HILL AIR FORCE BASE – April is the Month of the Military Child, honoring and paying tribute to Hill’s youngest heroes for their commitment, sacrifices and support of their military member parents.
75th Air Base Wing leaders signed an official proclamation during a ceremony on March 29 at the CDC East, signaling the beginning of month-long celebrations.
“Military life impacts military kids in a variety of ways, some of which are very stressful due to the nature of their parents’ assignments,” said Education Specialist Matt Mason, Hill’s school liaison program manager. “The Month of the Military Child is an important way to honor, value and pay tribute to military children for their commitment, sacrifices and unconditional support of our service members.”
More than 1.6 million military children face challenges and unique experiences as a result of their parents' service.
Most military families move every two to three years on average, and military children change schools an average of six to nine times from the start of kindergarten to their high school graduation.
“As a team, we can make a difference and show our military children what they endure matters,” Mason said. “It’s a natural success anytime we can heighten awareness or extend gratitude toward those who are deserving.”
One way to honor and show support for Team Hill’s military children is to wear purple any time during the month of April, but especially on April 15 which is Purple Up! For Military Kids Day.
“Purple Up is significant,” Mason said. “The day encourages everyone to wear purple representing all branches of the military and showing unity with each other to recognize children, some of the military's most unsung heroes.”
Some of the special military child activities happening during April include:
• Books dedicated to military children on display and free coloring pages throughout April at the Gerrity Memorial Library.
• Half price bowling for military children from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. April 2-5 at the Bowling Center.
• Month of the Military Child Fun Run around Centennial Park and the Duck Pond beginning at 9 a.m. April 13.
• Purple Up! Day. Wear purple April 15 to celebrate military children.
• Princess and Superhero party April 20 at the Military and Family Readiness Center.
Check with the Youth Center, Child Development Center and Hill Field Elementary School for more Month of the Military Child events in April.
Mason said he hopes Team Hill members participate in April’s Month of the Military Child activities and events.
“It’s an opportunity to be aware of, to celebrate, and to appreciate the role military children play within our community,” he said. “Basically, it’s how we can thank them for their contributions and sacrifices.”