FORT RUCKER, Ala. (April 26, 2012) -- Most of the people at the Fort Rucker Post Exchange Mall were rushing to get lunch and get back to work, but a few were rushing to get on stage as 16 military children and a few moms participated in a lunchtime fashion show sponsored by the Army and Air Force Exchange Service April 20.

The event recognized Month of the Military Child and displayed some of the fashions available at the PX, explained Susie Antonello, visual merchandiser manager for Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base and Fort Rucker.

"I was a military child, so I know what they go through," she said. "It feels great to give back."

During the show, Una Taylor fought to keep from dancing along with the music as her four children walked across the stage.

"This is an awesome way to honor our kids during the Month of the Military Child," she said. "It lets them shine. It's just awesome. I think they had beautiful decorations and beautiful clothes and all the kids enjoyed it. It was a good opportunity."

One of her children, Bethany, 8, seemed to enjoy the experience more than her three brothers.

"I was really excited," she said, bouncing as she spoke. "I couldn't even get the thought out of my head!"

Bethany said she hoped her dad would buy the clothes she modeled so she could take them home with her.

The fashion show also featured a performance by Katie Andrews, the current Miss Wiregrass Area and a Miss Alabama candidate. Andrews, who also modeled fashions available at the PX, will return to Fort Rucker on May 4 for Salute to the Troops, a free tribute to Fort Rucker Soldiers and Families featuring regional title holders who will vie for the Miss Alabama crown.

Andrews urged Families to come to the event for the great entertainment. "We're putting a lot of hard work into (the performance)," she said.

"Fort Rucker is such a vital part of the Wiregrass area," Andrews said of her participation in the AAFES fashion show. "I feel so honored I had the opportunity to be here. My grandfather was military and my mom grew up military, so I got to hear stories about that lifestyle … I have such a great appreciation for our service men and women."