Thursday, April 2, 2015
What is it?
Military children face unique challenges: extended family separations, frequent moves and the stress of deployments. In 1986, the Department of Defense designated April as Month of the Military Child (MOMC) to recognize the personal sacrifice and important contributions of military children.
The MOMC observance is an opportunity to thank and applaud Army children for their support of a ready Army and recognize their role in strong Army Families. Total Army Strong underscores the Army commitment to the total Army Family – Soldiers, Department of the Army Civilians, and Families. It acknowledges that the strength of the nation is built on the readiness and resilience of every member of the premier all-volunteer Army and commits to a system of programs and services that strengthen resilience and help children and youth mitigate the unique demands of Army life. It also reminds us that the strength of Soldiers comes from the strength of their Families.
What is the Army doing?
This year’s theme, Their Lives, Their Stories, captures the Army’s story through the eyes of Army children. Throughout the month of April, Army organizations will provide a variety of fun and exciting events to officially recognize our Army children.
Special events for MOMC 2015 include the Young Lives, Big Stories contest, where military children are invited to share their experiences and win prizes, and Operation Megaphone, a world-wide lock-in for military teens on April 24-25, 2015.
MOMC activities differ across all Army, however, the goal remains the same – to celebrate and recognize Army children.
What continued efforts does the Army have planned for the future?
As the nation and Army prepare for the future, the Army must anticipate the evolving needs of Soldiers and Families. The Army will continue to refine child and youth programs and services to meet changing needs to ensure healthy, ready, and self reliant Soldiers and Families.
Why is this important to the Army?
The Army remains committed to honoring the service and sacrifices of those who serve our nation, including our Army Families. MOMC is an opportunity to recognize, applaud, and celebrate the readiness and resilience of Army children and youth and their role in ensuring a ready force now and into the future.
Resources:
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