April recognizes DOD's tots

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Armando A. Schwier-Morales
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  For the 1,890 military children at McConnell, April is a time to recognize the sacrifices they also make year round as military children.

In 1986, April was designated as Month of the Military Child to remember and show appreciation to military children, saying "thank you" to the little ones that wait at home while their parents continue in today's fight.

"It's very important to recognize military children, Department of Defense wide, because of the hardships they endure," said Angela Mirich-Holder, 22nd Force Support Squadron Airman and Family Services chief.
"Many of these children have had one parent deployed, or maybe even both at the same time, and also face many other obstacles."

DOD-wide there are 1.7 million American children and youth under 18 with a parent serving in the military, and about 900,000 with one or both parents deployed multiple times. As a result, the 22nd FSS plans to show their appreciation by hosting a series of events targeted at military children.

At these events, we are trying to give the parents and children as much time together as they can get, said Mrs. Mirich-Holder.

"Being a military spouse, I know how precious this family time can be," she said.

Several events from the Family Festival of Fun, April 9, to Youth Center activities throughout April allows McConnell's youngest to experience pony rides, carnival games, winning prizes and much more during Month of the Military Child. Also in the mix are the Child Development Center, Family Child Care and the School Age Program that provide services to McConnell's youth year round.

"Our goal is to help raise military children that are successful in all aspects of their lives," said Mrs. Mirich-Holder. "We do this by providing parents with resources and events that foster a supportive and encouraging environment for children to live and play in."

A parent of two children and a regular user of McConnell's services, Senior Airman Scott Turmell, 22nd Force Support Squadron fitness journeyman, explained his feeling about the support McConnell gives to parents.

"The things that McConnell provides for my children helps make them appreciate the time we have together, especially when I explain why I deploy and do what I do," said Airman Turmell. "They also help by giving my kids a sense of connection, helping them see others going through the same struggles."

Month of the Military Child may be recognized during April, but the services offered throughout McConnell are available year round. For more information about the services offered for the military children, call CDC at (316) 759-4223, FCC at (316) 759-5783, SAP at (316) 759-6859 or the Youth Center at (316) 759-4070.