Since 1986, throughout the month of April, Army installations around the world recognize the resiliency and courage of military children by celebrating the Month of the Military Child.

More than 2,000,000 children have experienced deployment of one or both parents since 2010. Our Soldiers’ children have endured the effects of more than 13 years of conflict. Throughout these years of conflict, Families faced the challenges associated with Soldiers transitioning to and from the wars. The military recognizes these challenges and takes great efforts to recognize these Families and their children.

Army installations sponsor various fun and educational events to recognize the service and support military children provide the nation. Army leaders will take part in ceremonies and events recognizing the unique challenges that military children face, and to reinforce the Army’s commitment to maintain the quality of life for both Soldiers and their Families. This year’s theme is “Their Lives, Their Stories.”

Activities at Fort Hood will include Child, Youth & School Services Flash Mob, Earth Day/MOMC Fest, MOMC Cross Fit Kids, USO Movies on the Lawn, MOMC Skate Night and many more activities aimed at addressing challenges military children face at school and at home. Information can be found on the Fort Hood MWR web page, www.hoodmwr.com.

The Army is committed to providing military children with a quality of life commensurate with their service to this nation. The Army continues to provide services to Soldiers’ Families throughout the year through child and youth service programs, increased emphasis on school support and school transition services, and standardizing the funding programs worldwide that support the military child.

These programs are critical to the men and women in uniform, enabling them to focus on the

U.S. Army photo

 missions and challenges ahead and be confident in the welfare of their Families. Providing a safe and stimulating environment for military children creates a stronger more resilient Soldier, increasing the capabilities of our military.

The Month of the Military Child reinforces this concept, reminds the nation that our service members’ children also serve, and gives the communities an opportunity to share their gratitude for the service of military children. The strength of our nation comes from the strength of our Soldiers and their Families. The Month of the Military Child enables the community to recognize our military children, “Their Lives, Their Stories.”