MCCHORD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- With Valentine's Day just around the corner, I thought I would use this opportunity to write to my wife, letting her know how much her sacrifices mean to me.

After I wrote it, I realized it could be a letter from any Airman to his or her spouse of many years.

The names of the operations may vary from Airman to Airman, but the sacrifices our spouses make are the same throughout the years.

Dear,

I don't think you knew what you were getting into when you agreed to marry me. After our wedding, we began our peaceful years together. Both of them. Then came Operation Just Cause, and I went when the Air Force called.

It wasn't long after that we found out you were pregnant, and I left you to deploy for Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Luckily, I managed to make it home for the birth of our first child, then left you again to serve in Operation Provide Comfort.

We managed to get back together for a couple more peaceful years before a permanent change of station sent me away from you.

For two years you managed to hold it together on your own before you caught up with me, and we were soon blessed with our second child.

A couple more PCS' later, and then one day changed everything.

I'll never forget the day the Towers came down. We knew things would change then.

When we deployed into Iraq and Afghanistan, it wasn't like my first times in combat. I wasn't as scared.

I guess I knew whatever happened you would be there and would take care of our family.

I want to thank you for all the great years.

Thank you for serving with me in our Air Force adventure. Thank you for being my valentine.

I'm sure Air Force spouses who have been in as long as my wife and I will relate to this letter.

For those new spouses ... know that the sacrifices you will make for your family are deeply appreciated by your husband or wife.

And Airmen, don't forget to thank your loved ones for the blessings they give you.