Military Kids: Heroes for the Future Published April 11, 2014 By Kathleen Desy 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 the sacrifice and courage, former Defense Secretary Casper Weinberger designated April as Month of the Military Child in 1986. For the last 28 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 kids 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 Air Force Base 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 MFLC located at the Airman and Family Readiness Center and one serving the CDC and Youth Programs. The CDC offers daily care as well as hourly care for infants ages 6 weeks through 5 years and a part-day enrichment program for ages 3 to 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 "Purple Up! For Military Kids" day on April 15 - kids and families are invited to the Youth Center from 4 to 5 p.m. to enjoy purple milkshakes and other goodies. 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. The month's activities end April 30 with the Art is Magical youth art show from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at the Youth Center - there will also be a special show by magician Adam Rideaux. 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 and don't forget to "purple up" on April 15. The following month of the military children events are scheduled for the month of April at Malmstrom Air Force Base: April 15: Purple up Day The Youth Center is hosting a Purple up Day from 4 to 5 p.m. To show support for all branches of the military children, attendees are encouraged to wear purple attire. April 19: Spring Carnival The YC is hosting their annual spring carnival from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Events includes games, prizes and food. April 25 to 26: Teen lock-in The YC is hosting a teen lock-in for children ages 13 and up April 25 at 9 p.m. to April 26 at 7 a.m. Attendees will have the opportunity to play games, watch movies and compete against other bases in contests throughout the night. All teenagers must have a signed parent permission slip. Deadline to register is April 14. April 30: Art is Magical The YC is hosting a children's art show from 4 to 4:30 p.m. For more information about Month of the Military Child, call YP at 731-4634.