MacDill kicks off Month of the Military Child

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jenay Randolph
  • 6th Air Mobility Wing public affairs
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Team MacDill Child Development Centers kick off the Month of the Military Child with the proclamation signing by Col. Scott DeThomas, 6th Air Mobility Wing commander, followed by a parade honoring military children April 3, 2014 at MacDill Air Force Base, Fla.

The parade featured members of the base honor guard, a drum line, Sparky the fire department mascot, and floats made by the staff of the CDCs. Throughout the month of April, the centers will be hosting a calendar of events, to include an ice cream social, flight art auction, sidewalk chalk art walk, along with various spirit and themed days.

"Activities are done every day, but this month we are able to highlight the importance of parent participation and the collaboration between parents and the children," said Angela Ocampo, 6th Force Support Squadron acting assistant director of CDC one and three and a former military child. "It builds a sense of pride for the students to know that these activities are done to honor them."

Military children encounter many challenges that other children may not, such as, moving, deployments, and simply living what some might refer to as an untraditional lifestyle. In honor of the children, MOMC was established in 1986 by Caspar Weinberger, Secretary of Defense from 1981-1987, to recognize the contributions that military children make as their parents serve the country.

"It is important to remember our children because they are with us [military members] and they sacrifice just as much as we do," stated Staff Sgt. Johnathan Baker, 6th Communications Squadron client systems technician and father of two. "This is a great experience for the children and a nice way to show them that they are appreciated."