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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
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.
For those who are frequent attendees of Garrison-led town halls, you might have noticed a different vibe on Nov. 7. Instead of the usual Quarterly Housing Town Hall, which focused mostly on housing and neighborhood issues, the Garrison Command Team decided to rebrand the event as a Community Town Hall, opening the door to all Department of Defense employees, single Soldiers, and retirees in the surrounding community to share their thoughts and ask questions of the command team during the 90-minute event.
Dozens of veterans, family members, supporters and Fort Belvoir leaders gathered Thursday to express gratitude for the sacrifices made by veterans.
Hosted at the Cold War Memorial on the base's Long Parade Field, the invocation was performed by Chaplain Maj. Marlon Brown, and Col. Joseph Messina, the garrison’s commander, presented the opening remarks.