Celebrating the Military Child: Recognizing Their Sacrifices and Achievements
- Tyrese Cook
- 4 days ago
- 7 min read
By: Tyrese Cook
April marks the Month of the Military Child, a time to honor the incredible resilience, adaptability, and sacrifices of the children who stand beside our service members. While their experiences may not make headlines, their contributions to military life are undeniable. They are the quiet strength behind the uniform- navigating ever-changing landscapes, forging friendships that span continents, and learning life lessons many adults have yet to grasp.
Growing up with a father who served to now being a military spouse and mother of five, I’ve witnessed firsthand the unique journey of military children. They grow up knowing that stability is fleeting, that goodbyes come with every set of orders, and that “home” is not defined by a single place but by the people who fill it. Yet, in the face of these challenges, they rise. Their ability to find joy in the unfamiliar and embrace each new chapter with fearlessness is nothing short of extraordinary!
How Families and Communities Can Uplift Military Kids
Raising a military child is both an honor and a responsibility. Families, communities, and leadership all ensure they have the tools, support, and encouragement they need to flourish.
Honor Their Sacrifices—Big and Small
One of the most powerful ways we can uplift our children is by acknowledging their sacrifices. While they may not wear a uniform, they serve in their own way. It’s easy to recognize the big moments—saying farewell to a parent before deployment, adjusting to life in a new country, or switching schools mid-year. But it’s just as important to honor the small moments. It’s the courage of walking into a cafeteria filled with unfamiliar faces, the maturity of stepping up when a parent is away, and the tenderness of blowing kisses to a laptop screen, knowing these virtual hugs will have to do for now. These moments hold extraordinary weight.
As a military family, being featured on CNN last September was a profound honor—one my family didn’t take lightly. It was more than just an opportunity to share our story and highlight the incredible work happening at Camp Humphreys or the dedication of the soldiers; it was a chance to shine a light on the sacrifices—both big and small—that military families, including their children, make every day. CNN thoughtfully acknowledged my children, recognizing their bravery, resilience, and the unique challenges they face while standing strong alongside our family.
When platforms as influential as CNN take the time to acknowledge our community, it not only validates our experiences but also shapes how others outside of our military world see, respect, and treat us. It’s a reminder that service is also about the families who quietly serve, often without recognition.
Create a Sense of Stability in an Unstable World
Orders change, assignments shift, and what was once home can be packed in boxes overnight. Stability is one of the greatest gifts we can give our children amid the uncertainty. It doesn’t always come in the form of a permanent address; instead, we, as parents, can create an environment grounded in traditions, bonds, and support systems that remain steadfast no matter where we are in the world.
For our family, one of the most treasured ways we maintain stability is through family traditions. Every year, my husband and I cook a familiar meal that our children look forward to, whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s. Though we might make minor adjustments depending on our duty station, the core dishes stay the same, providing comfort and continuity. These traditions anchor our kids in a life that can often feel like it's in constant motion.
Ensure Schools and Organizations Are Military-Child Friendly
Our children face the constant upheaval of new schools, friends, and shifting curriculums. Transitioning can be challenging, especially after leaving a great school district.
As a community, we should look at ways to ensure our children feel understood as they move schools. One meaningful approach is increasing awareness among educators about the realities of military life. When teachers and staff recognize the challenges these children face—like learning gaps from frequent moves or the emotional toll of deployments—it allows them to provide more thoughtful support.
Flexibility in academic planning is another area that can ease transitions. PCS moves don’t always align with school calendars. However, when schools offer seamless credit transfers, accommodate mid-year transitions, and provide access to military transition counselors, it helps lighten the load on our children. Without these considerations, students often navigate not just a new environment but entirely new academic expectations, which can be overwhelming.
Beyond academics, it sends a powerful message when schools acknowledge the Month of the Military Child with assemblies, classroom discussions, or special events. Feeling welcome is just as important as keeping up with their studies.
At the heart of it all, it isn’t just about what happens in the classroom—it’s about the collective effort to create an environment where they know they matter. As a community, we have the opportunity to continue these conversations to advocate for changes that truly make a difference in their educational journey.
Foster Open Conversations About Their Experiences
True strength isn’t about suppressing emotions—it’s about learning to navigate them in a healthy way.
Encouraging our kids to express their feelings through journaling, art, or open family conversations helps them feel heard. Rather than simply reminding them to “be strong,” we should validate their emotions, whether they’re experiencing anticipation, uncertainty, or mixed emotions about a new chapter. Creating intentional moments for reflection can make a significant difference. Asking questions like, “What’s been the hardest part of this move?", "How do you feel about the friendships you’re making?” or “How do you feel as mom/dad prepares to leave for this training?” opens the door for honest conversations. Storytelling is another powerful tool—whether through scrapbooking, making videos, or writing letters to their future selves, documenting their journey allows them to see their growth over time. And when emotions feel too big to navigate alone, connecting them with counselors or therapists can provide valuable reassurance and guidance.
One moment that truly helped my oldest children process our move to South Korea was a family meeting where my husband and I addressed all their concerns and questions head-on. That open conversation eased their anxiety and gave them a clearer picture of what this next chapter would look like. In our home, we prioritize creating space for honest conversations because when our children know they have a voice and a safe place to share their feelings, they are better equipped to embrace the journey ahead.
A Lifetime of Gratitude for Military Kids
Our children may not have chosen this life, but they live it with grace, boldness, and an unbreakable spirit. They are the glue that holds military families together, the bridge between communities, and the future leaders shaped by unique experiences.
As we celebrate the Month of the Military Child this April, let’s go beyond words and turn our appreciation into action. It’s essential that our traditions, support systems, and platforms actively uplift and embrace our kids in every phase of their journey. Advocate for policies that ease transitions, ensuring they have the resources to thrive. Encourage the creation of programs that foster belonging so that no child ever feels alone in a new place. These children deserve more than recognition; they deserve a community that actively uplifts and embraces them.
Most importantly, our commitment to them shouldn’t end when April does. Our children will continue to navigate challenges long after the celebrations fade, and it’s up to us to ensure they never feel like they are facing them alone. They are not just a part of our communities—they are the heartbeat of them.
Final Thoughts: Celebrating the Military Child
To all the military children out there: You are seen. You are valued. And your journey is a testament to the strength of our military community.
You are braver than you realize, stronger than you know, and more extraordinary than words can capture. In a life filled with constant hellos and goodbyes, you have mastered the art of courage. You have learned to stand tall in unfamiliar places, to find laughter in the midst of change, and to hold on to love even when distance separates you from those you cherish most.
I know this journey isn’t always easy. There are days when the weight of missing a parent feels heavy when starting over yet again feels overwhelming, and when you long for the comfort of the familiar. But through every challenge, you rise. You grow in ways that many never will—learning resilience, embracing adventure, and discovering that your strength is not defined by where you are but by who you are.
Even when you feel like your sacrifices go unnoticed, please know—you are seen. You are valued. You are loved. Your story is one of perseverance, heart, and an unshakable spirit. You are not just part of a military family; you are the heartbeat of it. You are the quiet strength behind the uniform, the light that makes each house a home, and the reason so many service members serve with unwavering dedication.
So keep shining. Keep believing in yourself. Keep embracing each new chapter with hope and excitement. No matter where this journey takes you, know you are never alone. You are part of something bigger than yourself—a community that understands, supports, and celebrates you.
You are a military child, and that is something of which you should be incredibly proud.
With endless admiration,
Tyrese Cook