Military Spouse Appreciation Day

Today is Military Spouse Appreciation Day. My mother, Sharyn Senecal Coughlin, was a military spouse for the first 17 years of her marriage to my father, Thomas Raymond Coughlin. I remember all the things she had to put with when Dad was gone on his year long cruises. Cars breaking down, house repairs not to mention my sister and I and doing it by herself. We were in South Carolina and both families were in New York so no calling family for help. As I got older, I realized the sacrifices my parents each made in order for my father to serve our country.

Here's a picture from the early 1970's where Dad is re-upping his Navy enlistment.

Thomas Raymond Coughlin and Sharyn Ann Senecal Coughlin
Charleston Naval Base, Charleston, South Carolina
1970's

From the insignia looks like Dad was a Petty Officer First Class (E-6) at this point.

So to all the wives and husbands of our military men and women out there....Happy Military Spouse Appreciation Day!!!