FALCON HEIGHTS, Minn. — Military veterans and their families filled the seats of the Leinie Lodge Bandshell at this year’s Military Appreciation Day at the Minnesota State Fair. This year’s theme is honoring the spouses of military members.

On this day, more than 285,000 veterans in Minnesota are honored.

“The success of our armed forces depends on the sacrifice and service of our military spouses and families,” said Commissioner Brad Lindsay.

Guest speakers talked about how a spouse’s service to our country is to support their loved one in uniform.

One of the honored wives is Jessica Cook. She served in the Air Force for seven years.

She was deployed to Iraq before leaving to raise a family with her husband, Jeffrey Cook, who is currently an instructor in the ROTC program at the University of Minnesota Duluth.

“I have been deployed four times, three times since we were married and twice since I had children,” said Jeffrey Cook.

Jeffrey Cook says that he can concentrate on his task every time he is deployed because he knows that his wife is taking care of the family.

“We often have to put our own lives, careers and education on hold while fully supporting our spouse,” said Jessica Cook.

Jessica Cook, mother of JC, Joshua, Judah and Jonah, earned an associate’s degree and then a bachelor’s degree while running a household.

“Spouses don’t get any recognition for all the hard work they do when their partner is either deployed overseas or away for work. We really keep the family and the home front together,” said Jessica Cook.

Jessica Cook is committed to ensuring spouses have access to programs offered by the VA.

She was successful in getting a proclamation made for Women’s Veterans Day on June 12th, another honor for this incredible military wife.

In honor of their service, the fair and many vendors offer discounts. Dozens of military groups are at Dan Patch Park to honor military families and promote veterans programs.