KMC celebrates month of the military child, gears up for annual celebration

  • Published
  • By Alysse Seligman
  • Ramstein Youth Programs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  April is a great month for families in the Kaiserslautern Military Community. The weather is brighter and warmer, school breaks provide an opportunity for families to share activities and time together ... best of all, there are numerous programs available to help to celebrate the Month of the Military Child.

Month of the Military Child is a legacy of former Defense Secretary Caspar Weinberger and highlights the important role military children play in the armed forces community. It gives us an opportunity to recognize military children and youth for their heroism, character, courage, sacrifices and resilience.

According to www.defense.gov, there are 1.7 million American youth under 18 with a parent serving in the military and about 10,000 of those kids are growing up in the KMC.

Military children face many challenges that children in a traditional civilian family do not, such as multiple family moves, beginning new schools every two to four years, living overseas away from extended family and parental deployment.

Although these challenges are wonderful opportunities to make new friends, experience new cultures and learn new things, they do create additional stress and tension. With a desire to support the unique needs of military families, the Air Force has created a variety of special initiatives, such as Year of the Air Force Family, featuring contests, prizes and incentives for participants; and Fit Family, a health and fitness program designed to support and encourage healthy and active lifestyles and good nutrition.

"Our military children are a huge part of this community. They are the unsung heroes and contribute to our community through service to their schools, clubs and families," said Dorothy Choate, 86th Services Squadron Family Member Programs Flight chief. "Our children see an average of six schools and eight duty stations within their childhood. We recognize all of these contributions during this Year of the Air Force Family, and especially during April, the Month of the Military Child."

The highlight of the month here in the KMC is the annual joint Army and Air Force celebration at Pulaski Park. The event will take place April 24 at Pulaski Park on Ramstein. Over 3,000 people are expected to participate in this KMC-wide celebration of our youth, being co-sponsored by 86th SVS and Army Morale, Welfare and Recreation.

"We are looking forward to the event; we are so excited to give back to our children as much as they give to us," said Sally Fuller, KMC Youth and Community manager.

Entertainment will include a cheerleading expo, a dog demo, puppet shows and a martial arts demonstration. In addition there will also be bouncy castles, face painting, arts and crafts, and games for kids of all ages.

For more information on the event or other programs available to KMC families, call the Ramstein Youth Programs at DSN 480-6444, or commercial 06371-47-6444; or the Vogelweh Youth Center at DSN 489-6050, or commercial 0631-5536-5080.