MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO -- Depot spouses were treated to a free event hosted by Marine Corps Community Services in accordance with the Commandant of the Marine Corps’ designation of Military Spouse Appreciation Day Saturday.
The event gave spouses the opportunity develop and enhance their skills through networking, education and fun activities.
“Military spouses are the backbone of their Marines and they have the hardest job in the military,” said Natalie Francisco, Marine Corps family team building coordinator. “It can be tough for them sometimes because their husbands are always away from home.”
With their Marines gone on frequent deployments or demanding work schedules, spouses may be at a greater risk for depression, substance abuse and weight gain, said Francisco, a 19-year military spouse.
Classes introduced solutions such as networking, dieting and exercising, to problems spouses may face in the absence of their Marines.
“It’s easy to feel alone as a military spouse sometimes, but this event helped me meet other spouses and branch out,” said Lauren Clements, 4-year military spouse and native of Detroit. “There were a lot of friendly people who were very helpful and informative.”
Military spouses remain strong with the Marine Corps’ present high operational tempo and have succeeded in supporting mission accomplishment and family readiness. In the Commandant’s message regarding spouse appreciation day, he encouraged all Marines to honor our "Heroes at Home" and thank them for a job well done.