Team Seymour, local community combat child abuse

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Aubrey White
  • 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
GOLDSBORO, N.C. --  Members of the 4th Fighter Wing came together with the Goldsboro community to recognize National Child Abuse Prevention Month during the annual Child Abuse Prevention Proclamation Ceremony on the steps of city hall, April 10.

"Our community's future prosperity depends on the well-being of our next generation," said Debbie Jones, Wayne County Department of Social Services representative. "We all have a role to help children thrive to be happy and healthy."

The designated theme for this year's observation is, "It Only Takes a Moment" to make a difference in the life of a child. Throughout the month, members of the Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C. community will come together with Wayne County to promote healthy children, families and communities.

The 4th Operations Group commander addressed the Goldsboro community and members of Team Seymour during the ceremony.

"Our children are our future and child abuse prevention is everyone's responsibility," said Col. Michael Koscheski, 4th OG commander. "We must be committed to supporting their personal development, health and wellness as each is essential to the strength and stability of a healthy society."

During the ceremony, children from the base Child Development Center held pinwheels to symbolize the effort to support families and reduce child abuse. The pinwheel is reflective of the bright future, which all children deserve and the belief that getting it right early is less costly than trying to fix it later.

Each year, countless children are abused by those responsible for their care, therefore it is important for caregivers and children to know the 5 Rs of child abuse prevention.

-Remember that children are the future

-Recognize the issue of prevention

-Raise the issue of prevention

-Reach out to kids and parents

-Recommend ideas which your community can use

The ceremony concluded with the display of the Child Abuse Prevention Month Flag, which will fly over the city of Goldsboro through April in honor of children who have endured abuse.

With April being Child Abuse Prevention Month as well as the Month of the Military Child, all personnel with access to the base are invited to the Month of the Military Child block party on April 20, 2013, beginning at 10 a.m.

For more information about festivities for children during the month of April, contact the members of the Airman & Family Readiness Center at (919) 722-1123.