FORT BUCHANAN, PR- Hundreds of military children formed a giant human purple ribbon, at Fort Buchanan, while waved purple flags, in an effort to commemorate the month of the military children, April 27.
The purple color symbolizes the different components of the Armed Forces.
There are approximately 30,000 military children in Puerto Rico, who frequently have to experience the separation from their military parents, due to the continuous mobilizations.
Jomarly Cruz Galarza, 17, daughter of Sgt. 1st Class Joel Cruz, assigned to the 1st Mission Support Command, U.S. Army Reserve-Puerto Rico, explained how she faced her father's mobilization to Iraq in 2009.
"When my dad was mobilized, I became a Family Readiness Group volunteer. This action helped me better understand my dad's job in the military and how to overcome the distance," said Cruz.
"Being a military dependent has helped me to grow as a person. Those who think that being a military child is something negative, are wrong. This experience has helped me become a better person. Nothing is impossible," said Cruz, who thanks to her 3.89 high school's grade point average, has been accepted to the Natural Sciences College at University of Puerto Rico.
Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. Jose R. Burgos, senior U.S. Army officer in the Caribbean, thanked the children for their sacrifices.
"Every three or four years you must leave your friends behind and move to another state or another country, because you are military dependents. Today, I want to personally recognize your resiliency and dedication. It is not easy to be a military dependent. However, even though it is difficult you make it happen," said Burgos.
April was designated as the Military Child month in 1986. During the month, the command has conducted several events to recognize the sacrifice of military children, who also serve the nation with their dedication, while enabling the troops to accomplish their mission.
Since 2001, the U.S. Army Reserve-Puerto Rico, the largest U.S. Army command in the region, has mobilized and deployed over 5,000 soldiers in support to the needs of the nation.
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