Photo By Robert Timmons | Sir Purr, the Carolina Panthers mascot, walks with Pierce Terrace students around the...... read more read more
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“This month is for you boys and girls,” said Robert Battey, principal of Pierce Terrace Elementary School to students and their families gathered outside the school. “Thank you for your courage and adaptability.”
He was addressed the students moments before they began walking around the school to kick off the Month of the Military Child – celebrated nationwide every April.
Each year, Fort Jackson, the Army and Department of /Defense joins state and local governments and organizations to celebrate military children.
According to the Department of Defense, “There are more than 1.6 million military children who face many unique challenges and unique experiences as a result of their parents’ service.”
Battey and Col. Timothy Hickman, garrison commander, briefly addressed those experiences during the event.
“Your unique experiences enrich our school and we as a staff are committed to supporting you in every way possible,” Battey said.
Military children face the unique challenge of moving every two to three years when their parents are assigned to a different installation. This causes them to have to change schools, meet new friends and even adapt to new cultures.
According to an Army release a military family moves six to nine times during a school career from kindergarten to 12th grade; an average frequency of three times more than non-military families.
Hickman knows a thing or two about the challenges the children face – he is a father of four kids and was a military child himself.
“Who likes to play hide and seek when their house is all packed up?” Hickman asked the children present. “And you play around the boxes, and then you take the little stickers off, and your mom gets mad, so you put them back.”
How did he know that, he asked, because “I’m a military kid too. I moved six times when my dad was in the Army."
He spoke about one of his favorite places his family moved to was in Germany.
“It takes time to meet some new friends, have new teachers at different places, and sometimes the weather and the places are just really different,” he said. “But you know what I’ve noticed about military kids? The make friends really quickly.”
After Hickman spoke the students began a walk around the school led by Sir Purr, the Carolina Panthers’ mascot.
Once the walk was completed the students were given popsicles.
The Pierce Terrace event isn’t the only thing on post celebrating military children.
C.C. Pinckney Elementary School students did a walk of their own and the Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation is holding events to recognize military children as well, including a Child, Youth Services event; Golf Club: Three Course Fun, April 5; Fort Jackson 5K, April 12; and youth archery at Heise Pond, April 16.
The Thomas Lee Hall “Post” Library has also brought back its escape room for the month as well.
The month’s recognition goes beyond just the students, it extends to their parent as well.
“To our military families, your sacrifices do not go unnoticed,” Battey said. “We appreciate the unwavering support that you provide your children and our school. Together, we will continue to create a nurturing environment for every student.”
To learn more about Month of the Military Child events visit: https://jackson.armymwr.com/calendar/event/month-military/6828260/97868.
| Date Taken: | 04.03.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 04.03.2025 10:18 |
| Story ID: | 494467 |
| Location: | FORT JACKSON, SOUTH CAROLINA, US |
| Web Views: | 33 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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