Governor Henry McMaster announced May 15 that May is Military Spouse Appreciate Month in South Carolina.

In attendance were: The Adjutant General for South Carolina, U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Robert E. Livingston, Jr., and his wife Barbara; Fort Jackson’s Military Family of the Year, Staff Sgt. John Berta and his wife Agata; U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer Jerry Stevens and his wife Sarah; and other military members with the spouses from the South Carolina Army and Air National Guard.

Receiving special recognition were four spouses of South Carolina Army National Guard Soldiers whose unit, the 1-151 Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, has been deployed to Afghanistan since August.

The group was also honored to have Medal of Honor recipient U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. (retired) James E. Livingston, join the presentation with his wife Sara.

“South Carolina has a rich military tradition, and that is what has kept our state strong, with duty, honor and country,” said McMaster.

The first Military Spouse Day was read by President Ronald Reagan May 23, 1984, to recognized the profound importance of a spouse’s commitment to the readiness and well-being of military members.

“We do what we do because of our families,” said Livingston. “We are blessed as a nation and it is a privilege to be able to serve. We are grateful for our spouses for being that cornerstone.”