Month of the Military Child

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Aubrey Robinson
  • 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  During the month of April the 4th Fighter Wing honors numerous national observances, but one that stands out to members of The U.S. Armed Forces is The Month of the Military Child.

In 1986, former Secretary of Defense Casper Weinberg designated April as the Month of the Military Child. The Department of Defense estimates that approximately 15 million Americans are children of current or former military members and during this month they are celebrated for the sacrifices they make in support of our nation's freedoms.

"Military children tend to go through a lot with deployments and constantly moving," said Jasmine Carroll, 4th Force Support Squadron Youth Center director. "This is a way to celebrate them and what they do."

According to the National Child Traumatic Stress Network, some deployment-related stressors that affect military children are parental separation, family reunification and reintegration. Due to frequent moves many military children experience disrupted relationships with friends and must adapt to new schools. Some children also experience the trauma of welcoming home a parent who returns with a combat injury.

"It's like an average day anytime my dad goes to work but when he deploys I feel sad and lonely," said Daniel Ruiz, son of U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Eric Ruiz, 335th Aircraft Maintenance Unit crew chief from Colombia, South America. "Knowing that he is in the Air Force also makes me feel like he is a big part of the world and I'm glad that he's a part of that."

The youth center will be hosting an information fair in recognition of military children April 21 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. where there will activities for children of all ages to include a petting zoo and family talent show.

For more information about youth center events and programs, call 919-722-0502, or visit facebook.com/sjyouth.