Several U.S. Navy spouses were recognized at the 2016 "Heroes at Home" Jacksonville Military Spouse Awards luncheon at Naval Air Station (NAS) Jacksonville, May 25.

The spouses were recognized for their contributions in community engagement and service, support for other families, personal sacrifice and steadfast support of the armed forces.

Awardees were nominated by active-duty personnel, their dependents, families and support groups from the NAS Jacksonville, Naval Station Mayport, and Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay communities.

Rear Adm. Mary Jackson, commander, Navy Region Southeast was the first to congratulate the spouses for their military support and service to their country.

"I could not be more proud of you," said Jackson. "I am humbled by your service, and with that I say thank you."

During her speech, Jackson recognized the sacrifices military spouses make on a daily basis.

"I know what some of those trials and tribulations are like that make things particularly difficult," said Jackson. "You all play a vital role in affording your spouse the environment where they can feel okay leaving to serve their nation and knowing things are okay at home. As a sea service we have navigators to keep us on track. You are all the navigators of your own homes and families, and I thank you for what you do."

Ten women received military spouse awards, with one receiving a distinct honor as the 2016 "Heroes at Home" Jacksonville Military Spouse of the Year.

"Opportunities like this show that our community has an amazing support system," said Dee Bosworth, award winner. "This event is great because it shines a light on the spouses, and shows that family is a major priority to Navy leadership from the top down."

The "Heroes at Home" Military Spouse of the Year Awards began exclusively in Hampton Roads, Virginia in 2005, and has since expanded to North Carolina and Jacksonville. More than 2,100 military spouses have been nominated since the program's birth for their support and challenges they overcome as spouses.

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