Month of the Military Child - April 2009

What is it'

April is the "Month of the Military Child." Since it began in 1986, the Department of Defense (DOD) has teamed with various partners to recognize the sacrifices and applaud the courage of military children. More than 1.7 million American children under the age of 18 have at least one parent serving in the military. It is estimated the U.S. Army has more than 900,000 military children with one or both parents having deployed multiple times.

Throughout April, U.S. Army installations world-wide will conduct a variety of fun and exciting events, during which senior leaders will visually and verbally recognize the sacrifices and challenges of military children.

Why is it important to the Army'

The Army must build trust and confidence among Soldiers, families and military children while recognizing the commitment and increasing sacrifices our families make every day. The strength of our Soldiers comes from the strength of their families. Sustaining Soldiers is critical to sustaining an all-volunteer force. During the month of April, leaders and parents are asked to encourage military children with celebrations, speeches, posters, spots in the media, and through personal contact to let our military children know that because of their unique courage, contributions to the Army family, and daily sacrifices, they are everyday heroes in the eyes of the Army and the nation.

What continued efforts does the Army have planned for the future'

We have developed a "Month of the Military Child" website which lists general information about the month, installation activities, and captures and displays personal stories from military children and their parents. Parents of military children are being encouraged to download, sign, and present their children with the "Everyday Hero" certificate to reinforce parental appreciation of their children's courage and sacrifice at the Month of the Military Child Web site. Throughout April, U.S. Army installations worldwide are hosting a variety of events for military children to help them celebrate and be recognized as "everyday heroes."

As evidenced by the Army family covenant, the Army is committed to providing military children with a quality of life commensurate with their sacrifices. The Army is committed to ensuring excellence in schools, youth services and child care, and is standardizing and funding programs and services that support the military child.

Resources:

<a href="http://www.operationmilitarykids.org/public/home.aspx" target="_blank">Operation Military Kids Web site</a>

<a href="http://www.armymomc.org" target="_blank">Month of the Military Child Web site </a>

<a href="http://www.army.mil/info/organization/unitsandcommands/commandstructure/fmwrc" target="_blank">Family Morale, Welfare and Recreation Command Web site </a>

<a href="http://www.sesameworkshop.org/initiatives/emotion/tlc" target="_blank">Sesame Street Talk, Listen, Connect Web site</a>