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Lincoln Sailors join Naval Station Norfolk to celebrate Month of the Military Child
Story Number: NNS130429-17
4/29/2013

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Zachary Welch, USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) Public Affairs

NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) Sailors joined more than 90 Sailors in a weeklong reading event at the Wiloughby Child Development Center on Naval Station Norfolk April 15-19 in support of the Month of the Military Child (MOTMC).

April was designated as the MOTMC by former Defense Secretary Caspar Weinberger in 1986.

The monthlong observance is set aside as a time to recognize military families and their children for the daily sacrifices they make and the obstacles they overcome, such as frequent moves, separation from their active-duty parents and school changes.

Logistics Specialist 2nd Class Matthew Hughes, a Lincoln Sailor volunteering for the reading event, said he is always happy to lend a hand.

"As a father of a military child myself, I know how important it is to support the programs available," said Hughes. "It is always an uplifting experience to give back to military children who make up such a special part of our nation's population."

Veanna R. Sutton, new parent support specialist at Fleet and Family Support Centers (FFSC) Mid Atlantic, said she was overwhelmed by the number of volunteers.

"It is so wonderful to see this many Sailors give their time to the children," said Sutton.

Capt. David A. Culler, Jr., Naval Station Norfolk commanding officer, said that although April is recognized as the MOTMC, military children deserve full support year-round.

"While we often recognize the service member, it is important to remember that kids serve too," said Culler.

Kathleen C. Thompson, an FFSC Mid Atlantic work and family life consultant, said MOTMC is important to remember our military children and the connection they hold with their families.

"So often we forget that they need the love and attention that is often missed unintentionally," Thompson said. "Their lives are precious to our future."

Other MOTMC events planned in the Norfolk area include a spring safari and a children's festival.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.>
For more news from USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn72/.