Community plans events for Month of the Military Child Published March 17, 2009 By Michelle Hozey 87th Air Base Wing public affairs volunteer McGUIRE AIR FORCE BASE, N.J. -- The month of April is set aside each year to honor America's pint-sized heroes - the children of military members. "Military kids endure unique challenges, often very early in life, that stretch the limits of their understanding," said Cynthia Bush, Airman and Family Readiness Center Relocation and Family Life community readiness consultant. There are also special benefits to being a military child. "I believe with the frequent moves our children are faced with, they become more adapted than children in other areas of society," said Chief Master Sgt. William Sanders, 305th Maintenance Squadron superintendent. In 1986, Defense Secretary Caspar Weingberger and the U.S. Department of Defense designated April as Month of the Military Child. The month is a time set aside for each branch of service to recognize the sacrifices which are made by the children of those serving our country. "I think it's great to have a month designated in their honor to show our love and support of these amazing children who we adore each and every day of the year!" Ms. Bush said. To celebrate Month of the Military Child, military families are invited to attend Fun Fest April 15, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Fort Dix Griffith Field House. "The primary purpose of Fun Fest is to provide on-base and off-base information and resources to military families in hopes that it will strengthen and build their resiliency in their military lifestyle," said Amada Espinoza, Army Community Services Relocation Readiness Program manager. The event will also provide a family-friendly day of fun activities for all ages, she said. Fun Fest activities will include extreme wall climbing, a petting zoo, Adventure Aquarium touch tanks, caricatures and therapeutic massages. The event and food are free. Door prizes will also be given away. Throughout the month of April, military children may bring a donation of either a canned good or pair of socks to the Airman and Family Readiness Center in exchange for a pet rock, complete with googly eyes. The donations will be taken to the local food pantry and Buttonwood Hospital in Browns Mills, N.J. On April 17, the children of Child Development Center II, ages 3 to 6, will attend a program entitled "Military Kids Rock" in the conference room of the Airman and Family Readiness Center where they will also decorate their own pet rocks in exchange for donations. A short cartoon will be shown about deployments. For more information about Month of the Military Child, call the A&FRC at (609) 754-3154.