Ellsworth celebrates Month of the Military Child

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Sadie Colbert
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  Military children can often experience their parent(s) deploying, attend multiple schools, and face unique situations some non-military children would not understand.

In 1986, the Department of Defense designated April as the Month of the Military Child in an effort to recognize and give thanks for the courage and support of these children.

"This month is all about recognizing and showing appreciation for our military children," said Brandy Wyatt, 28th Force Support Squadron school liaison officer. "They are some of the strongest and most resilient people we know."

In honor of Month of the Military Child, Ellsworth AFB hosted a kids' deployment line April 9, 2016, giving the kids some insight to what their mom or dad might go through when deploying.

Ellsworth is home to more than 1,000 military children, and once a year the base organizes a miniature deployment line for this purpose.

"It gives them an opportunity to have a better understanding and appreciation of what it is like as a military member," Wyatt said.

The children were given a chance to observe explosive ordnance disposal equipment, watch military working dog demonstrations, and try on gas masks and other mobility gear.

Participants were divided into groups and went on a simulated deployment by walking to the base deployment center, going through an out-processing checklist, and being provided with their own gear like water packs, war paint and a backpack.

While the children were away, they enjoyed various things, but realized home is where they wanted to be.

"It gives them that anticipation of coming home and seeing family again," said Tech. Sgt. Amanda Mitchell, 28th Medical Operations Squadron family clinic NCO in charge. "It really gets them involved with the parents and how they feel."

For more information about Month of the Military Child, call the Airman & Family Readiness Center at (605) 385-4663 or the Child Development Center at (605) 385-2488.