SAN DIEGO – Jamie Weathers, a music teacher with Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic School, Ariz., and a Marshall, Okla., native, received the Irene Ferguson Marine Wife Recognition Award at the 8th Annual Flying Leatherneck Historical Foundation Black Tie Gala at the Westgate Hotel, San Diego, June 1.
The award is to recognize an outstanding spouse who has supported their husband’s military career, explained Glenn Ferguson, founder of the award and a Harvey, Ill., native.
“The husbands get medals and awards for their accomplishments, but what does the wife get?” said Ferguson. “The spouse is a big reason why a Marine can do what he needs to do.”
Weathers is the third recipient of the award, but does not see it as an individual accomplishment.
“There are so many wonderful military spouses out there,” said Weathers. “I would love to share it will all of the other military spouses.”
Her husband of 19 years could not be more proud and is grateful for all her support.
“She has always held the fort down, and through everything, she has kept a smile on her face,” said Lt. Col. Brent Weathers, the operations officer with Marine Aircraft Group 13, and a Marshall, Okla., native.
In addition to recognizing military spouses, the award encourages them to become a bigger part of their community.
“It promotes volunteerism and how important it is to get involved with the military community,” said Lt. Col. Weathers.
Weathers volunteers at different outlets throughout her community, including the Navy Marine Corps society, the Yuma Officers’ Wives’ Club, with her unit family readiness officer and her church, explained Sasha Lightfoot, last year’s Irene Ferguson Marine Wife Recognition Award recipient, during her speech before she presented the award to Weathers.
With the award’s reception being the last event of the night, it closed out with smiles and applause for all the hard work of Weathers and the foundation.