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Though they are young, military children show resilience when it comes to supporting parents as they move and face different adversities across the globe. Every day, they show endurance in their support, whether relocating to a new home or putting on their brave face and saying goodbye to parents as they go and complete the mission.
In recognition of their sacrifices and perseverance, April is recognized as Month of the Military Child.
“Growing up, it was hard having my father leave for several months at a time, but I understood the importance of what he was doing,” said Alexiis Figueroa, daughter of Master Sgt. Mario Figueroa, 485th Intelligence Squadron superintendent.
Two challenges military children face are the constant readjustment to new situations and learning to be flexible. While adapting to a whole new environment, children also encounter the challenges of making new friends and dealing with extended and close family separation.
“The biggest challenge of being a military family is the separation and the reintegration of our normal daily routines,” said Alexiis’ mother, Paulita Figueroa, Vogelweh School Age coordinator. “This has been challenging throughout the years; however, in the past 18 years my daughter has shown resiliency in understanding that this is what her father signed up for, and appreciates him for that.”
According to the Department of Defense, there were approximately 1.7 million total-force dependent children worldwide in 2015.
“As a parent, it’s such a great opportunity that we have given our children, exposing them to diversity and having them understand the meaning of being a part of a community in which we all understand the sacrifices that our men and women in uniform have to endure,” Figueroa said.
While some military children are stateside supporting our troops, those stationed overseas with their parents get to experience another side of the military that others might not ever have the opportunity to see.
“My children were lucky to have established a relationship with extended family before coming overseas,” said Juli Robertson, 86th Force Support Squadron Airman & Family Readiness Center community readiness specialist. “My children have seen the world, and not very many get this kind of unique opportunity to learn and acclimate to a new place.”
No matter where they go, and as different benefits and opportunities are presented to them, military children continue to display patience that military parents around the world are proud of, Robertson said.
Saying ‘thank you’ might not be enough to thank them for their selfless and endless support, but no matter how far they go, they continue to make our mission that much more worth it.
In honor of Month of the Military Child, the 86th Force Support Squadron invites service members and their families to the 8th Annual Month of the Military Child Celebration on April 30.
The celebration will be held at Pulaski Park from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. A variety of activities including bouncy castles, face painting, live entertainment, a kiddie train, and more available. The event is free and open to all DOD ID card holders and their families.
| Date Taken: | 04.27.2017 |
| Date Posted: | 05.22.2017 10:31 |
| Story ID: | 233259 |
| Location: | RAMSTEIN-MIESENBACH, RHEINLAND-PFALZ, DE |
| Web Views: | 13 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Ramstein celebrates Month of the Military Child, by TSgt Savannah Waters, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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