Fort Leavenworth kicks off Month of the Military Child

April as Month of the Military Child was officially launched during a kick-off assembly April 1, 2024, at Harrold Youth Center at Fort Leavenworth, Kan.

Child and Youth Services Coordinator Carole Hoffman said Month of the Military Child has been observed since 1986.

“Month of the Military Child recognizes the support military children provide for their soldiers and their families,” she said. “It recognizes and honors the role military play in the armed forces community. The theme for this year’s observance is ‘Military Children and Youth: Brave, Fearless and Resilient,’ and for those of you who are military children, I am sure you know that is a perfect theme for our military children.”

Fort Leavenworth Garrison Commander Col. Duane Mosier addressed the assembled youth and staff.

“As a military child myself — my father was career Air Force — obviously near and dear to my heart for recognition of the great children of our military service members, and all of the children that are here, and all of the children that are part of CYS activities across the installation, this is a great month, a great opportunity to say thank you for who you are and to acknowledge that you are the future leaders of our country and possibly leaders of our military, if you choose to go that route.”

Mosier told the youth assembled of the community’s pledge to them.

“In every aspect of what we can do as military members to help you be resilient and help you succeed in life is our commitment to you, and I just want to say, we have the best CYS team I’ve seen in the Army right here to help you get on that road and make sure that resiliency and happiness is in your future.”

After the singing of the national anthem by Alayna Parvin, freshman at Baker University in Baldwin City, Kan., and lead singer for the Lansing, Kan.-based youth band Royal Purple, Fort Leavenworth Youth of the Year Rayna Klutse read the 2024 Month of the Military Child proclamation.

“For the past 38 years, the Department of Defense has recognized military children and youth during the month of April for their service, commitment and sacrifice in support of their military family and the military mission.

“The 2024 Month of the Military Child theme is ‘Military Children and Youth: Brave, Fearless and Resilient.’ Military children show bravery, fearlessness and resiliency by adapting and meeting adversity head on in an ever-changing environment. The pride they have for their families, and the mental health dexterity they display when faced with numerous deployments, building new friendships, and navigating educational changes reflect the true meaning of selfless service.

“Together, we commit to providing military children and youth the sustenance for mental and physical wellbeing, compassion during hard times, and the resources to enhance their ability to overcome life’s trials. This commitment is unwavering as we maintain excellence in childcare, youth programs and school support to posture military children and youth to face anything, no matter where their journey takes them.

“Join us as we celebrate all military-connected children and youth, this month — and always.”

The proclamation was then signed by Mosier and Fort Leavenworth Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Erika Rhine-Russell as part of their commitment to military children.

Klutse and fellow youth center patrons Grayson Bennett, Beau Brown, Bella Brown, Alexis Hoffman, Skyler Johnson and Adrian Torres also added their names to the proclamation.

Hoffman said the proclamation will be displayed throughout the month of April at the various activities as a reminder of CYS’s and the community’s commitment to military children and youth.

Following the assembly, Royal Purple — including members Parvin; Torres, senior at Lansing High School; Clayton Anderson, senior at LHS; Jonathan Duncan, junior at LHS; Liam Johnson, senior at LHS; and Darien Richards, senior at LHS — performed for more than an hour.