May is National Military Appreciation Month

KYMA's Manoah Tuiasosopo spoke with a local Veteran and a military spouse who shared a few ways to show support.

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - May is National Military Appreciation Month. The month was created to show gratitude and acknowledge the contributions of those who serve.

Local Veteran Bill Wagner shares a simple way locals can honor our military this month.

"Understand what Veterans went through and what the military today goes through. All they have to do is say thank you. It's an easy thing to do. Believe me, we'll stand up for you and the rest of the American people," Wagner says.

Wagner shares the motivation behind his 24 year U.S. Navy career.

"My brother was killed in Vietnam and my cousin was killed in Vietnam, so I was a sole-surviving son…I went in there and did my part to support them for what they'd given their lives for," Wagner explained.

Military Appreciation Month is not only a time to honor the sacrifices made by our service members, but their families as well.

"We're talking about where the next location might be, where our spouse is heading next, and the struggles we endure during a week without our spouse," Caroline LoPresti, a military spouse in Yuma, says.

LoPresti says military families like hers are constantly relocating, having to find new jobs, and often left to solo-parent.

She shares ways to show some extra love on this special month.

"Say thank you, the obvious, shop at Veteran-owned businesses, and if you know a military family, reach out to them. And lend a helping hand because that can go a long ways," LoPresti explained.

There are a few special military days in may.

This Friday is Military Spouse Appreciation Day, next Saturday is Armed Forces Day, and the last Monday in May is Memorial Day.

To all our military members, families, and Veterans, from all us of here at KYMA, we appreciate you!