Military kids: Heroes for the future Published March 30, 2012 Submitted by 341st Force Support Squadron 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, Defense Secretary Casper Weinberger in 1986 designated April as Month of the Military Child. For the last 26 years, military installations, organizations and communities have created special events to pay tribute to these young heroes. 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." 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, or MFLC's, who provide coaching and non-medical counseling to children and families are offered to Malmstrom families. There is an MFLC located at the Airman and Family Readiness Center, and one serving the Child Development Center and Youth Programs. The Child Development Center offers daily care as well as hourly care for children 6 weeks through 5 years and a part-day enrichment program for ages 3-5. Family Child Care offers quality care in a smaller environment of a provider's home. Youth Programs also offer numerous activities such as sports leagues, before and after school care, summer camps, family trips and much more. Youth Programs is kicking off Month of the Military Child with the annual Spring Carnival on April 7 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. There will be games, prizes, food and refreshments. Other events include a special movie matinee that will be held at the base auditorium on April 10 at 1 p.m. The celebration continues April 13 with "Purple Up! For Military Kids" day. Everyone is encouraged to wear purple as a way to show support and thank military children for their strength, resiliency and sacrifices. 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. Finally, the month's activities end April 26 with the Youth Art Show from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Youth Center. Call Youth Programs at 731-4634 for more information.