Fort Greely celebrates Month of the Military Child

By Angela J. Glass, U.S. Army Garrison Alaska, Fort Greely Public AffairsApril 28, 2020

From left to right: Josean, Hope and Justin Galicia pose for a photo in honor of “Purple Up Day,” a virtual celebration of military families worldwide during the Month of the Military Child. Since April 1986, the Army has observed MOMC to...
1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – From left to right: Josean, Hope and Justin Galicia pose for a photo in honor of “Purple Up Day,” a virtual celebration of military families worldwide during the Month of the Military Child. Since April 1986, the Army has observed MOMC to recognize and honor the commitment, contributions and sacrifices military children make to our nation through the strength they provide our Soldiers and families. (Photo Credit: Courtesy Photo) VIEW ORIGINAL
U.S. Army Garrison Alaska, Fort Greely Child Development Center employee Ms. Joann Amarone poses with her nephew Kieran Amarone for “Purple Up Day,” a virtual celebration of military families worldwide during the Month of the Military Child....
2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Army Garrison Alaska, Fort Greely Child Development Center employee Ms. Joann Amarone poses with her nephew Kieran Amarone for “Purple Up Day,” a virtual celebration of military families worldwide during the Month of the Military Child. Since April 1986, the Army has observed MOMC to recognize and honor the commitment, contributions and sacrifices military children make to our nation through the strength they provide our Soldiers and families. (Photo Credit: Courtesy Photo) VIEW ORIGINAL

U.S. Army Garrison Alaska, Fort Greely celebrated the Month of the Military Child in April to honor the sacrifices made by military families and to recognize the important role military children play in our community.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, in-person festivities were cancelled, but that didn’t prevent Fort Greely Family and MWR from celebrating through virtual means.

This year’s MOMC theme, “Overcoming Challenges: Adapting Today for a Stronger Tomorrow,” remains extremely relevant to the challenges families are facing during these uncertain times.

In support of social distancing, FMWR utilized social media outlets to creatively interact with children and families who were spending more time at home due to the pandemic.

By implementing online activities such as children’s photo, drawing and chef contests gave families something to look forward to and a way to celebrate this year’s MOMC observance.

Even a virtual “Purple Up Day” was celebrated via Facebook April 16 where children and families wore purple attire to acknowledge the sacrifices and contributions made by military families.

FMWR Marketing Manager, Mrs. Irmgard Melecio, handles the program’s social media pages and is extremely impressed with the virtual reach of the activities. “Entire families signing up to be a part of the activities and contests confirms how amazingly resilient they are, especially the children,” said Melecio.

“Children and Families are the force behind the force, supporting Soldiers as they focus on their mission in serving the nation, and recognizing their contributions through virtual means displays our commitment to military Families and children, and thanks them for the support and contributions they make on behalf of their Soldiers,” said Fort Greely Garrison Commander, Lt. Col. Joel Johnson.

If you would like to stay virtually connected with Fort Greely Family and MWR on social media outlets, follow @GreelyMWR on both Facebook and Instagram.