Throughout the month of April, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) and the Defense Commissary Agency are celebrating the “Month of the Military Child” with free events, giveaways, activities and sweepstakes for military children.
Established in 1986 by former Defense Secretary Casper Weinberger, the “Month of the Military Child” is celebrated by the Department of War annually in April and recognizes more than 1.6 million military children. These children face unique experiences as a direct result of their parents’ service.
AAFES
• DALLAS
“The Exchange is honored to recognize military children with the same respect and gratitude we show their parents,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Rich Martinez, the Exchange’s senior enlisted advisor.
“As someone who grew up as a military child, I know first-hand how resilience, adaptability and dedication shape their everyday lives,” he noted. “The ‘Month of the Military Child’ underscores the vital role these young individuals play in strengthening our nation and reminds us that no contribution is ever too small.”
The celebration includes: A free collectible military brat patch at Exchange checkouts (while supplies last).
In-store events from late March through April at more than 50 Exchanges featuring themes and toys such as Play-Doh, Marvel and Furby Furblets.
Exclusive sweepstakes giving away more than $22,000 in toys and
Exchange gift cards, available at ShopMyExchange.com/sweepstakes beginning March 27.
Giveaways for military kids, including a free goodie bag and certificate of appreciation for Purple Up Day at select Exchanges.
Free Treat Day on April 18, offering free food and drinks at participating Exchange restaurants including Starbucks, Pizza Hut, Qdoba, Panera Bread and more.
Military Star Card members can take an extra 10-percent off toys, bicycles and accessories beginning March 27–April 30, and an extra 10-percent off children’s clothing, swimwear, shoes, infant bedding, juvenile furniture, diapers, wipes, toiletries, baby food and baby care beginning April 24–26. Pre-registration for events is not required. Military families can contact their local Exchange or visit the community Hub for more information regarding events.
DeCA
• FORT LEE
Throughout April, commissaries worldwide will be celebrating the Month of the Military Child with interactive learning opportunities to enhance their shopping experience.
“We’re not just acknowledging our military children; we’re also laying a bridge to their future as the leaders, innovators, and problem-solvers of tomorrow,” said Navy Command Master Chief Mario S. Rivers, senior enlisted advisor to the DeCA director.
With the help of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM) activities, the agency will help military children use everyday groceries to spark curiosity, and enhance problem-solving and family engagement Commissaries will have a table display with STEM activity cards available for patrons to pick up and take with them.
Those who prefer a digital experience can scan a QR code that will take them online to a landing page with the same information organized by activity: Pre-K and kindergarten (ages 3-5) – “Easy Natural Play Clay Recipe” Elementary (5-11) – “Candy Color Explosion” Middle school (12-14) – “Elephant Toothpaste” High school (14-18) – “The See-Through Egg: A Chemistry Adventure” As DeCA hosts these activities in April, Rivers wants patrons to know that commissary employees have a natural understanding of what it means to be a military child.
“Many of our employees are in active military families or they’ve served as a family with children themselves,” he said. “We understand the sacrifices military children make as they deal with parents who may be deployed overseas or the constant moves to other states or distant countries leaving friends, family and the familiar behind.” As a child who grew up in a military household as well as a father himself, Rivers is well aware of the challenges these children face.
Activities such as STEM will help them embrace the uniqueness of their communities, he said. “Through these STEM activities, we are giving our children an opportunity to see their commissary benefit through a different lens — one that encourages their educational development,” Rivers said. “Who knew that shopping at your commissary could save you so much money while being so much fun for your children?”
Customers are reminded they can access the STEM activity page by scanning the QR code on the in-store flyer or visit https://corp.commissaries.com/military-child-month.
Source: AAFES, DeCA
Edited by Larry Lapka
