion, home décor, massages, catered lunch and more. Gordon Club will give spouses a 10% discount on lunch and for those of you who want to end the week right – take a night out! Child Youth and School Age Services are conducting a Special Opening from 6 to 11p.m. Spouses, the Fort Gordon Military Community salutes you.

All events are free except where noted. Registration is required for all activities. Parents utilizing CYSS on Friday evening must call 791-1305.

Deadline for registration for all activities is April 30. Please contact the Main ACS directly for more information concerning the Kick Off celebration.