Faces of military women: the spouse Published March 19, 2006 By Marcie DeRemer Military Spouse 3/17/2006 - GRAND FORKS AFB, N.D. -- Over twenty years ago I was issued my first government ID card as a young, newly-married military spouse. Having no military background in my family, I entered my husband’s world of uniforms and acronyms without a clue as to what lie in store, but ready to meet new people and live wherever the Air Force sent him. In those early days family defined my life. Lee and I had decided that I would stay home with our children to provide stability in their life while he traveled the globe as duty called. Living far away from home and my extended family caused me to look elsewhere for support in raising healthy, well-adjusted kids. It was at this point that I began to discover the benefits of living in a small military community. Our neighborhood and squadron were teeming with potential friends and mentors who understood military life. Shared meals, sympathetic ears, a mowed lawn or a shoveled sidewalk, advice on everything from ear infections to broken down cars: these were a few of the blessings I received. The relationships that I built with friends and commanders’ spouses in those early assignments helped to shape my views on life and the military. My children are grown now, but my life is still defined by family. As Lee’s career in the Air Force has taken him into command positions I have had the opportunity to welcome new spouses (and some not so new) into our local Air Force families. As I got to know these spouses and watch them juggle family, career, TDY, deployments, etc., I became even more convinced of the importance of relationships with others who know and understand military life. My life has been enriched by the many Air Force spouses I have met over the years. I encourage everyone to seek opportunities to be a friend and mentor in your neighborhood, squadron and the base community. You won’t regret it!