FORT CARSON, Colo. -- Mothers and fathers hung up diagrams of their Family trees with their children in celebration of the first week of the Month of the Military Child at Fort Carson, April 5.
The children, ranging from six weeks to five years old, who go to the Cheyenne Mountain Child Development Center, made Family trees to highlight the military service that has affected their lives.
In 1986, Defense Secretary Caspar Weinberger designated April as Month of the Military Child, wanting to honor military kids for their sacrifices and courage. Since then, military installations, organizations and communities have created special events to pay tribute to military children.
"It is a time where we can fully promote our military children," said Shontrell Bessert, lead teacher, Strong Beginnings, preschool and prekindergarten, Cheyenne Mountain Child Development Center. "It is a time for them to have that acknowledgement from everyone.
"A lot of times people don't understand the hardships that they go through," Shontrell said. "It is also a time for the kids themselves to bask in that acknowledgement of them."
Shontrell said military children face many challenges that people don't always see or think of.
"Military children sometimes have difficulties," Shontrell said. "Sometimes both parents are deployed and they are staying with a grandparent or friend of their parents. Sometimes they are frustrated because their parents are gone and they can't always verbalize that."
Many parents said they are grateful and appreciative of this month.
"For me it is the recognition of the young brave sons and daughters of military parents and them supporting their parents; whether it is through a deployment or moving from one country to another," said Melissa Dawoud, spouse of 1st Lt. Tony Dawoud, transportation officer, 43rd Special Troops Battalion, 43rd Sustainment Brigade.
Melissa Dawoud said that by having special activities this month, it helps the children express themselves, and lets them know that while what they go through is hard, they are very important.
Military children said they enjoyed the time set aside during this month to do activities with their parents.
"I enjoyed making my Family tree with my parents," said Elijah Dawoud, 4, son of Tony and Melissa Dawoud. "It is hard when my dad is gone for a really long time and I have to wait for him to come home."
For more information on what Fort Carson is doing to celebrate the Month of the Military Child call the Directorate of Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation at 719-524-2457, or visit on the web at: http://www.mwrfortcarson.com/event.php?cn=1917
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