Shirley's San Antonio Real Estate Blog: Military Families

MILITARY SPOUSE DAY 2008

At the White House Celebration this month, both President Bush and Defense Secretary Robert Gates touched on enhancing benefits for military families. The President said that he hoped Congress would move quickly to pass legislation that would expand child care, create new authorities to appoint qualified spouses into civil service jobs and provide

educational opportunities and job training for military spouses. The President spoke about the initiative to allow service members to transfer GI Bill benefits to their spouses and children. He said "This legislation is moving.  I hope to be able to sign it as soon as possible. It is the absolute right thing to do.  It should send a clear message that we care for you, we respect you and we love you." Secretary Gates explained he had heard from spouses at Ft. Hood, Texas how important the transferability of benefits was to military families and he urged the President to propose legislation.

Enhanced education benefits for military spouses can include the transfer of GI Bill benefits, tuition assistance for spouses, and expanded educational opportunities and job training, and eligibility for in-state tuition. The present Montgomery GI Bill allows some service members in specific career fields to transfer a portion of their benefit to spouses in lieu of a portion of a reenlistment bonus. There are several bills in both the House and Senate that promote enhancements to the GI Bill. Several call for the transfer of benefits. It is hoped the final crafting of legislation will recognize the sacrifices that military families make in support of their service member and the importance of education in recruiting and retaining service members and families.

Proclamation by the President

May 5, 2008

MILITARY SPOUSE DAY, 2008
 
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BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
 
A PROCLAMATION

      Military spouses embody the courage, nobility of duty, and love of country that inspire every American.  On Military Spouse Day, we pay tribute to the husbands and wives who support their spouses in America's Armed Forces during times of war and peace.
 
     The legacy of military spouses began when colonial Americans were fighting for independence.  Martha Washington boosted the morale of her husband's troops by visiting battlefields and tending to the wounded.  Since then, members of our Armed Forces have served our Nation accompanied by the steadfast love and support of their spouses and families.
 
     While our men and women in uniform are protecting our country's founding ideals of liberty, democracy, and justice, their spouses live with uncommon challenges, endure sleepless nights, and spend long periods raising children alone.  Many military spouses are also committed volunteers, serving other military families and local communities.  Our Nation benefits from the sacrifices of our military families, and we are inspired by their courage, strength, and leadership.
 
     On Military Spouse Day and throughout the year, we honor the commitment spouses have made to freedom's cause.  To learn about ways to support our troops and their spouses and families, I encourage all Americans to visit http://www.americasupportsyou.mil/.
 
     NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 9, 2008, as Military Spouse Day.  I call upon the people of the United States to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities and by expressing their gratitude to the husbands and wives of those serving in the United States Armed Forces.
 
     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fifth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-second.

GEORGE W. BUSH