Month, event recognize military children

By Col. Paul Hossenlopp, Fort Sill Garrison commanderApril 13, 2012

Did you know the Fires Center of Excellence and Fort Sill Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation is hosting the annual Month of the Military Child April 1 through 30?

"Fort Sill is proud to celebrate the Month of the Military Child. Each year, we take this time to show our appreciation and respect for our military children and youths as well as the contributions they bring to the military community," said Mary Michelle Turner, Parent Central Services director.

This special month helps us focus on promoting positive community relationships and showing our appreciation of the commitments made by military children. What a great reason to celebrate, because our children are our future. Everything we can do to show what they mean to us may promote a lasting benefit not only to their families, but to the Army and the entire nation.

"Everything we do every day is about supporting the Army Family Covenant and making sure we keep it alive and well," said Brenda Spencer-Ragland, FMWR director.

The MOMC parade, the first event of the month, "stepped out" the celebration and an estimated 500 children, families and staff attended. And this is just one, of several events scheduled.

I invite you to see the beautiful calendar of events our FMWR staff assembled to provide everyone a complete list of activities along with the dates and times they occur. You can view that calendar at www.sillmwr.com/Forms/MOMC_brochure_final.pdf.

Children and their parents can enjoy a static display of military vehicles and equipment today near the three post child development centers.

"Throughout April as we celebrate the Month of the Military Child, we just want to recognize the excellence in our children, because they do make a lot of sacrifices with their parents deploying, often having to move away to live with their grandparents or aunts and uncles," said Spencer-Ragland. "It's very important for us to let them know how special they are and how much we appreciate the sacrifices they make each and every day."

This month long event provides a time of fun and entertainment in a safe environment for Fort Sill Soldiers, families and the Lawton-Fort Sill community. I encourage you to attend these events and witness firsthand the joy children bring to the entire Army family.