Monday, April 3, 2017
What is it?
During the Month of the Military Child, the U.S. Army joins the Department of Defense in the recognition of the commitment, contributions and sacrifices of military children.
This year marks 31st anniversary of the Department of Defense designating April as Month of the Military Child, recognizing that the strength of the nation is built on the readiness and resilience of every member of the all-volunteer Army, including the personal sacrifice of Family members and, in this case, the children of military service members and Department of the Army Civilians.
What has the Army done?
The Army remains fully committed to helping Families become and stay strong by offering a variety of programs and services through U.S. Army Installation Management Command.
This year’s theme, “Military Kids: At Home Across the World,” will help our nation understand how important our military children are, no matter where they are stationed. Throughout the month of April, Army organizations will provide a variety of fun and exciting events such as family fun nights, parades, festivals, and special luncheons to officially recognize military children.
Month of the Military Child activities will differ across DOD and the Army, but all share a common goal: to celebrate and recognize the contributions of military children.
Special events include the Young Lives, Big Stories contest, where military children are invited to share their experiences and win prizes, and Operation Megaphone, where military teens join with others in a worldwide lock-in scheduled for April 28 and 29.
What continued efforts are planned for the future?
As the nation prepares for the future, the Army recognizes that children will continue to experience and work through the challenges of relocations, deployments, reintegration and, if needed, care for their wounded Soldier parent.
Through specialized programs and trained staff, the Army will continue to anticipate and address the evolving needs of Soldiers and Families to ensure they are healthy, ready, and self-reliant.
Why is this important to the Army?
There are more than 133,000 children and youth registered in 69 child and youth services programs. The Army remains committed to these military Family members to honor the service and sacrifices of those who serve the nation. Month of the military child is one way the Army can recognize, applaud, and celebrate the resilience of military children and youth and their role in ensuring a ready force now and into the future.
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