April is Month of the Military Child: Interviews with Seven Super Kids

by Sally Matheny

April is the Month of the Military Child

Did you know the military community makes up 1% of the American population? One percent. Wow. My gratitude for America’s military grows every day. I also appreciate the families of those service members. Military spouses and children also serve our country.

Did you know April is the Month of the Military Child? More than 2 million children have a parent in the military. Today, I salute all military children by sharing interviews I had with some special military kids I know.

Serving his country since, 1991, Jeff is a Master Sergeant in the United States Army, stationed in South Carolina. Jeff and his wife, Kristina, are blessed with three children: Haley (21), Brett (13), and Ben (9).

When asked what’s most difficult about being a military kid, both boys said the times they missed their dad. Haley added, “The most difficult thing for me, as an older military kid, is knowing that my mom has to go long periods of time without having her husband by her side.”

However, Haley says there are benefits to being a military kid.” I really enjoy being able to travel to other states while my dad is on active duty.  As a family, we have the opportunity to travel in ways most will never know. Flying on Air Force planes and being able to interact with other soldiers and pilots is a great experience.” 

Brett agrees and says riding in the cockpit of a military plane during takeoff and landing has been one of his favorite things. While some kids may find it challenging, nine-year-old Ben says he likes meeting and making new friends.

Stationed in Texas, Matt is a Major and the Brigade Chaplain for the 1^st Calvary Division Artillery. He and his wife, Jennifer, are blessed with four boys: Hayden (14), Carson (12), Bailey (11), and Parker (5).

The boys also said missing their dad when he is deployed is one of the most challenging things as military kids, especially when it’s someone’s birthday or Christmas. Carson and Bailey add that moving is difficult because they have to leave good friends behind and make new ones.

The thing military kids find the most challenging on some days can turn around and be the most rewarding thing on other days. 

Hayden says he likes making a lot of new friends.  Bailey chimes in, “We get to stay in one place for three years and make a lot of friends at that duty station.” Carson also adds, “We get to live in a bunch of different places. Even though it’s hard to leave our friends behind, moving is good because we get to see other places.”

I asked the kids from both military families if they do special things for their dad (or mom, because she is serving our country, too) to make things easier on them when their dad is away for a length of time.

Ben and Brett say they try to help around the house more. Big sister, Haley adds, “As the oldest member of my family, I find it especially important to show my dad support for choosing to serve our country.  If there is anything I can do to take added stress off both my mom and dad, I try my best to do so.  They deserve it.”  

Kids Draw Pictures for Their Parents in the Military

Carson drew pictures and mailed them to his 

dad when he was in Afghanistan. Hayden sent videos of their soccer games. Bailey made texting videos and showed his dad things in his room. And little-man Parker said he gave his dad some of his toys.

Jennifer adds the boys have taken on a lot more chores around the house, especially as they grow older and stronger.

The last question I asked the military kids was if they participated in any special events offered for military kids.

Haley says, “Over the course of several years, there has been one event offered for military kids which I remember best.  It was a day dedicated to Army and Navy children.  This event was on the base of Fort Jackson and was outside.  There were shooting demonstrations, games, water activities and food that was hot off the grill.  I really enjoyed [it].”

Brett adds, “ ‘Narmy Day’ is when the Navy & Army get their families together. We also sent treat bags with sailors as they were leaving airport for their next stop before deployment and went to see them off.”

Ben agreed. “Narmy Day, concerts, Army Family Day and little activities on base such as a penny fair have all been fun. There’s also a water park on base.”

Haley, Brett, and Ben have lived off base. Hayden, Carson, Bailey, and Parker have always lived on base. Their mom said they think of every activity as military related. Still, they mentioned they enjoy their youth group, CYS (Child and Youth Services) sports, movies on the lawn in Texas and the gym in Colorado.

I thoroughly loved hearing from these military kids. They have wonderful parents raising them to love God and their country. Sometimes I think we forget the sacrifices our military families make for all the families in America.

I challenge you all to reach out to our military kids this month and express your appreciation for how they serve our country. The majority of them don't live on military bases, so many of you will find them in your own community.

Please continue praying for and cheering these kids on because as eleven-year-old Bailey said,

“When I encourage Dad, it encourages him to fight for our country.” 

A big thank you to Haley, Brett, Ben, Hayden, Carson, Bailey, and Parker. Gift cards are on the way.