Bush, Gates honor military spouses at ceremony Published May 6, 2008 By Donna Miles American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON (AFPN) -- President Bush and Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates paid tribute May 6 to about 1,100 military spouses who gathered for a Military Spouse Day celebration at the White House, where President Bush promised to continue pushing for more benefits for military families. Following a tradition President Ronald Reagan established when he declared the first Military Spouses Day in 1984, Bush said he believes "we need to recognize military spouses every day." "One way we can repay the service of our spouses is by making the burdens of military life a little easier," he told the group, who enjoyed breakfast at red-and-white-checkered tables dotting the White House's South Lawn. President Bush noted that he signed a change to the Family and Medical Leave Act into law this year, drawing applause from the group. The law allows a spouse, parent, child or next of kin to take up to 26 weeks of leave from work to care for a seriously injured or ill servicemember undergoing therapy or treatment. Referring to last week's revelations of poor housing conditions at Fort Bragg, N.C., President Bush promised to do better. "When we find substandard housing, we'll take care of it," he told the spouses. President Bush said he's hoping Congress moves quickly to pass legislation he sent to Capitol Hill to ease some of the burdens military families face. These initiatives, announced during his State of the Union address in January, would expand access to child care, create new authorities to appoint qualified spouses into civil service jobs and provide educational opportunities and job training for our military spouses. But the initiative that drew the most cheers from the crowd would amend the Montgomery GI Bill to allow troops to transfer their unused education benefits to their spouses or children. "This legislation is moving. I hope to be able to sign it as quickly as possible," the president told the spouses. "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." President Bush thanked military spouses who stand behind their loved ones serving the country during wartime. "Whether you signed up for military life at the recruiting station or at the altar rail, each person -- each person's a volunteer," he said. "And when you married your Soldier, Sailor, Airman, Marine or Coast Guardsman, you became more than just part of a family. You became part of our nation's military family." The life of a military family is no easy calling, the president said. It involves frequent moves, living far from extended families and saying goodbye to a spouse who goes off to serve on the front lines in the battle to secure the United States and spread freedom. "Being left behind when a loved one goes to war has got to be one of the hardest jobs in the United States military," President Bush said, noting the challenges of holding down the home front while praying for a loved one's safe return. "In carrying out the burdens, you're serving our country and it's noble service, and it's necessary service," he said. "The United States of America owes you a huge debt of gratitude. And so, on behalf of our people, thank you for what you're doing." President Bush said he's impressed during his visits to military bases to see how military families take care of each other. "What I found is that there's always a close-knit community, people who are sharing a special bond and people who take time to look out after people," he said. "It's been an amazing experience to see the fabric of our military communities firsthand." Secretary Gates said he makes it a point during his visits to military facilities to meet with families of deployed troops, most recently last week at Fort Bliss, Texas. "I'm always tremendously impressed by your sacrifice, resilience and fortitude," he said. The secretary said he first heard of the idea of expanding the Montgomery GI Bill to benefit military families while meeting with Army spouses at Fort Hood, Texas, and that President Bush quickly announced the proposal. "That's how much we respect what you have to say," Secretary Gates told the group. He praised military families as the "power behind the power" who serve along with their loved ones and help them be successful. "While our men and women in uniform may be called to pay the highest price, their families, and particularly their spouses, make a considerable sacrifice as well," he told the group. "Thank you for all you do to make their service possible." Comment on this story (comments may be published on Air Force Link) View the comments/letters page