Art from the heart 2017

Addison | Grade 7 Hohenfels Middle High School | Hohenfels, Germany | U.S. Army

Art Heart

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Expressions from America’s Military Children

Visual arts and writing allow us a glimpse into the world of military children from their unique perspectives. The Military Child Education Coalition® (MCEC®) believes artistic expression is a pure, sincere, and candid way for children to communicate pride in their parents, celebrate their lives, acknowledge their grief or worry, and much more.

Since the MCEC began the “Call for the Arts,” thousands of military children from across the world and from every branch of service have mailed us their drawings, poems, and interpretations of what it means to be a military child. We hope what you see here paints a poignant picture for you, too.

Enjoy this visual representation of our unique, resilient children making their own sacrifices and serving our country.

ABOUT THE MILITARY CHILD EDUCATION COALITION The Military Child Education Coalition serves the children of those who serve us all and encourages efforts that strengthen our military children and ensure opportunities for their quality education.

The Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC) is a 501(c)(3) global, nonprofit organization focused exclusively on the well-being and needs of America’s approximately four million military and veteran-connected children, specifically in the areas of academic opportunity and excellence, school transition support, and developmental needs. Our goal is to ensure that every military-connected child grows and thrives through good and challenging times in order to be college, workplace, and ultimately, life-ready.

“Military Child Education Coalition®,” “MCEC®” and associated trademarks and design elements are owned by the Military Child Education Coalition. ©2017 Military Child Education Coalition. All Rights Reserved

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Anthony | Grade 12 Hohenfels Middle High School | Hohenfels, Germany | U.S. Army

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Laila | Grade 8 Bayside Middle School | Virginia Beach, Virginia | U.S. Navy

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Alexis | Grade 3 Thoroughgood Elementary School | Virginia Beach, Virginia | U.S. Navy

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Jillian | Grade 6 Virginia Beach Middle School | Virginia Beach, Virginia | U.S. Navy

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Jacqueline | Grade 8 Bayside Middle School | Virginia Beach, Virginia | U.S. Navy

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The tears are what I shed.

The camouflage represents how I hide all these emotions.

I’m proud of my parents, no doubt, but the broken heart represents the pain I feel when they have to leave, especially to Iraq.

The fire represents the anger I sometimes feel as an Army brat.

Jada | Grade 10 Hohenfels Middle High School | Hohenfels, Germany | U.S. Army

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Wyatt | Grade 3 Meadow View Elementary | Jacksonville, North Carolina | U.S. Marines

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Alexandra | Grade 1 Ramey School | Aguadilla, Puerto Rico | U.S. Coast Guard

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Arrick | Grade 6 Virginia Beach Middle School | Virginia Beach, Virginia | U.S. Civilian

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Coast Guard Navy Air Force Marines Army National Guard and Reserves

Madilyn | Grade 6 Landstown Middle School | Virginia Beach, Virginia | U.S. Civilian

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Lincoln | Grade 4 Northwood Elementary School | Midway Park, North Carolina | U.S. Marines

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Zoe | Grade 4 Carlisle Barracks Youth Art | Carlisle, Pennsylvania | U.S. Army

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Rylann | Grade 3 Meadow View Elementary | Jacksonville, North Carolina | U.S. Marines

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Sasha | Grade 10 Tattnall County High School | Glennville, Georgia | U.S. Army

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Maya | Grade K Queens Creek Elementary School | Swansboro, North Carolina | U.S. Marines

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Bryn | Grade 5 Sigsbee Charter School | Key West, Florida | U.S. Air Force

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Mackenzie | Grade 3 Swansboro Elementary School | Swansboro, North Carolina

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Brennan | Grade 11 Hermitage Elementary | Virginia Beach, Virginia | U.S. Navy

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Kiara | Grade 11 Ramey School | Aguadilla, Puerto Rico | U.S. Immigration

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Natacia | Grade 1 Ramey School | Aguadilla, Puerto Rico | U.S. Coast Guard

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When I move , we br ing a l ocal newsp aper w ith us. No w we h ave a large collec tion o f newsp apers from many differe nt places .

Clinton | Grade 10 Hohenfels Middle High School | Hohenfels, Germany | U.S. Army

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Emily | Grade 8 Bayside Middle School | Virginia Beach, Virginia | U.S. Civilian

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Mia | Grade 6 Carlisle Barracks Youth Art | Carlisle, Pennsylvania | U.S. Air Force

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Jeremy | Grade 9 Ramey School | Aguadilla, Puerto Rico | U.S. Coast Guard

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Glorihec | Grade 11 Ramey School | Aguadilla, Puerto Rico | U.S. Army

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An Open Letter to My Father the Airman Dear Dad,

I want to let you know that I appreciate you. You always will be the first man I ever loved. I know that you work hard day and night to put these many roofs over our heads and that you want all of us to be better than you were. It’s a lucky life we have, that we get to experience all of these new places and interesting cultures. I love you dad, and your job and all that it does for us.

But dad…I’m hurting. This life of new places and experiences also means new reasons my nails stay bitten with anxiety, new reasons to cry at night. New isn’t always better. Sometimes the new school doesn’t welcome you with open arms but instead whispers gossip. Sometimes the new group of friends you’ve tried so hard to make end up abandoning you. Sometimes the new team becomes your biggest bully. Sometimes it becomes a chore to be involved for

fear of further isolation or out of bitter resentment for this new place that took away your old feeling of familiarity.

The day you took that oath and made a promise to our country, you swore us in too. I believe you are brave for all the sacrifices you’ve made and the service you have done for our country. I also believe that all of the children of military parents, myself included, have to be there own kind of brave and retain just as much resiliency as their parents. Their are over a million valiant men and women who protect this country and its values every day. But, there are fifteen million valiant boys and girls behind them who serve thanklessly.

So dad, when I don’t feel like going to school, know it’s because I’m scared of the lack of familiar faces. When I get angry at you for making me do sports, know it’s because I’m reminiscing of the team I already had before. When I’m hesitant to travel on vacation, know it’s because I feel the need to control the environment around me and I sometimes try too hard to make it completely stationary. All this being said know that when I say thank you, I mean it not only as a daughter but as a grateful civilian. When I ask you about your day, I want to know that the Air Force has treated you well. When I hug you, it’s because I know how lucky I am to have you.

I hope some day that I can be as influential and instrumental in the world as you are in the military everyday. You are my example for greatness and model for determination

and because of you my dreams are hung high with the moon because you’ve helped me to see that I can do anything as long as I work hard.

I love that you are my father but what makes it better is that you’re the kind of father that wears a camouflage uniform every day.

Mary Elizabeth | Grade 12 O’Fallon Township High School | O’Fallon, Illinois | U.S. Air Force

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Selena | Grade 6 Virginia Beach Middle School | Virginia Beach, Virginia | U.S. National Guard or Reserve

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Sadie | Grade 7 Plaza Middle School | Virginia Beach, Virginia | U.S. Navy

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Nicole | Grade 8 Great Neck Middle School | Virginia Beach, Virginia | U.S. Civilian

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Kandal | Grade 5 Kemps Landing Old Donation School | Virginia Beach, Virginia | U.S. Civilian

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Child of the RED, WHITE, and BLUE

Today is Thanksgiving and he is not here While my friends and their families celebrate together Me and my family have prayed throughout the year

We stand hand in hand for his safe return Today is Thanksgiving and he celebrates wherever Life without his presence is always hard We miss him every second of the day We know that he misses us too, as he stands guard

Our love for each other is never ending

Today is Christmas day and he celebrates his own way Today is New Year’s Day and his new baby boy is welcomed with open arms As he fights to lead his troops out of harms way His wife can only hope that her baby has her daddy’s charm

He has won the fight and looks forward to tomorrow

While we stand around the new soul without a word to say Protecting our country is his DUTY Leading our family is his MISSION The sacrifices he makes are a thing of sheer beauty He reads the letters over and over Returning to his family and home is his hearts ambition Today is his birthday; he is on his way home I am a child of the RED, WHITE and BLUE We await his arrival he is no longer alone

My whole world revolves around his Military life But I am proud to say that he serves YOU

Victoria | Grade 11 Murrieta Mesa High School | Murrieta, California | U.S. Marines

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John | Grade 11 Ramey School | Aguadilla, Puerto Rico | U.S. Army

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Isabelle | Grade 4 Richlands Elementary School | Virginia Beach, Virginia | U.S. Marines

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Emma | Grade 5 Woodstock Elementary School | Virginia Beach, Virginia

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Paola | Grade 9 Ramey School | Aguadilla, Puerto Rico | U.S. Army

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Jose | Grade 11 Ramey School | Aguadilla, Puerto Rico | U.S. Border Patrol

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Olicia | Grade 7 Brandon Middle School | Virginia Beach, Virginia | U.S. Civilian

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Matthew | Grade 3 Christopher Farms Elementary School | Virginia Beach, Virginia | U.S. Navy

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Megan | Grade 7 Corporate Landing Middle School | Virginia Beach, Virginia | U.S. Veteran

As you have seen in this incredible artwork, military children are indeed our youngest patriots and are often the newest in a long line of courageous generations. It is with great joy and humility that we share their heartfelt work with you and ask that you help us ensure each of these courageous children is understood, educated, and supported, in anticipation of a bright future.

If you have already given, you are our hero! If you have not yet donated, please know that it is not too late. Just follow the prompts below and help us continue to

serve the children of those who serve us all.

Click here to donate.

4

million kids

1

mission

Ensuring opportunities for a great education The Military Child Education CoalitionÂŽ solely exists to help the military and veteran-connected child thrive in the face of transition and separation. www.MilitaryChild.org

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Military Child Education CoalitionÂŽ 909 Mountain Lion Circle | Harker Heights, Texas 76548 | (254) 953-1923