JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- Resilient, adaptable, and strong – these words describe the children growing up in military families. Every April, the Department of Defense celebrates the Month of the Military Child, recognizing the unique challenges and sacrifices these children face while honoring their contribution to the armed forces community.
The Month of the Military Child was established in 1986 by former Secretary of Defense Caspar Weinberger. The DOD estimates there are more than 1.6 million military children who are going through constant changes as their parents serve in the military. On average, military families move every two to three years – meaning new school systems and environments, new support networks and new friends.
In honor of their resilience, JBER celebrated its military children by hosting the first-ever JBER Family Connections Annual Kids’ Fest April 5 at the JBER-Elmendorf Fitness Center. The event included agencies across the base like the ASYMCA, USO, and JBER Library, and provided games and toys for the children who attended.
“Through our event, we aim to help families improve positive childhood outcomes through fun and educational activities while learning about available resources in the community”, said Darmaly Williams, a prevention coordination specialist for the Integrated Resilience Office and coordinator of the event. “Participating military and civilian helping agencies will promote family dynamics while facilitating activities that nurture physical health and support mental resilience through the enhancement of fine motor skills, sensory integration, and emotional intelligence.”
Some other resources that JBER offers to children year-round through the Child Development Centers on base are the Month of the Military Child carnival, Purple Up for military children, a bike rodeo, a salmon derby, transportation parade, bubble dance party, Iditaread, and Week of the Young Child.
“JBER is committed to ensuring they feel valued, supported, and appreciated – not just this month, but every day of the year,” said Garry Berry, director of integrated prevention and response. “Events like these help to build connectedness and a strong sense of community for our service members and families.”
Go to the JBER Bulletin Board to see upcoming events: https://www.jber.jb.mil/Bulletin-Board/