April is Month of the Military Child Published April 10, 2009 By Lt. Col. Jason Bush 30th Force Support Squadron commander VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- For well over 20 years, April has been set aside as the Month of the Military Child. This offers us the opportunity to focus on military children and honor their sacrifice. Children of America's finest are never forgotten, but oftentimes put in the backseat of the driving war effort because the effect of a parent's military service upon the child is unheard. Former Defense Secretary Caspar Weinberger established the Defense Department commemoration "Month of the Military Child" in 1986 because he understood the challenges that military children face by having a parent serve in the Armed Forces. Military children undergo hardships and face many obstacles by having a parent deployed for wide-ranging periods of time. The goal for Vandenberg this month is to recognize and pay tribute to military children for their commitment, sacrifice and unconditional support shown to their parents, our men and women serving in the military. The 30th Space Wing and other organizations within the Vandenberg community will sponsor activities and events for military children. Throughout April, we will celebrate them as "everyday heroes." Check with your local Child Development Center, Airman and Family Readiness Center, or Youth Center to find out what's happening in our community to celebrate the Military Child. You can always access the latest information on the 30 FSS website, which lists general information about the "Month of the Military Child" and other Vandenberg activities. What is it? Since the Month of the Military Child began in 1986, the DOD has teamed with various partners to recognize the sacrifices and applaud the courage of military children. More than 1.7 million American children under the age of 18 have at least one parent serving in the military. It is estimated the Air Force has more than 500,000 military children with one or both parents having deployed multiple times. Why is it important to the Air Force? Sustaining Airmen is critical to sustaining an all-volunteer force. Many will agree the strength of our Airmen comes from the strength of our families. The Air Force has built trust and confidence among Airmen, families and military children by leading the way in quality-of-life programs while recognizing the commitment and increasing sacrifices our families make every day. During the month of April, leaders and parents are asked to encourage military children with celebrations, speeches, posters, spots in the media, and through personal contact to let our military children know that because of their unique courage, contributions to the Air Force family and daily sacrifices, they are "everyday heroes" in the eyes of the nation. What activities does Vandenberg have planned? Team Vandenberg is committed to providing military children with a high quality of life commensurate with their high level of sacrifices, to include excellence in schools, youth services and child care. Some of Team Vandenberg's Month of the Military Child events are: April 9 -- Safe Child Fair at the Vandenberg Library April 10 -- Movie Night at the Youth Center April 17 -- Teen Bowling Trip, sign up at the Youth Center April 24 -- Annual Spring Fling, hosted by the CDC, which includes games, castles, fire trucks and a bounce-house--fun for the whole family April 30 -- Airmen and Family Fun Run Let's show our military children how much we appreciate them this month!