Military spouses serve alongside service members

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Tara A. Williamson
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  Life changes for a service member at the raising of the right hand, taking an oath and signing on a dotted line.

For the spouse of military member, their service begins the day they extend their left hand and say I do.

Every day military spouses can be seen helping out in communities around the world. However, they don't always receive the recognition for their unique commitments.

In 1984, President Ronald Reagan decided to address that issue by marking the the Friday before Mother's Day as Military Spouse Appreciation Day, to honor the contributions and sacrifices of military spouses.

Since then, each president along with senior military leaders have echoed the sentiments expressed by President Reagan.

This year, Kadena's 18th Security Forces Squadron recognized Itzel Delzingaro, assistant Catholic religious education coordinator and wife of an 18th SFS member, was nominated for for the Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher Distinguished Humanitarian Civilian Award. This award is a multi-service recognition given to an individual or organization demonstrating exceptional patriotism and humanitarian concern for members of the Armed Forces and their families.

The Fisher House Foundation describes nominees as exemplifying qualities of patriotism, generosity, and selfless dedication to improving the quality of life of members of the Armed Forces of the United States.

"[The nomination] was a surprise," said Mrs. Delzingaro. "It was surprising when I received it because I didn't know. I was thinking I was going with my husband to a regular Mission Support Group award ceremony. It was his last day of leave and he asked me, 'Can you go with me?' I said, 'Sure, it's not a big deal.' Then all of a sudden they called my name and they told me about this award."

In addition to Mrs. Delzingaro's volunteering with the church, she's also a key spouse to the commander of the 18th SFS as well as a Girl Scout leader for her daughter's troop. These along with her other accomplishments were compiled into for the award package.

"It's been rewarding," Mrs. Delzingaro said. "I know there are some days I'm like 'Oh my gosh, why'd I throw so many things on myself,' but it's fun. It's overwhelming at times, but the rewards are well worth it."

"I know this award means a lot," she continued. "It is a very rewarding feeling to be recognized for what you have done. But, I'll tell you what, it would not have happened without the help of other people. I don't look at it as what I did. I look at it as a team effort. I was very blessed with the people that I work with."