Military Spouse Appreciation Day was this week. Whether you're a mom, a dad, a husband or a wife -- if you're a military spouse, that day is set aside for recognizing your contributions. I say there are only so many accomplishments you can cover in a 24-hour period, so one day to recognize what we do is pretty ambitious. I spend a part of almost every day writing about the amazing things military spouses are doing, and I haven't run out of material yet!

On the other hand, maybe one day is more than enough. Military spouses have been doing what we do for a long time before there was a day to recognize it. A little appreciation each day goes a lot further than a one-day blowout anyway.

Military Spouse magazine presents an annual award on Military Spouse Appreciation Day. This year's winner of the Military Spouse of the Year is an Army spouse who also served 12 years in the Marine Corps. Read all about Tanya Queiro, her family and the contributions that won her this distinction by clicking on her name.

As for the rest of you unsung heroes, how did you spend your day of appreciation this week? I hope you took a little time to pat yourself on the back for the important things -- which do not have to be big things -- that you do each day.