New River honors military children's service

Photo By Cpl. Jorden Wells | Children of all ages enjoyed some fun in the sun outside the new Youth and Teens Activity Center aboard Marine Corps Air Station New River, April 1. The Family Fun Block Party event was being held as a celebration of The Month of the Military Child.  

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION NEW RIVER, NC, UNITED STATES

04.08.2014

Story by Lance Cpl. Jorden Wells 

Marine Corps Installations East       

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION NEW RIVER, N.C. - Laughter filled the air at the Youth and Teens Activities Center as more than 100 military children of all ages took part in a Family Fun Block Party Event, April 1.

Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) employees aboard Marine Corps Air Station New River arranged a day of fun-filled activities and games in celebration of the Month of the Military Child.
April was officially declared Month of the Military Child in 1986 by Secretary of Defense Caspar W. Weinberger as a means to pay tribute to the children of military families for the contribution and sacrifice they have to endure.

For the afternoon of fun, MCCS had several different vehicles from the School of Infantry (SOI) East for the children and their parents or chaperones to climb in and explore.

Also in attendance, a fire truck and an ambulance were provided for the kids to explore. There were also firefighters and emergency medical technicians on location to teach kids an array of safety tips to include fire prevention.

“We love to take this opportunity every year to show the military kids a good time,” said Christy Shupe, youth center assistant director. “This is a good chance to show the military kids a positive side of the military, not involving one or both parents being gone or deployed.”

Commands of all services are encouraged to participate in the Month of the Military Child by arranging special fun day events as well as developing programs that benefit military children and the hardships they face.

“I think it is great that MCCS put on this day of fun for the air station kids,” said Pfc. Bradi Larson, SOI-East motor transport operator. “Coming out here and having a good time allows the kids a chance to get away from it all and just have some fun.”

• Date Taken: 04.08.2014
• Date Posted: 04.08.2014 10:33
• Story ID: 124882
• Location: MARINE CORPS AIR STATION NEW RIVER, NC, US