1 This site now occupied was approved due to its proximity to the Washington Navy Yard and because it was within easy marching distance of the Capitol.

2 The early 19th-century Barracks was arranged in a quadrangle as it is today, and the use of the building was similar. The areas on the south and east side of the quadrangle were used for offices, maintenance facilities and living spaces for troops, and a building on the west was the location of the officers' quarters.

3 The Home of the Commandants at the north end of the Barracks was completed in 1806 and is the only original building still standing. It is the oldest public building in continuous use in the nation's Capitol. The rest of the Barracks was rebuilt between 1900 and 1907. Friday evening parades are conducted during the summer months.

4 This is Babette Maxwell, a proud Navy spouse who founded the Military Spouse magazine. The military family is a unique, special group of people. From the most senior level of the military, support is given to all military personnel and their families.

5 Two extraordinary women who lead this support are Bonnie Amos, spouse of General James Amos, Commandant of the Marine Corps and Deanie Dempsey, spouse of General Martin Dempsey, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

6 The luncheon tables were decorated for the event and along the border of the room were life size posters of each military branch winner.

7 The centerpiece of flowers were arrangements featuring hydrangeas and tulips.

8 Admiral Jonathan Greenert is in conversation with Air Force branch winner, Jeremy Hilton. Admiral Greenert is Chief of Naval Operations and is a member of the Joint Chief of Staff.

9 I was pleased to meet MCPON Rick West at the luncheon. The Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) is the senior enlisted person in the Navy. The MCPON serves as an adviser to the Chief of Naval Operations and to the Chief of Naval Personnel in matters dealing with enlisted personnel and their families. Rick is an avid gardener.

10 Bernitta Goettsch, mother of Stephanie Geraghty, branch winner for the Marine Corps, attended the event with her two grandsons – Caden – age 5 and Cole - 2 ½ .

11 I sat with two great Marine veterans, Stephen Cochran and Travis McVey. Stephen is a country music singer/songwriter, and an advocate to improve the quality of life for wounded veterans and those with post-traumatic stress disorder. Travis was a member of the presidential Honor Guard and wrote Heroes of the Stage, a book highlighting Country music artists in the military and its impact on their lives, careers and music.

12 It is always a proud moment when the American and Military Flags are presented. This is called Presentation of the Colors. The Marine Corps Color Guard presented the Colors at the event.

13 The National Anthem and the anthem for each military branch was played by an ensemble from the Marine Corps band.

14 Guests anxiously awaited the announcement of the 2012 Military Spouse of the Year. Representatives from each branch of the military were in attendance at the luncheon to honor the branch winners.

15 Bonnie Amos is the wife of General James Amos, Commandant of the Marine Corps and a member of the Joint Chief of Staff. Their residence is on the grounds of the historical Marine Barracks. Mrs. Amos welcomed everyone to this historic post.

16 Each military branch winner received a beautiful medal.

17 El Brown, the Branch winner for the Army, is a teacher and child development educator who is spearheading the Military Parents Empowerment Workshop Series, which will provide military families with information and tools to strongly support their children’s development. She was presented her Army Spouse of the Year award by Charlene Austin and Jeanne Chandler.

18 Stephanie’s focus has been health and fitness. She is expanding her already existing Stroller warriors, a free running club that offers inspiration and fund raising worldwide. Presenting the Marine award were Susan Barrett and Bonnie Amos.

19 Tricia, a longtime advocate for military children’s literacy, is program manager for 'Books on Bases,' ensuring that military children receive the same quality education as their civilian peers and is building better library collections at military installations. Her Navy award was presented by Darleen Greenert.

20 Jeremy, an advocate for military families impacted by illness or disability, is working to push forward his ongoing efforts to better the lives of military families involved in the Exceptional Family Member Program, dealing with medical challenges or caring for wounded warriors. Presenting the Air Force award were Suzie Schwartz and Paula Roy.

21 Jennifer is passionate about promoting legislation that will help military spouses achieve their education and career goals, and helping more spouses get involved in mentoring relationships. Presenting the Coast Guard award were Deborah Levitt and Vice Admiral Sally Brice-O’Hara of the Coast Guard.

22 Christine is developing a military-wide new spouse Welcome Program to quickly link new families with resources, information, and mentoring. Presenting the National Guard Award were Sandra Aylward and Nancy McKeague.

23 The announcement was finally made and Jeremy Hilton, Air Force Spouse of the Year was the proud winner.

24 Jeremy Hilton, the Air Force branch winner who was selected Military Spouse of the Year is photographed with his proud wife, Lt. Colonel Renae Hilton.

25 All of the military branch Spouse of the Year recipients - The event is a great time for them to connect on their projects. - Jeremy Hilton, El Brown, Stephanie Geraghty, Christine Gilbreath, and Tricia Ross.