Photo By Staff Sgt. Ryan Getsie | Military families begin to enjoy free BBQ prepared by members of the USO at the 2019...... read more read more
Las Vegas, NV - The Month of the Military Child was established in 1986. United States Secretary of Defense Casper Weinberger wanted to acknowledge children of military families and the many sacrifices they endure while their loved ones are away serving our country. Currently, there are more than 15,000 Nevada youth and dependents of the Army National Guard and active service members. April is the month that is dedicated to military youth and it is set aside to recognize the many challenges associated with a loved one’s absence.
Hundreds of military families gathered at the North Las Vegas Readiness Center to attend the Annual Spring Fling event. There were several connection activities for the entire family to enjoy. Some of these included a SWAT truck, firefighter truck, military vehicles, kiddie bounce castles, face painting, live entertainment, and BBQ lunch.
Super hero characters such as Captain America and Arrow, with the Las Vegas Avengers, were taking pictures and showing off their super hero skills with military children. They had the Avenger’s tactical jeep and Captain America’s famous motorcycle on display as well.
The Las Vegas Avengers is a cosplay group that focuses on community service. They work with charitable groups throughout the city, such as Make-A-Wish, Operation Homefront, and the American Cancer Society. Captain Marvel said, “All of our work is charitable, we get paid in smiles.”
There were about 150 volunteers within 40 organizations that supported the Spring Fling Las Vegas Event. Members of the VFW had a train to take the kids for rides, USO served hot food and beverages, Starbucks workers provided ice cold drinks and prizes, the FBI had a SWAT truck and tactical gear the kids could try on, there were several live dance performances, music, and many other games and activities for children and the whole family to enjoy.
“They come to support our military families, they want to show them that the community is behind our military kids.” Lead Child and Youth Program Coordinator, Delana Cardenas said.
“I work with a committee of community partners, which are here today, to plan an activity for all of our military members and their families. This event is open to every branch, veterans, retirees, survivor families. If they’ve been in the military they are welcome to come.”
Cardenas described what the Annual Spring Fling Las Vegas event meant to her, “We call this a family connection event. The point of it is to provide an opportunity for military families to come and enjoy the event together. For me, the impact is literally seeing families together. That helps build resilience and strengthen the family.”
| Date Taken: | 05.05.2019 |
| Date Posted: | 05.05.2019 23:26 |
| Story ID: | 320822 |
| Location: | LAS VEGAS, NV, US |
| Web Views: | 62 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Annual Spring Fling Las Vegas Celebrates Month of the Military Child, by SSG Ryan Getsie, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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