Today's Pampering Our Military Spouses is an afternoon of free hair care, spa services and, well, pampering for those who single-handedly juggle the demands of work and family while facing the additional anxiety of knowing that a loved one is constantly in harms way, with no guarantee they will make it home safely. Those are tough burdens to carry, and this is our way to show how much spouses sacrifice in the great mission of protecting the United States and defending freedom.
The event begins at 11 a.m. at St. Martin's University. Sponsored by Bruce Titus Automotive Group as well as Washington state's 529 prepaid college tuition program G.E.T., military spouses and girlfriends, active duty and reserve, will be treated to the services mentioned above, as well as enjoy at Macy's fashion show featuring military spouse models, a live game show with prizes, food, drinks, gifts and much more.
Let us make clear from the outset that you, Common Person, cannot attend. By name, The Ranger and Northwest Airlifter's "Pampering Our Military Spouses" is only for military spouses and girlfriends of servicemembers. Members of the hoi polloi, the riff raff and the masses best not show up. Unfortunately, registration for the event is closed. We reached our 1,300 capacity well before today.
That said, all may enjoy words and photos from today's Pampering Our Military Spouses as we'll be live blogging from the event. Stay tuned. It's on!
11: A.M.: The doors flew open and military spouses and girlfriends of servicemembers flooded the lobby of Marcus Pavilion at St. Martin's University.
Brown & Haley is giving away Almond Roca candy today at the Pampering Our Military Spouses event at St. Martin's University.
11:30 A.M.: The women quickly visit the vendor booths, some jumping in for a full pamper session, others grabbing a quick signature. The women who visit 40 booths and grab a signature from the vendor are eligible to win a computer tablet.
11:35 A.M.: Overheard in the lobby: "The reason I brought Michael is so I can store all the free gifts in his stroller."
11:45 A.M.: All the seats are taken for The Price Is Correct game show. Contestant are answering price-related questions, similar to The Price Is Right, for the chance of winning prizes from Pampering Our Military Spouses vendors and sponsors. Constance Baufista guessed Jell-O was the least expensive product out of a line-up, winning a gift basket from Pampered Chef.
12:15 P.M.: Lakewood Ford is giving away a two-night stay in Leavenworth.
12:20 P.M.: Heather Sevilla is stoked she finally found Marcus Pavilion at St. Martin's University.
12:35 P.M.: Turning Point Integrated Therapies is providing free massages.
1 P.M.: Another round of photos
1:25 P.M.: Valerie Detweiler and Patricia Winters halt the pampering for a pose. "This is so nice. Thank you so much," said Winters. My husband came home six months ago and I haven't gone out with girlfriends for awile. This is so much fun."
1:45 P.M.: Joint Base Lewis-McChord spouses hit the runway wearing apparel from Northwest Harley Davidson.
2:15 P.M.: Round two of The Price is Correct game saw the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat. Congratulations to Brandi Patrick whose knowledge of taco shell pricing nabbed her $100 gift card to The Melting Pot.
3:00 P.M. The Macy's fashion show featured 15 spouses from Joint Base Lewis-McChord strutting their stuff to music by Michael Jackson, Nelly, Robin Thicke and others. The music was pumping so loud a third of the backdrop crashed to the floor.
4:30 P.M.: Congratulations Ranae Dymek! She won the computer tablet drawing.