Military children recognized during April

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Scott King
  • 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. (AFPN) --  Never underappreciated, but sometimes overlooked for their contributions to the Department of Defense, military children are the focus for April as “Month of the Military Child.”

The military provides protection and defense for the U.S. and, in turn, military children make great sacrifices. They must live with uncertainty and concern for their parents on a daily basis. Many families learn to be flexible, but extended hours and long deployments can be difficult for military children.

In February 1986, Secretary of Defense Caspar Weinberger established April as the Month of the Military Child, underscoring the importance of military children and their role in military families.

“During this month we celebrate unique lifestyles of our military youth, making adjustments when necessary, especially during deployments and wartime,” said Kathy Wilcox, child development center director here. “Therefore, April has been declared as a special time to demonstrate our ongoing gratitude and appreciation for the many sacrifices our military families make as loved ones serve their country. We salute their efforts in an ever-changing environment by celebrating supporting the children’s needs.”

Parents said their children motivate them to do what they do day-in and day-out.

“This month shows them their nation cares about the great sacrifices they have made for their parents who have chosen to serve,” said Tech. Sgt. Randall Simonson, 92nd Operations Support Squadron airfield management operations chief. “They do this as a willing supporter and with the same love of this country as their military parents.

“Sometimes I don’t think our children are told often enough how important and supportive it is to us when we come home from a difficult day, and we see them smile,” Sergeant Simonson said. “It is my children (who) give me the energy and desire to put this uniform on each day to protect and defend this great nation for their future way of life.”

Just as “flexibility is the key to air power,” it is also a key for many military families.

“Military families learn to be flexible, but extended hours and long deployments often prove to be difficult for our military children,” Mrs. Wilcox said. “I feel this month provides those of us (here) a time to celebrate the unique lifestyles of our military youth and the adjustments that families make during deployments and wartime.”

April serves as a reminder for military families that there is support available to them with resources to help.

“Being a parent myself, it breaks my heart to leave my wife and kids behind when I am called to (deploy),” said Maj. Mason Pigue, 92nd Services Squadron commander. “But that is what we do when we are called. We have sworn to support and defend, and that is what we do. Our families know this, respect this and stand by us. When we deploy forward and leave that hole in the family, it’s important for me to know that my nation has not forgotten about my family, and I am grateful that they are honored and supported this month.”