Art from the Heart

Art from theHeart 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.

America’s Children...

ABOUT THE MILITARY CHILD EDUCATION COALITION The Military Child Education Coalition®, (MCEC®,) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, worldwide organization that identifies challenges facing the highly mobile military child, increases awareness of these challenges in military and education communities, and initiates and implements programs to meet the challenges. The MCEC focuses on all military installations, their supporting schools, concerned organizations, and caring individuals. For more information, please visit www.MilitaryChild.org.

“Military Child Education Coalition®,” “MCEC®” and associated trademarks and design elements are owned by the Military Child Education Coalition. ©2015 Military Child Education Coalition. All Rights Reserved

Ian | Grade 4 | Shelton Park Elementary | Virginia Beach, Virginia | U.S. Marines

Yesenia | Grade 7 | Ramey School | Aguadilla, Puerto Rico | U.S. Army

I drew this artwork because I know how hard it is to be a military child and how happy you are once they return. You don’t know how hard it is to have a loved one away or maybe never return. All that you can think while they’re gone is are they gonna make it home? Really, all you can do is hope and pray that they will ever return. That’s what inspired me to create this artwork about a military child.

Payton | Grade 5 | Princess Anne Elementary | Virginia Beach, VA | U.S. Navy

Aldair | Grade 8 | Ramey School | Aguadilla, Puerto Rico

I drew this very pretty picture because I’m proud of myself. When it’s the tough times, when I’m moving and my friends are far, far away, I’m glad I’m me. When I move I can make more friends and I will never be alone.

Kyleigh | Grade 4 | Tom Lea Elementary | El Paso, TX | U.S. Army

Allison | Grade 8 | Carlisle Barracks Youth Art | Carlisle, PA | U.S. Army

McKenzie | Grade 8 | Larkspur Middle School | Virginia Beach, VA | U.S. Navy

Lucy | Grade 2 | Carlisle Barraacks Youth Art | Carlisle, PA | U.S. Air Force

Bryn | Grade 4 | Stockwell Place Elementary | Bossier City, LA | U.S. Air Force

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

This picture is symbolic of my Dad’s year Deployment. The white bear I’m holding is my stuffed animal he gave me before he left, called “Osa.” The flag shows how even though it separated us, we were still together at heart.

Clarrissa | Grade 9 | Carlisle Barracks Youth Art | Carlisle, PA | U.S. Air Force

Cason | Grade 5 | Wilson School | Fort Benning, GA | U.S. Army

Home is where my family is - all of the homes we have lived in.

Lauryn | Grade 7 | Carlisle Barracks Youth Art | Carlisle, PA | U.S. Army

Emma | Grade 4 | Kempsville Meadows Elementary School | Virginia Beach, VA | U.S. Coast Guard

Faith | Grade 5 | Princess Anne Elementary | Virginia Beach, VA | U.S. Navy

Military Girl I don’t wear any uniforms, no blues or greens.

But I am in the military, in a rank never seen.

I have no job on my shoulders, salutes I never give.

But the military world, is the place where I live.

I am not in the rank of command, orders I do not get.

But my daddy is the one who does, this I cannot forget.

I am not the one who fires the weapon, who puts my life on the line. but my job is just as tough, I am the one that left friends behind.

My dad is a patriot, a smart and kind man With the job to serve his country, not all understand.

My dad works to keep this country free, My dad makes the sacrifice, but so does my mom, brother, sister, and me.

Even though it might get a little wild, I stand with the rank known as the Military Child.

Katie | Grade 6 | Holloman Middle School | Holloman AFB, NM | U.S. Air Force

The title of my work is “The 7 Loving Seas”. I was inspired because my Dad is on a navy ship at sea. On the front of the ship is a dove representing the children’s love.

Robert | Grade 5 | Old Donation Center | Virginia Beach, VA | U.S. Navy

Leiale | Grade 4 | Red Mill Elementary School | Virginia Beach, VA | U.S. Army

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

Being a military child is somewhat like being a bird. You may feel secure in your home, but in an instant, that branch can break and everything changes. You’re forced to let go of your home and fly away to a new one, away from family and friends and settle in a new place.

“Unpredictable”

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

Kayla | Grade 5 | Netzaberg Elementary School | Netzaberg, Germany | U.S. Army

Jonathan | Grade 5 | Ramey School | Aguadilla, Puerto Rico | U.S. Department of Justice

Hannah | Grade 4 | Richlands Elementary | Richlands, NC | U.S. Marines

Amayrani | Grade 5 | E. A. White Elementary | Ft. Benning, GA | U.S. Army

Leandra | Grade 3 | Netzaberg Elementary School | Netzaberg, Germany | U.S. Army

Hannah | Grade 8 | Landstown Middle School | Virginia Beach, Virginia | U.S. Navy

Lily | Grade 8 | Landstown Middle School | Virginia Beach, VA | U.S. Army

Alex | Grade 2 | Ramey School | Agualdilla, Puerto Rico | U.S. Border Patrol

Abigail | Grade 4 | Summersill Elementary School | Jacksonville, NC | U.S. Marines

Victoria | Grade 11 | Hohenfels Middle High School | Hohenfels, Germany | U.S. Army

“all around the world” All around the world to the places I’ve been I’ve never seen two people with the same color skin Not one person has the same face Everyone from a different race Being a military child has its ups and downs But I enjoy the different people in all the new towns By moving around so much I get to experience everyone’s cultural touch Spiritual traditions fascinate me All the new clothes and patterns to see From all the new languages I hear To the diverse music that goes in my ear Different hairstyles and fashions for the countries to show Every new place there’s something new to know This life is as unique as can be Unlike most families you see Even though I’m a child My life experiences are not mild New dialects, clothes and religions as I go So many things this world has to show

Kaila | Grade 7 | Brussels American School | Brussels, Belgium | Civilian DoD

Katelynn | Grade 5 | Netzaberg Elementary School | Netzaberg, Germany | U.S. Army

Tori | Grade 5 | McBride Elementary School | Fort Benning, GA | U.S. Army

Lauryn | Grade 3 | Netzaberg Elementary School | Netzaberg, Germany | U.S. Army

Julia | Grade 4 | Home School | Colorado Springs, CO | U.S. Army

Sophia | Grade 5 | Princess Anne Elementary School | Virginia Beach, VA | U.S. Marines

Aubry | Grade 6 | Larkspur Middle School | Virginia Beach, VA | U.S. Navy

Zach | Grade 5 | Princess Anne Elementary School | Virginia Beach, VA

Kayla | Grade 8 | Larkspur Middle School | Virginia Beach, VA | U.S. Army

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million kids

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mission

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

Support the children of our Nation’s service members by adding your voice to the Military Child Education Coalition. www.MilitaryChild.org

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