Naval Station Norfolk Celebrates Month of the Military Child

NORFOLK, Va. -- (NNS) -- More than 90 Sailors participated in a weeklong reading event at the Willoughby Child Development Center on Naval Station (NAVSTA) Norfolk April 15-19 in support of the Month of the Military Child.

April was designated as the Month of the Military Child by former Defense Secretary Caspar Weinberger in 1986.

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

Asha Williams, NAVSTA school liaison officer, 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 Williams.

Capt. David A. Culler, Jr., NAVSTA commanding officer, said although April is recognized as the MOMC, military children deserve full support year-round.

"While we often recognize the service member, it is important to remember that kids serve too, in their schools, their neighborhoods, and their communities," said Culler.

April is also Child Abuse Prevention Month. Norfolk Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC) has chosen to highlight Child Abuse Awareness Month with the Pinwheels for Prevention initiative. Pinwheels for Prevention is a National Abuse Awareness Campaign coordinated by Prevent Child Abuse America.

The effort is designed to change the way our nation thinks about prevention.

Kim Tarshis, a FFSC Family Violence Prevention Educator, said the pinwheel serves as the new symbol for prevention and awareness and is used because it is an uplifting reminder of childhood and the bright futures all children deserve.

"We hope that this display calls attention to this important issue," said Tarshis. "Our region had 407 reports of child abuse in 2012 with four children losing their lives to abuse or neglect."

Tarshis continued by saying prevention has to be a major focus if we are going to lower these numbers.

"Prevention efforts can include being educated on the indicators of abuse, knowing the mechanism to report and encouraging healthy, positive parenting techniques," said Tarshis. "FFSC has many programs that can help reduce the number of child abuse cases and support military members and their families."

Aviation Electrician's Mate Airman Nicole Shindler from Fleet Readiness Center Mid-Atlantic, and one of the volunteers for the reading event, said she is always happy to lend a hand.

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

There are many MOMC events going on around NAVSTA this month in addition to the reading event including a parade, an ice cream social, a carnival, t-shirt decorating day and a dance.

For more information on upcoming events visit the NAVSTA Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/#!/NavalStationNorfolk.>
For more news from Naval Station Norfolk, visit www.navy.mil/local/nsn/.