JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. – Each April, the Department of Defense celebrates the more than 1.6 million military children with parents serving our country throughout the United States and overseas.
Hampton Roads has approximately 83,000 active-duty service members from nearly every branch serving at 15 installations. Families who may be at their first assignment, serving with these military members, preparing for transition out of the military or in-between.
Military families move on average every two to three years, impacting military children through changing schools and support networks.
Strong communities make these transitions less complicated, and Joint Base Langley-Eustis is uniquely suited to support transitioning families.
On April 27, more than 250 General Stanford Elementary School students, parents, Parent Teacher Association members, Child & Youth Services staff, military children of all ages, and volunteers gathered for a day of celebration at JBLE-Eustis.
The students laced their sneakers for the Purple Up Run to celebrate the Month of the Military Child. They enjoyed other activities, including dunking their principal and teachers; in a dunking booth, playing in bounce houses, basketball, face painting, and listening to live music from the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command Band.
Maj. Samuel Campbell, Sustainment Requirements Analyst, Futures Integration Directorate, Futures and Concepts Center, was part of the event's success.
As a PTA volunteer and coach, he helped develop fun activities appropriate for all ages and skill levels.
"I coach military children because I understand the unique challenges they face and want to provide support and guidance to help them thrive despite the obstacles they may encounter," said Campbell.
The positive impact of military service on children can be seen in their future career paths.
While some may join the military after high school or college, others serve military communities in other ways.
Jennifer Harnish, General Stanford Elementary School principal, is a military child with an upbringing like many of today's military kids.
Harnish was born in California at Beale Air Force Base, and her father, a Green Beret, served twice at Fort Eustis, among many other Army installations.
Attending nine schools in 13 years instilled the traits of adaptability and resiliency.
"I was afforded every opportunity as a military child, and that is my hope for the children of Ft. Eustis," said Harnish.
The communities our service members reside in may be temporary, but the impact of their actions can be permanent.
Campbell, a Soccer and Basketball coach on Fort Eustis and a Track coach for the Hampton Roads Track Club, stated, "I want to positively impact the youth and create opportunities that allow each child to reach their full potential."
Through various initiatives, one organization provides vital support to the school, teachers, and students.
The General Stanford Elementary School Parent Teacher Association comprises parents with a singular goal. Make the school better and serve all children and families.
By securing external support and organizing internal fundraising, the PTA actively contributes to implementing academic programs, expressions of appreciation, and enjoyable events and activities while providing resources and grants.
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