Airpark ceremony highlights "Kids Serve Too"

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Joe McFadden
  • 1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. --  Dozens of children and Airmen gathered at the Airpark April 24 for a dual proclamation-signing ceremony designating April as the Month of the Military Child and Child Abuse Prevention Month.

Col. Jim Slife, commander of 1st Special Operations Wing, and his wife Gwendolyn each signed respective proclamations as part of the month-long observance highlighting the contributions and wellbeing of the nation's nearly two million military children.

"The recognition of the 'Month of the Military Child' will allow us to pay tribute to military children for their commitment, their struggles and their unconditional support of our troops, because when parents serve in the military, their kids serve too," read the proclamation signed by Col. Slife. "These children are a source of pride and honor to us all, and it is only fitting that we take time to recognize their contributions, celebrate their spirit, and let our men and women in uniform know that while they're taking care of us, we're taking care of their children."

Children at the event held American flags to commemorate being a military child and pinwheels as part of the National Blue Ribbon campaign to prevent child abuse.

"Child abuse is a community problem and finding solutions depends on involvements among people throughout the community," read the proclamation signed by Mrs. Slife. "All citizens should become more aware of child abuse and its prevention, and should become involved in supporting parents to raise their children in a safe, nurturing environment."

The base community also held several children-related activities throughout the month including a military dress-up day at the child development center, parent/guardian photo day and a family movie night at the community park.

According to the Department of Defense's website, April is designated as the Month of the Military Child to celebrate the unique contributions, commitment and sacrifices children make on behalf of our country.

According to the National Child Traumatic Stress Network's website, April was first declared Child Abuse Prevention Month by presidential proclamation in 1983 as a time to acknowledge the importance of families and communities working together to prevent child abuse.