You don’t have to go very far to realize that San Antonio is a military town. Whether you’re visiting the Riverwalk or attending a Spurs game, you’ll probably run into a basic trainee or two (or two thousand). With six military installations in the Alamo City alone, you’re bound to have a lot of military families.
To recognize all the contributions military children make while their parents are serving the nation, April was designated “Month of the Military Child” in 1986 by Defense Secretary Caspar W. Weinberger. Having two “military brats” myself, I understand the sacrifices these children make on a daily basis. Military children not only regularly uproot their lives, but their parents typically work long hours, and can be away from home for months on end (not to mention in dangerous places). This can really take its toll on a family.
I’ll never forget the first time I attended a fellow service member’s retirement ceremony. His whole family was there, including his four teenagers. Of course, the teenagers seemed disinterested. But once the retiree brought his spouse and children up on the stage, and dedicated his career and success to his family, you could see them start to melt. He apologized for not “being there,” and thanked his kids for changing schools for the umpteenth time. He was sobbing while he hugged his kids, and they couldn’t help but cry with him. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house! These kids go through a lot, and definitely deserve our understanding and support.
How can you show your support? Wear purple! Purple was chosen to represent the combination of all military branches, and you can find out more about “Purple Up!” by checking out the Northside ISD website. (NISD will be participating April 15th, while other schools will be participating on April 30th. Check with your school district for more information.)
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Kids can also participate in the USO San Antonio’s Month of the Military Child Coloring Contest. Children ages 1 to 13 can submit USO coloring sheets by April 30th, 2014 for a chance to win a USO gift bag.
Maybe you’re a teacher or friend of a military child you’d like to help. Military One Source has tons of great information and has even partnered up with Sesame Street to address challenges specific to military children.
Are you a military family? How do your children cope with the stress of being a military child?
What challenges do you feel are unique to your children?