8 The Department of Defense (DoD) has celebrated the Month of the Military Child every April since 1986 to highlight the resilience and resourcefulness of military kids in the face of significant stressors.
In the spirit of the month, the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USU) hosted a virtual “Military Child Health Research Symposium” April 26 to bring together key DoD leaders, experts in pediatrics and child mental health and wellness, and representatives from military child advocacy organizations.
“As a pediatrician and someone who takes part in and leads military research programs, I think it s really important to hear the voice of the people that we are intended to serve,” said Army Col. (Dr.) Patrick Hickey, USU’s Department of Pediatrics Chair and moderator for the event. “I really appreciate everyone coming together today to share their perspectives as people passionate about the welfare of military children, and to inform u
By SARAH CAMMARATA | STARS AND STRIPES Published: May 3, 2021 WASHINGTON Lawmakers are teeing up legislative proposals that would tackle child care problems in the military, as thousands of children remain on monthslong waitlists and the Defense Department’s backlog to repair existing facilities swells. The Defense Department, along with experts and military advocacy groups, have recognized high-quality child care as a retention and readiness issue for service members. The coronavirus pandemic also has exacerbated the problem, as some child care centers and schools remain shuttered, blocking access to after-school care too. The inability to access affordable and quality child care can impact a service member s ability to report for duty and his or her decision to stay in the military, and it also can be a barrier to spouse unemployment and hurts the overall well-being of military families, experts said.
Family policy appointee will bring more military family voices to DoD, including her own 4 hours ago Patricia Barron, pictured here with Elmo and Rosita, was on the advisory committee for Sesame Workshop s programs to support military families. (Courtesy of Patricia Barron) Long before Patricia Barron was sworn in as head of military community and family policy at the Defense Department, she was well aware of persistent challenges for military families. She’s lived the life. During her husband’s 30-year Army career, they made 14 permanent change of station moves, and she has nursing licenses from seven states. The most lasting impact was the effect their military experience had on their three children, she said. “I recognize how hard it was for them. It affected my oldest child the most. I am very sensitive to the challenges of PCS moves and starting all over again,” said Barron, in a recent interview with Military Times.
How to Apply for Operation Purple Camps in 2021
Military children have the opportunity to apply for Operation Purple Summer Camp each summer. (Nyia Patton/U.S. Army National Guard)
Military kids are used to changing plans, which gave them a leg up over their classmates last summer when summer camps came to a screeching halt. Luckily for them, Operation Purple came through with a virtual camp option in 2020. This year, Operation Purple presents two options for military kids: the traditional overnight camp and a virtual option.
Operation Purple Camp
Operation Purple Camp is a traditional summer camp, presented by the National Military Family Association, and got its name because purple symbolizes all who serve combining the green, blues and red of the various branches.
Top Military Families Experts Meet to Address Needs, Priorities for Military Children newswise.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from newswise.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.