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Strong and proud - April marks Month of the Military Child
With every spring comes the chance to recognize military children, as April is Month of the Military Child. It’s a time to honor military-connected youth for all their service, commitment and sacrifice that, ultimately, supports Service members’ missions. This year’s theme is: Military Children and Youth: Standing Strong and Proud.
“It’s important to recognize these children,” said Kristen Acquah, Fort Belvoir School Liaison Officer with DFMWR.
“Military children should certainly be celebrated,” she said. “We want them all to know their efforts and ongoing resilience is a very important part of the military family,” she said. “They are integral to our sense of community.”
Belvoir Eagle news
Fort Belvoir kicked off the Christmas season with the installation’s annual tree-lighting and Winterfest celebration Saturday. Hundreds of families celebrated the start of the season with bounce houses, laser tag, face painting, a candy cannon shoot, train rides, a gingerbread house contest, snowball fights and more. Just after sunset, the crowd made its way to the towering holiday tree just outside of Garrison Headquarters to witness the tree-lighting ceremony.
There are many reasons to be merry this holiday season. Ensuring your loved ones enjoy themselves responsibly is one of the most important ways to keep that merry feeling into the new year.
That is why the Fort Belvoir Army Substance Abuse Program would like everyone to embrace the spirit of sober driving this season. December is National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month. This campaign aims to prevent the loss of life by stressing safe driving practices and reminding those you care about to be sober, drug free, and safe on the road.
Col. Joe Messina, Fort Belvoir Garrison Commander and Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Garth Newell were on hand at the 16th Annual Mount Vernon / Springfield Chamber of Commerce event, Nov. 17 at the Hilton Springfield Hotel, as the chamber honored exceptional first responders from across Fairfax County.
The Fort Belvoir supervisors recognized Military Police Officers, Firefighters and Army Security Guards for exceptional service.
“[Native American Heritage Month] is an opportunity to recognize the rich and diverse cultures, traditions, stories, and important contributions of Native American and Alaskan Native people,” said Edward Blauvelt, Society of American Indian Government Employees, or SAIGE, warrior society director.
Throughout America’s history, 22 Native American servicemembers earned the Medal of Honor, 29 were U.S. Soldiers.
In 2023, military spouse unemployment was at nearly 21%, according to the DOD. But an Army-developed app may soon connect military spouses with on-base and nearby employment opportunities, along with childcare resources – two major challenges that military families say are major issues for married service members.