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Children Purple Up! for Month of the Military Child

Patty Garrison, 20th Force Support Squadron Child Development Center program leader, plays with children at the Chandler Cornell Child Development Center play yard at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., April 26, 2016. Throughout the month of April, the Department of Defense Education Activity encouraged schools to plan events that recognize and show appreciation for our military children. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Christopher Maldonado)

Children Purple Up! for Month of the Military Child

Latonya Calvin, 20th Force Support Squadron Child and Youth Program assistant, plays with children at the Chandler Cornell Child Development Center play yard at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., April 26, 2016. The CDC provides a variety of age-appropriate programs for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years while their guardians are completing their respective missions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Christopher Maldonado)

Children Purple Up! for Month of the Military Child

Latrell Woods, 20th Force Support Squadron Child and Youth Services transportation coordinator (left,) and Julie Denton, 20th FSS CYS training and curriculum specialist (right,) sing with toddlers during a Month of the Military Child spirit week at the 20th FSS Chandler Cornell Child Development Center at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., April 14, 2016. The CDC provides a variety of age-appropriate programs for children ages 6-weeks to 5-years. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Christopher Maldonado)

Children Purple Up! for Month of the Military Child

A 20th Force Support Squadron Child and Youth Services instructor holds a toddler during a Month of the Military Child spirit week at the 20th FSS Chandler Cornell Child Development Center at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., April 16, 2016. Throughout the month of April, the Department of Defense Education Activity encouraged schools to plan events that recognize and show appreciation for our military children.

Children Purple Up! for Month of the Military Child

Published April 26, 2016
By Airman 1st Class Christopher Maldonado
20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- There are more than 1.8 million military children of Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors, and Marines throughout the world, many of whom will experience the effects of family separation at some point in their lives.

Regardless of the branch of service, children may experience some form of stress while their parents serve in the military, and initiatives are being put in place to aid children and parents through times of need.

April, recognized as the Month of the Military Child, is one such initiative.

Throughout the month, the Department of Defense Education Activity encouraged schools to plan events that recognize and show appreciation for our military children.

The 20th Force Support Squadron Child and Youth Services here hosted many events for children throughout the base.
Working at the youth program I am gifted with an everyday outlook on the life of a military child, said Christy Ragan, 20th FSS Child and Youth Program assistant.

Child and Youth Services hosted events such as a school-age outdoor serenade, family outdoor art with music and the wearing of the color purple to honor military children. Event coordinators geared the events towards children who may be experiencing difficulties related to parental separation, family reunification, and reintegration.

“The Child Development Center celebrates our children daily but we enjoy this month set aside for all to remember their sacrifices,” said Yulanda Richardson, 20th FSS CDC director. “The Month of the Military Child is a celebratory reminder that not only do our parents serve, but that our children serve as well.”

Permanent change of station and parental separation can put military children in situations where they may be frequently subject to moves and disrupted relationships with friends or caregivers.

Child and Youth Services however, give children the opportunity to socialize and learn from other children who may be dealing with some of the same stressors.

Taking care of our nation's military children by ensuring they are prepared to handle these situations helps sustain our fighting force and helps strengthen the health, security, and safety of our nation's families and communities.