Nebraska honors National Guard spouses with a first-of-its-kind military ribbon

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Gov. Jim Pillen announced Tuesday that Oct. 27 would officially be National Guard Spouse Appreciation Day.

During a ceremony at the Governor’s Mansion in Lincoln, First Lady Suzanne Pillen presented a first-of-its kind, military ribbon to five National Guard spouses.

The ribbon is meant to honor the sacrifices they have made while their husbands served on the frontlines.

The Nebraska National Guard Military Spouse Service Ribbon will continue to be given out to eligible spouses at the time of their partner’s retirement.

The multi-colored ribbon features white for selfless purity, blue for loyalty and vigilance and crimson red to represent sacrifice.

Michelle Haugland, Stacie Koehler, Shellie Mueller, Angie Ropers, and Jeanne Varejcka were the first military spouses to receive the honor.

“These women are the unsung heroes,” said Suzanne Pillen.

Nebraska Lt. Gov. Joe Kelly described the spouses as having a tremendous responsibility, adding “We can’t give you all enough. We can’t say thank you enough.”

Maj. Gen. Craig Strong also recognized the burdens National Guard spouses carry and the ‘unspoken oath’ they take.

“It is the spouse who answers the late-night telephone calls. It is the spouse who fixes the broken water heater, comforts children through their tears at bedtime, juggles careers, manages needed birthdays and parties and sports practices and the heavy quiet of an empty chair at the holidays,” Strong said.

It’s a feeling Jeanne Varejcka knows well.

“I never would have anticipated being recognized for my role,” she said.

Jeanne’s husband, Army Col. Shane Varejcka, retired in June but served for 36 years and the pair have been married for 34 years of them.

“It’s definitely a sacrifice. I mean, they’re sacrificing for their country, but we’re also sacrificing being away from our spouse and just the worry and everything that goes along with that when they’re gone and holding down the fort,” said Mrs. Varejcka.

She said her community and faith helped her to stay strong while her husband served one of Nebraska’s longest deployments, 22 months.

The idea for the ribbon came from Command Sgt. Maj. Dennis Krecklow.

“Generally, they’ll just get a certificate. It’s heartfelt and meaningful, but so many times they’ve sat in the front row and watched their spouse get a service ribbon, never to receive one on their own,” said Krecklow.

State leaders hope other states will now follow Nebraska’s lead.

Krecklow says he has already been in conversation with several states about the idea.