NMFA Supports Military Kids in More Ways Than One
Military Kids Serve Too®
At the National Military Family Association, when we say, “Military Kids Serve Too!” we mean it. More than 1.6 million military children tackle challenges unique to military life, learning and growing while they stand alongside their parents and guardians as they serve our country. These children represent all branches of the military, guard and reserve components, retirees, and veterans. They are a resilient community that serves our nation in more ways than one.
While military kids do not wear military uniforms or commit to serve in the traditional sense, the commitment their parents have made impacts them deeply. They are the movers and shakers who serve behind the curtains. Curtains that are often not pulled back enough to see it in action. They take on heavy responsibilities when situations arise with their parent’s service, such as deployments. Military kids send love to their deployed parents with care packages, letters, and video calls, support other military children, pack up and go when military orders move their families, say goodbye to friends, make new ones, and remain resilient throughout the course.
Their service matters.
NMFA Supports Military Kids
For over 20 years, our Association has supported and celebrated military kids through targeted programming. Since 2004, Operation Purple® Camp has offered free weeklong sleepaway summer camps in beautiful campsites around the country. We have also expanded our efforts to reach more children with virtual activities that foster community and connection wherever the military has sent them. This year marks our 21st summer of programming. While we are excited about that, we forge ahead to continue our outreach and support to meet military children exactly where they are in their military family journey.
Along with our programming, our Association actively seeks feedback and conducts research. We collect data to understand how military kids are experiencing military life, what they are struggling with, and what they need adults to know. Our extensive research, which includes our Military Teen Experience Survey, helps us to gain insights into the challenges faced by military teenagers, ranging from mental health/wellbeing to peer connections and friendships. We are in year four of our survey and will continue to use our data and insights to formulate the right mix of programming for military kids.
Month of the Military Child
In 1986, Defense Secretary Caspar Weinberger designated April the Month of the Military Children, and the tradition continues today. This month, the Department of Defense and the White House will issue proclamations to honor military children and encourage communities to participate in the celebrations. Many military bases, cities, and school districts around the world will celebrate these young American heroes with special events throughout the month.
To learn more about events that are local to you, visit Military OneSource.
While we may use the month of April to honor military children, join us in doing it every day. Learn more about how you can partner with us to be a part of our dynamic programming and lead efforts to support military kids.
Together, we’re stronger®.
By: Angela Sablan Tenorio, Content Manager
