Dover AFB celebrates Month of the Military Child

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Matthew Hubby
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  According to the Department of Defense, there are 1.7 million children with a parent serving in the military and about 900,000 with one or both parents deployed.

Since 1983, the military community has honored these important members of the military family, with the Month of the Military Child every April. The month of the military child seeks to recognize military children and youth for their heroism, character, courage, sacrifices and continued resilience.

"This month gives us an opportunity to recognize the children and the part they play in the military," said Marti Hosterman, 436th Force Support Squadron Airman & Family Services chief. "Not only are they a part of an individual family, but they are also part of the much larger Air Force family that makes up this installation."

The month kicked off with a parade April 1, and to celebrate and honor the children of Dover Air Force Base, Del., the Child Development Center and Youth Center filled its calendar with events to recognize Team Dover's military children. These events are:
· April 4 - Crazy Hat Day
· April 5 - Favorite Stuffed Animal Day
· April 6 - Pajama Day
· April 7 - Crazy Hair Day
· April 8 - Crazy Shirt Day
· April 14 and 15 - Parent workshop
· April 16 - Month of the Military Child Carnival
· April 20 - Tree planting
· April 26 - Crafts with Mom and Dad

"The highlight of this month is our carnival April 16," said Patti Porter, 436 FSS Youth Center director. "The Month of the Military Child Carnival is one of the largest scheduled events for the Youth Center."
The free carnival takes place in the Youth Center's gym 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. There will be clowns, games, several community information tables and lots of giveaways.

"The Airman & Family Services staff is dedicated to taking care of the children so their parents can defend the country," said Mrs. Hosterman. "We're proud to do what we do, because we know we're doing it for the nation."

For more information on the events, call the Youth Center at 677-6376, or the CDC at 677- 3716.