A Letter from the Chairwoman — Month of the Military Child

Dear Veteran,

During April, we celebrate the Month of the Military Child in honor of the experiences and sacrifices of military families, specifically dependent children of military members serving at home and overseas. While we are used to recognizing the selflessness of military service, it is also essential to spotlight military families, especially the children. Their parents’ service profoundly impacts their lives, and their sacrifices help protect the safety and sovereignty of our nation.

Military children have unique experiences and face many challenges due to being a part of a military family. There are more than 1.6 million military children worldwide. One or both of their parents may be serving in uniform. Some children must cope with their parents being deployed to war zones, while others must adjust to living in foreign countries. Whether they are stateside or living overseas, military children experience the constant changing of homes, schools, and environments. On average, a military family will move three times more often than a civilian family. Understandably, these frequent relocations could cause feelings of instability for military children, but thankfully, many options for support exist for military children and their families.

The Department of Defense reports that there are 700 military child development program facilities worldwide. Military Child development centers support approximately 200,000 children daily. Additionally, individuals, organizations, and government entities participate in Purple Up! For Military Kids Day. Though it may seem like a small gesture, wearing purple during April and participating in Purple Up! For Military Kids activities in your community is a powerful way to show your support for our courageous military children.

While it is true that the Month of the Military Child is often celebrated internally within military communities, every Texan can find a way to get involved in this vital cause in their own communities. The most important part of this month-long recognition campaign is ensuring that every military child feels seen and appreciated for their bravery and resilience when faced with situations many adults find difficult to handle.

Military children face daunting challenges unique to being a part of a military family; however, they also have incredible experiences that would never be available to them if their parents did not serve. From seeing beautiful corners of the world to experiencing the uniquely strong bond built between military families, military children’s lives are complex but extraordinary examples of perseverance and incredible adaptability.

I encourage all Texans to learn more about how to support military children and ensure the VLB will continue to do the same.

For Texas,

Chairwoman Dawn Buckingham, M.D.