Since 1986, April has been designated as the ‘Month of the Military Child’ (MotMC), a time set aside to recognize military children for their character, courage, sacrifices, and continued resilience.

The MotMC is sponsored by the Department of Defense Military Community and Family Policy and supported by many other organizations.


This month’s theme is “Purple Up! For Military Kids.” April 24th is set aside as a day for communities to wear purple to show support and thank military children for their strength and sacrifices. Purple indicates that all branches of the military are supported; Air Force blue, Army green, Navy blue/green, Marine red, and Coast Guard blue, all combined together as a single color.

Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Corwin Colbert and his children, Corwin II, 10, and Anela de Vie, 13, are all-too-familiar with the tribulations brought on by being a military Family.

“When my dad is deployed, I feel sad because he is my best friend and it’s like I lost my best friend,” said Corwin II. “The thing I hate the most when my dad has to go away is that I have no one to play with and pick on.”

This year, the U.S. Army’s Morale, Welfare and Recreation, partnering with other organizations, hosted April 20 a ‘Fun Fest,’ featuring egg hunts, rides, pony rides, a petting zoo, stage entertainment, food booths, and the Easter Bunny at Weyand Field on Schofield Barracks.

Like many similar military recognition events, MotMC is also often celebrated “internally” within military communities and military associations. It’s best to start your search for events with the base public affairs office, Military Family Readiness Centers, Department of Defense Dependent School administrative offices, and even on-base Child Development Centers.

Making the most of time at home with events such as these is important for any family, but, more than anything, the elder Colbert said he understands the importance of making sure his wife and children are taken care of when he is away. This includes things like setting bills up for auto-pay, making sure his wife has power of attorney, and many other things.

“I have been in for more than 19 years, so besides making sure I am operationally ready I’m making sure my family is setup for success,” Colbert said. “I don’t want them to worry about anything while I am gone. I want to spend the last few months of my time at home with my babies (children), since I will likely miss both birthdays and holidays with them. I also try to make sure they develop the right habits so mommy does not have to stress as much.”

There are currently 1.2 million military children of active duty members worldwide, and approximately 2 million military children have experienced a parental deployment since 9/11. The average military family also moves three times more often than their civilian counterpart.

For more information, visit https://www.dodea.edu/dodeaCelebrates/Military-Child-Month.cfm

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