MOMC

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D.-April Wolverton, a Preschool-C class teacher at the Child Development Center here, helps Jeremiah Palumbo plant a Marigold seed April 11. Jeremiah is the son of Staff Sgt. Sarah Cook, 91st Security Support Squadron. Planting flowers is one of the many activities happening at the CDC during the month of April to mark Month of the Military Child. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Cassandra Jones)

MOMC

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Military personnel here are authorized to wear purple ribbons on their uniforms from April 21 to 25 in support of the Month of the Military Child. People can show their support by tying a purple ribbon to items like their uniform, car, etc. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Thomas Dow)

MOMC

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D.— Katie Hayes, daughter of Tech. Sgt. James Hayes, 5th Bomb Wing chapel staff, helps Ronda Knutson, director of youth programs, straighten out Chelsey Stark’s hair as part of "Wacky Hair Day," a Month of the Military Child event. Chelsey is the daughter of Senior Master Sgt. Jeffery Stark, 5th Operations Support Squadron. Also, Benita Cathey, training and curriculum specialist, straightens out Jessica Fischer’s hair. Jessica is the daughter of Master Sgt. Michael Fischer, 5th Civil Engineer Squadron. The Youth Center, as well as many other organizations on base, have activities and events planned during the month of April. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Cassandra Jones)

Month of the Military Child

Published April 14, 2008
By David Freuer
5th Force Support Squadron

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- April is designated as the Month of the Military Child, giving the community an opportunity to focus on the importance of military children.

"The Month of the Military Child is a chance for all of us to recognize and support quality programs provided by the Child Development Center, Youth Center and Teen Center," said David Freuer, director of marketing, 5th Force Support Squadron. "We are fortunate to work and live in a community in which these high-quality programs continue to flourish."

The Month of the Military Child is commemorated by the Purple Ribbon Campaign. Col. Joel Westa, 5th Bomb Wing commander, has authorized military personnel at Minot AFB to wear purple ribbons on their uniforms from April 21 to 25 in support of the month.

"Show your 'true colors' by tying a purple ribbon on your uniform, car, handbag, backpack, briefcase, lapel, tree, fence or anything else you can find," said Freuer. "Displaying the purple ribbon lets everyone know our children are important. You don't have to be a parent to show support for our children and youth. Join us in celebrating our children's future."

Purple ribbons will be available at several 5th FSS facilities. In addition, the annual March for Children and Kids' Block Party scheduled for April 25 will conclude the month's events. The purpose of the march is for community members to demonstrate its commitment to military children, youth and the programs serving them. Participants are encouraged to wear something purple and white and to decorate strollers, small floats and wagons to march along the route. Participants should gather at 5 p.m. at J.R. Rockers with the march scheduled to begin at 5:15 p.m.

Following the march, which will end at the David C. Jones Youth Center, there will be a Kids' Block Party at 5:30 p.m., which will include a family dance and children's activities. Both events are open to the entire base community.

After the block party, a pre-teen dance for ages 9 to 12 is scheduled from 7 to 9 p.m. and a teen dance for ages 13 and up is scheduled from 9 to 11 p.m. Buses will run from 6 to 7:30 p.m. to shuttle participants back to their vehicles at J.R. Rockers. For more information, contact the Youth Center at 723-2838.