A palpable sense of community and celebration filled the air at the Cody Child Development Center on the afternoon of April 1, as families, staff and leadership from Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall gathered to officially kick off the Month of the Military Child (MOMC).
The afternoon’s formal proceedings began as JBM-HH Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Kenyon K. Simmons, stepped forward to address the crowd.
“April is the Month of the Military Child,” he said. “A time when we recognize the strength, resilience and sacrifice of one of the most important members of our Army team.”
MOMC is observed each April to honor the children of military members for their unique sacrifices and unwavering resilience. This year's theme, "Military Children and Youth: Strength in Every Story," highlights the courage and adaptability these children demonstrate. The observance recognizes that military children serve our country too, by navigating challenges such as frequent moves and parental deployments, which helps to “build their powerful character”.
Simmons spoke of the inherent challenges of a military childhood: the frequent moves, the changing schools and the long and difficult separations from a parent. To bring this reality to life, he shared a personal story about his own son, who had moved six times throughout his childhood
“My children are military children,” said Simmons. “He was a starter on his high school basketball team, and when we moved, he had to start over. But he kept working and now plays in college.”
After he spoke, Simmons signed the official MOMC proclamation, affirming JBM-HH's commitment to supporting our military children and recognizing the sacrifices they make at such young ages.
With the formal part of the ceremony complete, the afternoon transitioned into celebration: the Pinwheel Parade.
“Who’s ready for the parade?” asked Simmons, which was met with joyous screams from the children.
As they proudly marched with pinwheels, led by fifes and drums, around the CDC, parents gathered for photos and to walk alongside them. However, the parade soon had a new leader: a wild turkey. Drawn to the excitement, the turkey decided to join in on the fun. To ensure safety, the CDC staff ushered the children back inside to continue the fun.
To keep up with the Month of the Military Child at JBM-HH, you can participate in several events sponsored by the base's Army Community Service. Show your support by wearing purple, a color to recognize all military branches, for "Purple Up Day" on April 15. For a full list of recreational opportunities and events, be sure to check the JBM-HH MWR calendar.
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