FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- April is Month of the Military Child and it's being celebrated with a theme of "Celebrate Military Children: The Strength of Our Future" at Fort Rucker and other Army garrisons.
During April, U.S. military installations around the globe recognize the contributions and sacrifices servicemembers' sons and daughters make daily.
More than 1.7 million children under the age of 18 have at least one parent serving in the armed forces. It is estimated that more than 900,000 children have had one or both parents deployed multiple times.
Directorate of Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation staff host special events to honor Soldiers' children. These events stress the importance of providing children with quality services and support promised them through the Army Family Covenant, according to Installation Management Command officials.
At Fort Rucker, multiple events take place throughout the month beginning April 11-17, which is National Library Week at the Center Library. Daily drawings and giveaways are held throughout the week.
April 12 and 26 is Character Dining at The Landing Zone from 5-7p.m.
April 13 is National Library Week open house at the Center Library from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
April 14 is the Allstar Weekend Concert-the Top 10 Disney Band performs at the post theater from 7-8:30 p.m.
April 16 at 9:30 a.m. is the Family Fun Run/Walk in recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month at the Fort Rucker Physical Fitness Facility.
Following the Fun Run, the Children's Festival is from 1-4 p.m. at the Fort Rucker festival fields. This year's theme is "Down on the Farm," and features a magic show, petting zoo, games, prizes and one of the largest Easter egg hunts in the area.
April 29 is the Children's Fashion Show for Army and Air Force Exchange Service and DFMWR from 5:30-8 p.m. inside the Landing Ballroom. Children and teens of all ages will be modeling new lines of clothing available at the post exchange for the spring and summer seasons.
April 30 is the Splash! Pool Party from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
The month-long celebration reinforces to military children they are, indeed, a key part of the armed forces community. For example, last year, First Lady Michelle Obama noted: "As a grateful nation, it is our sacred responsibility to stand by our military children, just as they and their Families stand by us."
President Barack Obama earlier this year spotlighted the importance of military Family support overall, recalling a trip to Afghanistan in December where he spoke to troops, asking what he could do to better support them.
"Without missing a beat," he said, "they looked me in the eye and they gave me their answer. It wasn't about more equipment. It wasn't about more resources on the battlefield. In fact, it wasn't about them.
"They said, 'Sir, take care of our Families. If we know our Families are all right back home, then we can do our jobs.'"
In late January, Obama unveiled a government plan to strengthen military Family support, including the education and development of military children and expanding child care options for military parents.
Servicemembers and their Families, the president said, have done everything the nation has asked of them in this decade of war. Such commitment by the youngest members of the Army community will be highlighted throughout Month of the Military Child, and their accomplishments will be on display for all to appreciate.
For more information on Fort Rucker's MOMC events, visit http://www.ftruckermwr.com.
(Editors Note: Breanna Walton, Army Flier Staff Writer, contributed to this report.)
Related Links:
Army to celebrate Month of the Military Child
Heidelberg ushers in month of miltary child
U.S. Army Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Command
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