Photo By Sgt. Flonasia Neals | The South Carolina National Guard Child and Youth Program hosts the 2nd annual Soldier...... read more read more
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EASTOVER, S.C. – April is a special month dedicated to honoring the often unsung heroes of military service: our military children. While service members answer the call to duty worldwide, their children have unique challenges, yet they demonstrate incredible resilience and adaptability.
This year, the South Carolina National Guard (SCNG) reinforces that recognition with its second annual “Soldier for a Day” event at McCrady Training Center on April 26th. More than 39 dedicated volunteers and a dozen junior counselors will welcome military dependents for a day designed to connect them with their parents’ world and each other.
“This event not only allows the youth to see what their loved ones do, but it also gives them a chance to come together and build a support system with other youth who face the same challenges,” explained Matalyn Bulwinkle, Youth Program Coordinator for the SCNG. “We could not complete this event without every volunteer and sponsor, and we are so excited to see this program grow for the second year!”
The “Soldier for a Day” event offers a unique opportunity for SCNG dependents to experience a taste of military life. Participants will engage in age-appropriate challenges, including marching drills, a physical fitness test, simulated marksmanship, land navigation exercises, a STEM activity, and a leadership course. It’s a chance to understand the skills and dedication required by their parents and to have some fun while doing it!
This year’s event is expanded and enhanced from its inaugural run, offering more comprehensive and engaging experience for its Army and Air Guard participants.
The Department of Defense, along with national, state, and local organizations, schools, and private citizens, dedicates April to recognizing the sacrifices of military children. However, supporting these resilient young individuals is a year-round commitment. The South Carolina National Guard encourages all to continue to “Purple Up” by wearing purple to show support and acknowledge the strength, courage, and unwavering spirit of our military children, not just in April but every day.
| Date Taken: | 04.25.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 05.03.2025 20:13 |
| Story ID: | 496244 |
| Location: | US |
| Web Views: | 43 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, South Carolina National Guard Event Honors Children of Service Members, by MAJ Karla Evans, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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