Month of the Military Child

Children from the Youth Center drama club put on a play during the Month of the Military Child celebration at the Youth Center on Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., April 20, 2013. The children demonstrated the positive effects that bugs have on the environment despite their unfriendly appearance. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Brittain Crolley/Released)

Month of the Military Child

Children from the Youth Center choir sing during the Month of the Military Child celebration at the Youth Center on Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., April 20, 2013. The free event was held to recognize military children and families, and the important role they play in ensuring mission success. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Brittain Crolley/Released)

Month of the Military Child

U.S. Air Force Col. Kevin Fesler, 4th Fighter Wing vice commander, presents Zion Culley, son of Senior Master Sgt. Christopher Culley, 4th Operation Support Squadron aircrew flight equipment superintendent, with the State Military Youth of the Year award at the Youth Center on Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., April 20, 2013. By winning the state competition, Culley will compete in the South East Regionals in Atlanta, June 17-20, 2013. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Brittain Crolley/Released)

Month of the Military Child

A Team Seymour child rides a horse during the Month of the Military Child celebration at the Youth Center on Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., April 20, 2013. The event also had other animals, such as rabbits, mules and alpacas, for the children to interact with. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Brittain Crolley/Released)

Team Seymour celebrates their military children

Published April 24, 2013
By Staff Sgt. Courtney Richardson
4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- Team Seymour honors military children for their burdens and sacrifices during the month of April.

Established by former Defense Secretary Casper Weinberger in 1986, April is recognized as the Month of the Military Child (MOMC). It highlights the important role military children play and sacrifices they make go through in support of their parents serving in the U.S. armed forces.

"Our military youth are our most precious resource," said U.S. Air Force Col. Kevin Fesler, 4th Fighter Wing vice commander. "They face many challenges, both day-to-day and long term. They endure constant moves, one or both parents deployed and the steady stress of starting a new school and finding new friends."

Military families face unique stresses that can make raising children more challenging. Many people know that military children live a very different, and more demanding lifestyle than most other children; but the extent of their struggles may not be entirely understood.

"Fear and adjusting to changes can lead to many normal reactions such as increased difficult emotions, irritability, sadness, anger, and anxiety," said Maj. Kristin Galloway, 4th Medical Operations Squadron mental health psychologist. "Children especially can show stress through behavioral changes, such as acting out."

The Child Development Center and Youth Center held activities throughout the month and the base hosted a free MOMC block party for all to culminate the celebration.

"This is just one way to show our love and support, give a little time back to our children and honor the unique contributions they make to our military family," said Fesler.

At this year's event, the children were given the opportunity to enjoy a variety of entertainment including: singers, a local high school band, a petting zoo, a magician, arts and crafts, story time, bouncy castles and free food.

"This event was a lot of fun," said Eleanor Powell, wife of Staff Sgt. Bobby Powell, 334th Fighter Squadron medical element. "They had a variety of activities for all ages, which is hard to do-but they did it. It's fun to take a break and hang out as a family."