Photo By 2nd Lt. Victoria Nelson | Children collect eggs filled with surprise treats during the third annual Wings and...... read more read more
PEASE AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, N.H. – Giggles bounced off the hangar walls as families scavenged for eggs filled with goodies during the third annual Wings and Waves Month of the Military Child Celebration April 18 at Pease Air National Guard Base.
Wings and Waves brought nearly 100 families together from the Navy, Air Force, Space Force and ROTC units across the seacoast. The event was hosted by the 157th Air Refueling Wing Airmen and Family Readiness Office and Blue Star Families New England.
“This event is one of the one- or two-times a year families get to come onto the base and be a part of the mission,” said Joseph Smith, the 157th Air Refueling Wing Airman and Family Readiness coordinator. “Our members have been gone over the holidays, missed birthday parties and weddings and everyday life so others don’t have to. The kids are the ones who feel that the most. This is a time to celebrate them.”
The Department of War recognizes April as the Month of the military child. The observance celebrates more than 1.6 million military children who face many challenges and unique experiences as a result of their parents' service.
According to the DoW, military families move on average every two to three years, impacting military children through changing schools and support networks.
“Moving is the hardest part,” said Oliver Kennard, whose father assumed command of the USS North Dakota (SSN 784) in 2023 at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, Kittery, Maine. “It’s also the coolest part and I’m really proud of my dad.”
Outside of moving, military children also support parents through deployments and other mission demands.
“We know right now some families need that extra support,” said Tori Jessop-Crowley, the program manager for Blue Star Families New England. “We’re here to help, to build those networks across the water and to ensure everyone is taken care of.”
16 different organizations set up activities at Wings and Waves and local businesses donated goodies and volunteered their time to make the event possible.
“We also had civilian volunteers here today and the chiefs group helping,” added Jessop-Crowley. “It was really a community coming together.”
The activities were endless, including bouncy houses, an egg hunt, and interactive booths set up throughout the hangar. Families learned about local support options and the kids spent the afternoon making new friends.
“It means a lot to put on an event like this and bring people together,” said Heather Kennard, mom of five and involved with the support and community initiatives for the families of the USS North Dakota. “It’s all about the community we’re creating and being able to stand beside each other when we need it.”
Wings and Waves offered a moment to salute the smallest warriors and to recognize the fierce resilience of kids who remain the ultimate support systems and their parent’s biggest fans.
“For me it’s a way to give back to those children who didn’t raise their hand, but they were born into service,” said Jessop-Crowley. “You just see their big beaming smiles and the ways they support their families whether they know it or not. They are the unsung heroes.”
| Date Taken: | 04.18.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 04.22.2026 14:21 |
| Story ID: | 563289 |
| Location: | PORTSMOUTH, NEW HAMPSHIRE, US |
| Web Views: | 14 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Wings and Waves Month of the Military Child, by 2nd Lt. Victoria Nelson, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
