Friday, May 8, is Military Spouse Appreciation Day; see what you can do to support the wives and husbands of those in the armed forces.

Serving along with our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen, are spouses who also make sacrifices to keep Americans safe. These wives and husbands keep the home fires burning. They care for children and aging parents. They support our service members in times of peace, war and uncertainty. That’s why President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the first Military Spouse Appreciation day in 1984, and we celebrate it today.

Stars and Stripes reports, “Today, with greater military recruiting retention challenges, it’s crucial that the public shows its appreciation for our all-volunteer military force, along with the family members at home. Like their husbands and wives, military spouses need to know that their sacrifices, dedication and commitment are worth it.”

What you can do personally

If you know someone who is a military spouse, do something special for them. Be sure to thank them for all they do. If you’re able, donate money or time to an organization that supports military spouses.

What employers can do

If you’re an employer, you can make a significant difference in a military family’s life by hiring a veteran or the spouse of a veteran.

The Michigan Veterans Affair Agency (MVAA) provides employers with resources for setting up veteran-friendly hiring programs. MVAA recognizes three levels of Veteran-Friendly Employers with gold, silver and bronze certificates. When veterans see this certification on your website or in your place of business, they know you’ll give them the consideration they deserve.

Recently, the MVAA upgraded Consumers to a Gold-level Veteran Friendly Employer, making us one of the top 3.5% of employers who have become MVAA-certified. We welcome veterans—as well as military spouses—to our team because we know we can count on them to excel. If you’re a veteran or military spouse, we invite you to check out career opportunities that are now open at Consumers.

Do you have business banking questions? Contact our knowledgeable commercial loan officers or call 800-991-2221. During the coronavirus confinement, we’re available online, by phone and by appointment at select offices equipped to maximize safety.

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