News

Delaware recognizes military children's sacrifices

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class William Johnson
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Since 1986, April has been a month to honor military children and the sacrifices they must endure on behalf of the demands of their parents.

However, on April 29, 2014, the Delaware State Senate and House of Representatives passed a resolution to make April 30, 2014, a day of recognition of the military child. Additionally, a proclamation signed by the Governor of Delaware, Jack Markell, and Lieutenant Governor, Matthew Denn declared April 30 as the Day of Recognition of the Military Child.

Brian Bushweller, Delaware State Senator, was the primary sponsor of the resolution and said it is a small token of appreciation for the sacrifices the children make for all of us.

"When we talk about the military in Delaware, we're usually speaking out in support of our troops, who no one will deny deserve our support," said Bushweller. "But we also must be mindful of the families who stand behind our service members, especially the children who don't always fully understand or appreciate why their father or mother is gone away from home for long stretches of time."

Aside from long deployments where one or two parents are deployed, one of the major stresses military children face is moving and changing schools.

There are approximately 5,968 children, of whom 3,667 are school-aged, with parents serving in the military either on active duty, reserves or in the National Guard living in or stationed in Delaware. Each military installation has a School Liaison Office who is available to offer assistance to military families who have school-aged children with transition and deployment needs.

Donna Johnson, Delaware State Board of Education executive director, said raising awareness to the issue is important and the proclamation/resolution strengthened the support systems that are already in place for military children.

"This is a great opportunity to encourage and provide these support systems," said Johnson. "Also, it brings awareness of these supports to community members who may not be aware of them. As we are going through our day-to-day life, we may not even stop to think about all the differences that the children coming into our classrooms bring, and this is an opportunity to shed a little light on the differences our military children bring into the classrooms."

Col. Rick Moore, 436th Airlift Wing commander, along with other senior leaders from Dover AFB sat on the senate and house floor as the resolution was read and voted upon. Col. Moore was also invited to the senate floor to speak about the resolution.

Col. Moore said the relationship that Dover AFB has with the state of Delaware and the City of Dover is the strongest he has ever seen.

"We're thrilled that the state of Delaware would take the time to recognize the unique contributions of our military children," said Col. Moore. "We are also pleased by the great lengths to which the state goes to support our families and our mission."

The resolution can be viewed in its entirety at: http://legis.delaware.gov/LIS/lis147.nsf/vwLegislation/SCR+47?Opendocument