Family Advocacy hosts Month of the Military Child Celebration

  • Published
  • By Airman Valerie Monroy
  • JBER Public Affairs
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska --  Military children grow up in an ever-changing environment. Whether it's moving to a new home every few years, constantly having to make new friends, or experiencing life without one or both parents for long periods of time, military children contribute a great deal to the military family.

On March 29, Alaska Gov. Bill Walker issued a proclamation declaring April 2016 the Month of the Military Child. The governor urged Americans to recognize military children for their commitment, sacrifices and unconditional support to the military, and to seize opportunities to support them.

"Currently in Alaska, there are 21,219 youth dependents of military members, many of whom have been directly impacted by the deployment of one or more parents on full-time duty status in military service of the United States," Walker said.

"We see [service members] get awards all the time, but we need to realize kids serve too," said Jennifer Frysz, Family Advocacy Program outreach manager. "Giving children their own special time as well lets them know they are appreciated."

Month of the Military Child was first established in 1986 and has been celebrated every year since then.

Children continue to have the opportunity every year to be recognized, Frysz explained. The base community should understand the unique challenges faced by children and appreciate their sacrifice, she continued.

In an effort to show appreciation, the Family Advocacy Program will host a Month of the Military Child celebration at the Buckner Physical Fitness Center April 30, from 9 a.m. to noon.

"The idea for this event is for all the booths to offer activities that families can do at home," Frysz said. "There will be both indoor and outdoor activities for the whole family. It's springtime and people can use this as a way to get out and do something."

The event will offer information booths from various groups, a child obstacle course, a child Zumba class, live demonstrations, crafts and much more, continued Frysz.

For more information about the event, call 384-2999.