April: Month of the Military Child: Commissaries support military's youngest 'heroes' Published April 7, 2011 By Cherie Huntington DeCA public affairs specialist FORT LEE, Va. -- They could be their own army, albeit shorter in stature and perhaps more aware of the campy characters of "Yo Gabba Gabba!" than the nation's defense. They stand 1.7 million strong: the children of the nation's armed forces members. This little army garners special tributes throughout April, designated as Month of the Military Child. The Defense Commissary Agency salutes these youngsters, said its Director and CEO Joseph H. Jeu, not only for their strength of character but for their resilience as they face the many challenges of a military life. "We are proud to recognize the youth in our military communities," Jeu said. "They face unique challenges of having to move from place to place and often experience the challenges connected with either one or both parents deploying overseas." The agency's child-oriented programs for the Month of the Military Child range from a chance to win a free bicycle to kid-friendly produce displays and child development tours: - Win a child's bicycle. Parents can sign the form at their commissary to enter their child's name in a drawing for a chance to win a child's bicycle donated by commissary vendors. - Get a "Fruit & Veggie Eater Meter." While supplies last, children visiting their local commissary can pick up a "Fruit & Veggie Eater Meter" and track their fruit and vegetable consumption for a week. This meter is also available for download at http://www.foodchamps.org/downloads/Eater_all.pdf. - "Kids' Zones." Some commissaries feature a produce "Kids' Zone," a colorful display section placing fresh fruits and veggies at a child's eye level; - Store tours. Commissaries often invite installation child development centers to participate in a store tour. Commissaries are doing their part to help mix fun with an awareness, said Chris Burns, DeCA's director of sales. "The 'kids' zones' often provide takeaways that serve as the backdrop for explaining the many awareness events that teach children about healthy meals, healthy snacks, and the need for physical activity," he said. "These efforts complement first lady Michelle Obama's 'Let's Move!' campaign." For more information contact your local commissary manager.