By Becky Bechtel, Indiana, NFRW Armed Services Committee
As the wife and mother of Army veterans whose son-in-law is a Captain in the United States Army, the subject of the life of a military child is near and dear to my heart. Our 11-month-old grandson is too little to understand that his dad is on “high alert” to possibly deploy from Ft. Campbell. However, if deployment should happen, I am grateful to know about the Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC) and how this organization could help our veteran daughter and grandson.
The MCEC supports all military-connected children by educating, advocating, and collaborating to resolve education challenges associated with the military lifestyle. Through this organization, parents and other supporting adults are empowered with the knowledge to ensure military-connected children are college, workforce, and life-ready. This organization provides a countless number of resources for these families, including programs, education materials, and in-person training to help children whose parents serve in the military.
The Department of Defense estimates there are more than 1.6 million military children who face many challenges and unique experiences as a result of their parents’ service. Without focused support and resources, military children face social and emotional challenges. These challenges include adjusting to curriculum and school climate, difficulty qualifying for special education services, and elevated stress with a risk of depression and anxiety. When you consider that the average military family moves every two to three years, the support of the children of our military deserve our unwavering support.
Some of these young people endure deployments and separations, spending months or even years away from their parents. Birthdays, holidays, graduations, and other important milestones are celebrated with just a phone call or virtual hug. After a parent has left the military, children can continue to face challenges as their parent transitions to civilian life and they may be called on to care for injuries their parent suffered during their military service. Far too many live with the pain and loss of a parent or family member who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.
Countless resources to help military children and families can be located at www.militarychild.org. With organizations like the Military Child Education Coalition, we can help children to discover their strength, potential, aspirations, resourcefulness, and confidence.
This year, April 14, is the day honoring the Military Child. All citizens are asked to wear something purple as a show of support on behalf of these children. The color purple represents the combined colors of all branches of military service in our country.