March 27th, 2023 by WCBC Radio

April is the Month of the Military Child
U.S. ARMY RESERVE HELPS KIDS AND PARENTS NAVIGATE THE UNIQUE LIFESTYLE OF SERVICE

There are more than 1.6 million children whose parents serve in the U.S. military, and they face many unique experiences because of their parents’ service.

While military members include Soldiers in the Army Reserve who serve at home and around the world, we often forget about the families and children serving alongside them. The Army Reserve recognizes military children feel some of the same experiences as their Soldier parents, like the challenges of relocations and deployments. For example, on average, military families move every two to three years, impacting children who are forced to change schools and navigate new friendships and support networks.

The Army Reserve helps families become and stay resilient by offering several programs and services, including before and after school programs, summer camps, health and nutrition classes, and youth sports. One program in particular, Army Child and Youth Services has been helping Army Reserve families since its inception in 1980. Over the years, it has grown into a nationally acclaimed model for quality childcare while supporting Soldiers and their families.

Through these specialized programs and trained staff, the Army Reserve continues to anticipate and address the evolving needs of Soldiers and families to ensure each member is healthy, self-reliant and has the best opportunity to thrive.

On Wednesday, April 5, join Colonel Shannon Horne, Chief of Public Affairs, U.S. Army Reserve, to learn more about how the Army Reserve is supporting its Soldiers and their children as they navigate a unique lifestyle of service. COL Horne is also a mother of five children, who all currently serve in the military, and will share parenting tips and tricks she’s learned along the way.