Coast Guard Military Spouse of the Year

WASHINGTON - Coast Guard Vice Commandant Vice Admiral Vivien Crea pins a Swivel Shot Award on Patricia Pruett May 8, 2009. Pruett was nominated to represent the Coast Guard for this year's all-service Military Spouse of the Year and is the wife of Cmdr. Jim Pruett. The Swivel Shot award is a tribute to those who, through their voluntary commitment to the betterment of the world in which we live, enhance and enrich the lives of the Coast Guard Family and Community. The Military Spouse of the Year award, sponsored by USAA, is presented annually to an individual who embodies the best characteristics of today's military spouse. The award honors the sacrifices and selfless service 1.1 million military spouses who provide unwavering support to our armed services today and those who have silently served in generations before. Criteria used to select the recipient, includes impact on community change, volunteerism, personal sacrifice, education and career pursuits and other spouse related efforts. (Coast Guard photo/PAC Sarah B. Foster)