Month of the Military Child

Children of military families didn’t volunteer for service—but that doesn’t mean they don’t make sacrifices for the military like their parents. This month, MCCS recognizes this truth with events for our littlest heroes.

This year marks the 37th anniversary of the designation of April as the Month of the Military Child. In 1986, then-Secretary of Defense Caspar Weinberger set the month aside to honor military children for their significant roles in the military community. Since then, U.S. military bases throughout the world have sponsored activities for the multitudes of young military family members.

It’s often said that being a military spouse is the toughest job in the service—but being a child in a military family can be equally as challenging. Hardship is nothing new to these kids— they rarely (if ever) have a voice when choosing where they will live next and are regularly uprooted by permanent change of station moves. Extended separations from mom or dad also make life difficult to say the least. Not only is the family left without a vital member, daily routines are disrupted and family traditions are frequently altered.

It’s no secret among military families that kids serve alongside their parents, too. Although their services aren’t rendered on the flight line (unless it’s a summer hire job mowing grass alongside), the battlefield, or aboard ships at sea, kids provide immeasurable support for parents whose job is to defend our nation. Giving daily hugs at home, making heartfelt handmade cards and drafting letters of adoration for a deployed parent are all ways that kids keep their parents motivated to accomplish the mission. Despite the hardship, kids still offer up their unconditional love and support.

MCCS Clubs and Restaurants will honor our little heroes with a special themed Month of the Military Child Family Fun Night. At Camo Family Fun Night, which will be held on April 20 from 5 to 9 p.m. at Ocean Breeze on Camp Foster, Tengan Castle on Camp Courtney and Surfside on Camp Kinser, kids can come dressed in their favorite crazy camo outfit or official uniform to fit the theme. There’ll be plenty of food, fun and prizes on deck—including a dog tag decoration craft! Adult prices for these events are $12.95, $6.95 for kids 5–11 and children under 5 eat for FREE! For more information, call the Ocean Breeze at 645-3666, Tengan Castle at 622-9413 or Surfside at 637-3137.

To celebrate Month of the Military Child this year, MCCS Libraries on Camps Kinser, Foster, Hansen and Courtney will celebrate our little heroes with a special evening featuring songs, stories and crafts at special storytime events. Kinser will hold their event April 3 at 11 a.m., Hansen will hold theirs on April 4 at 9:30 a.m., Foster will celebrate on April 17 at 11 a.m. and Courtney Library will host their storytime April 18 at 11 a.m. For more information, contact the Kinser Library at 637-1039, the Foster Library at 645-7178, the Courtney Library at 622-9280 or the Hansen Library at 623-7372.

This month, join in as we recognize the commitment of military children. While these special youngsters might sometimes feel that they’re overlooked, it’s important to let them know that they are never underappreciated and are in fact cherished.