MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- Every April, military children have reason to celebrate – it’s the Month of the Military Child.
Wanting to honor military children for their sacrifice and courage, in 1986 Defense Secretary Casper Weinberger designated April as Month of the Military Child. More than 1.7 million children under the age of 18 have at least one parent in the military and more than 900,000 of those have had a parent deploy multiple times.
Today’s military children are tomorrow’s heroes. April is the month to pay tribute to military children for the sacrifices and support they give to our nation and to show they are the key to our future successes. The strength of our nation comes from the strength of our military members and their families, including children who serve as heroes for the future.
“Purple Up! For Military Kids” day is April 15. Purple is the color that symbolizes all branches of military, as it is the combination of Army green, Coast Guard blue, Marine red, Navy blue, and Air Force blue. Everyone is encouraged to wear purple as a way to show support and thank military children for their strength, resiliency and sacrifices.
The Airman and Family Services Flight at Malmstrom consists of the Airman and Family Readiness Center, Child Development Center, Family Child Care and Youth Programs. Programs such as the Department of Defense Military Family Life Consultants, who provide coaching and nonmedical counseling to children and families, are offered to Malmstrom families. There is an adult MFLC located at the AFRC, two child and youth MFLCs at child and YP, and one at Loy Elementary School. The CDC offers daily care for children 6 weeks old through 5 years old. FCC offers quality care in a smaller environment of a provider’s home. Youth Programs also offers numerous activities such as sports leagues, before and after school care, summer camps, family trips and much more.
Malmstrom Child and Youth Programs is kicking off Month of the Military Child with a spring carnival April 15 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Youth Center including games, face painting, prizes and more. Cost is $5 per child – pick up your wristbands at the YC prior to the carnival or on that day. Other activities during the month include purple snacks and refreshments for children and families 4-5 p.m. at the CDC April 12, and family bingo at YP April 22 at 1 p.m.
Call Youth Programs at 731-4634 for more information.
It doesn’t take a lot to put a smile on your child’s face – take time during April to spend with your son or daughter and be sure to let them know how much you appreciate and love them. Don’t forget to “PURPLE UP” on April 15.
Click here to see a letter from Montana Governor Steve Bullock.