Month of the Military Child

354th Force Support Squadron Celebrates Military Children!

April marks the Month of the Military Child when our Nation pays tribute to the resilience and tenacity of our military children. Military children change schools up to nine times between the start of kindergarten and high school graduation. With each move, they grapple with difficult goodbyes and the challenge of making new friends. Although life in a military family can include exploring new places and exposure to other cultures and customs, it can also bring frustration and loneliness. During the Month of the Military Child, we show our appreciation for the commitment and service of military children in shouldering these challenges, and we recognize the stressors on military children brought about by the unique demands of their parents’ military life.

Visit the following facilities throughout the month of April for fun-filled activites and discounts!

PARADE & FLYOVER
We’re kicking off Month of the Military Child with a car parade Mardi Gras Style followed by a movie at the base theater this Saturday, April 1. Parade begins at 12pm at the BX parking lot with setup at 11am. Eielson's very own F-16s will be flying over to start the parade complete with Col Berkland signing the Month of the Military Child Proclamation. We hope to see you along the parade route or at the Start/Finish location. You can download the route map HERE. For more information, please call 377-1069.

PURPLE UP TEE SHIRTS
Support Eielson's Month of the Military Child by purchasing a tee shirt below with the winning design by young artist, Adalia C.

KIDS DAY OF PLAY
Sundays, 10am-2pm - Fitness Center
Kids can enjoy a bounce house obstacle course.

PRESCHOOL STORYTIME
April 5, 9am - Library
Come join us for a special story time about Military Children read by guest speaker Col Berkland.

PURPLE UP POSTER CREATION FAMILY NIGHT
April 7, 6-8pm - Youth Center
Decorate a Month of the Military Child themed poster to be hung up by the Youth Sports Director at the Youth Sports Baseball Fields for display. Show that Purple Up pride! Purchase a plastic poster for $5; paint and supplies are provided, while supplies last.

C.A.R.E.S. PROGRAM
April 8, 11am-1pm - Community Center
During the Combat Awareness & Readiness Evaluation of Skills, youth will receive a CARES Training Checklist and complete tasks to evaluate their combat readiness at the Community Center. Nerf Firing Range, Obstacle Course, Threat Assessment, Memory testing and others will be included in the curriculum. Checklist will be marked Approved/Failed (no failures) at end of testing. Call 377-2642.

BOOKMARK CONTEST
Enter by April 15 - Library
Pick up template from the Library or download HERE. Winner will have their design printed and distributed for bookmarks at the End of Month Bash. Turn in to the Library before April 15.

PURPLE UP DAY 5K
April 15, 10-11am - Fitness Center
Wear purple to show your support and appreciation for military kids with a 5K at the Fitness Center. Event will start/end at the Fitness Center unless it must be held indoors due to weather.

FREE MAC & CHEESE + DRINK
Tues-Fri throughout April - Yukon Club
FREE mac & cheese with purchase of adult meal.

FREE KIDS BOWLING
Weekdays throughout April - Arctic Nite Lanes Bowling Center
2 FREE games daily, plus shoe rentals.

WATERCOLOR WALK-INS
Tues-Fri throughout April - Arts & Crafts
All supplies included.

END OF MONTH BASH
April 29, 11am-1pm - Fitness Center Basketball Courts
Join us for a big celebration to close out the Month of the Military Child with food booths, carnival games, and more!

For more information, please call 377-1069.