Endless debates have occurred here on SpouseBuzz and elsewhere about whether or not military spouses serve.

CH (MAJ) Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 23 Aug 2015 05:27:28 -0400

http://spousebuzz.com/blog/2015/08/retiring-army-chiefs-spouse-remarks-go-viral.html

Retiring Army Chief’s Spouse Remarks Go Viral

It wasn't controversy that broke the internet over former Army Chief of Staff Gen. Ray Odierno's remarks at his retirement ceremony August 14. It was what he said about Army spouses. When the Army Chief of Staff retires, people notice.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 23 at 2015 5:37 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 23 Aug 2015 05:37:19 -0400

"God doth not need
Either man's work or his own gifts: who best
Bear his mild yoke, they serve him best. His state
Is kingly; thousands at his bidding speed
And post o'er land and ocean without rest:
They also serve who only stand and wait."

Milton

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 23 at 2015 7:57 AM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 23 Aug 2015 07:57:35 -0400

In my opinion the military spouse is the most taken for granted group in society.

Response by A1C Justin Bates made Aug 23 at 2015 10:41 AM

A1C Justin Bates — Sun, 23 Aug 2015 10:41:41 -0400

Serve? No. Sacrifice? Very much. I don't think that can be denied. Unless you want to include indirectly... For example, they "serve" in the sense that they give their spouses moral and emotional support to go on another day. I would hope so.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 23 at 2015 11:09 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 23 Aug 2015 11:09:28 -0400

You can debate this if you like, and be caught up in semantics about the language used.
I will say this - my wife sacrificed very much in order for me to do my duty and devote myself to the mission. She may not have enlisted, but I sure knew the difference when she ETS'd.

I am grateful for what she did for my family and I, and I very much regret that the price was too high for her to continue until I retired.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 23 at 2015 5:13 PM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 23 Aug 2015 17:13:58 -0400

Damn right, they serve. Saying they don't would be like saying housewives don't have real jobs!!!