Family Fun Fest

Famillies participate in the Iron Crafter competition hosted by the skills center during Family Fest April 18 at Little Rock Air Force Base. The competition was a team building exercise, encouraging famillies to work together to accomplish a craft project. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jessica Condit)

Family Fun Fest

An Easter bunny tattoo is placed on the arm of a girl April 19, 2014, during Little Rock Air Force Base’s Family Fest event. The event which included Easter egg hunts, bouncy castles, bunny photos and games, was a part of the Month of the Military Child initiative. (U.S. Air Force photos by Senior Airman Regina Agoha)

Family Fun Fest

Krystal Mills, an Army spouse, takes a photo of her son, Michael, with an Easter bunny April 19, 2014, during Family Fest at Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark. Along with several Easter bunnies hopping around during the event, McGruff the Crime Dog was also in attendance. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Regina Agoha)

TLR honors Little Rockers

Published April 24, 2014
By Airman 1st Class
Harry Brexel

LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. -- For more than twenty years, April has been dedicated as the Month of the Military Child. During the month, special events are set up to help acknowledge the difficulties and contributions of military children from all branches.

From an early age, military children learn to be resilient. But along with the everyday stresses of being a kid, military children also have to deal with frequent moves, deployments and other potential hardships.

Throughout April at Little Rock Air Force Base, numerous events were held to help ease some hardship, and to let military kids just be kids.

Agencies across the base are present to provide aid to families. The Medical group, Chapel, Airman Family and Readiness Center and the 19th Force Support Squadron took part in April events that supported military families.

A small parade, picnic, and family festival day were among the events held. The largest event was called KUDOS, which stands for Kids Understanding Deployment Operations. KUDOS helped military children and families understand what their loved ones experience during a deployment, in a fun and interactive way.

Though April had a multitude of events supporting military children, there are outlets available every month.

"It is important to remember that programs supporting morale, welfare and recreation are available year-round to military families," said Ashley King, 19th Force Support Squadron marketing commercial sponsorship coordinator.

In particular, Family Fest highlighted an array of available opportunities.

"This year was our fifth annual Family Fest," said Alana Myers, 19th Force Support Squadron Airman and Family Services flight chief.

The event wrapped up the month of the military child. Local agencies from around base were present including housing, outdoor rec, the child development center, Military One Source, Family Advocacy and more.

Each year, events honoring military children have grown at The Rock. Not only were on-base outlets highlighted, but off-base businesses took part in showing their gratitude as well.

"These events give opportunities for local companies to provide their business. The events promote partnership and provide a way for us to thank the community and vice versa," said Myers.

The events held are just a small sign of appreciation for the sacrifices that military kids make.

Statistically, military members deal with more stress than the average civilian job. Military children may also endure more struggles. But many parents continue to serve despite difficult circumstances.

Though April is coming to an end the Department of Defense believes that military children serve their country alongside their service member parents year-round. It is important to honor that, as many troops say support from their family is what keeps them strong and determined every day.