FORT POLK, La. -- The love of a parent for their child is boundless and the commitment of the Army to its Soldiers is abundant.
That's why Fort Polk's Family Morale, Welfare and Recreation, in conjunction with the Army Family Covenant, provides unparalleled child care with the grand opening of three new child development centers at Fort Polk Aug. 27.
"Parents need to know their children are in a safe, secure and enriching environment. It improves their ability to work and concentrate on the duties of their job," said Col. Francis Burns, Joint Readiness Training Center and Fort Polk garrison commander, keynote speaker at the grand opening.
With the important jobs Soldiers have, that peace of mind is a necessity. "These facilities are going to have a positive effect on Soldiers and their Families. When a parent knows their kids are in a safe, learning, loving environment, it helps them focus on what they do for our nation -- fight and win our nation's wars. Our Soldiers are doing a magnificent job and just the comfort of knowing they don't have to worry about their children is astounding. It helps our Soldiers, Families and our nation," said Maj. Gen. Reuben Jones, commanding general of Family Morale, Welfare and Recreation Command and distinguished guest at the grand opening.
Burns explained that Child Development Centers in buildings 701, 702 and 3349 have provided more than 454 new child care spaces for Fort Polk. "In constructing these buildings we have blended what we deem is extremely important with what is 'must have.' That includes a certified, friendly learning environment for our children with convenient location, cleanliness, larger facilities and plenty of parking for parents," said Burns.
With these facilities, Fort Polk's FMWR has worked hard to keep the promises made to Soldiers and Family members.
"This is part of the Army Family Covenant pledge and is another assurance to our Families that we are taking care of them and their children. We want to make sure that we continue this growth and provide even more programs for Families. Right now we have another child care center in design phase at North Fort and after that we plan to get our School Age Services building up and running," said Loretta Nale, Director of Fort Polk's Family Morale, Welfare and Recreation.
She said these facilities are a down payment on the things that the Army Family Covenant, Installation Management Command and FMWR commands have pledged to Families.
Parents attending the event seemed excited about the CDC grand opening.
"I think what the Army is doing for Families is wonderful. My children love the teachers and I love the new facilities. They have more space in the rooms and having the gymnasium in bldg 701 is awesome because if it's rainy outside or overly hot, they can play and run inside," said, Sarah Ebey, parent.
Another parent gave insight into why the facilities are good for both parents and children.
"I think these facilities can help with retention because it keeps Soldiers and Families happy. It also allows spouses the ability to pursue things they want and need to do. With a nice facility like this, I have no trouble leaving my son here. I think it's a great place and all the staff that I've dealt with has been top-notch. They really care about the kids. We have also used the hourly care next to Wheelock. It's really convenient to drop the kids off right there, work out and pick them up. You don't waste a lot of time to go from one location to the other," said Trisha Edington.
Burns reiterated the Army's commitment in the establishment of the Army Family Covenant.
"This document specifically highlights the Army's leadership commitment to 'ensuring excellence in schools, youth services and child care.' Because of this commitment to the Army's Family Covenant, funding for child and youth services has entered the most intensive building period in its history. The Army's commitment to follow through on these promises stems from the belief that the strength of the Soldier comes from the strength of our Families. It's about providing a quality of life for Soldiers and their Families that's commensurate with their service," said Burns.
Jones said the completion of these new structures confirms what has been known for a long time -- the Army has the best day care in the world. "The Army has kept its promise to deliver on the Army Family Covenant as it concerns this one area to build facilities that are standardized with quality construction and are safe for our children," said Jones.
Burns said the Army's Directorate of Family Morale, Welfare and Recreation command, Jones, Brig. Gen. James Yarbrough, Joint Readiness Training Center and Fort Polk commanding general and Fort Polk leadership are the people who made the construction of these facilities happen.
"With every ground breaking and ribbon cutting, we are improving the home of heroes," said Burns.
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