Delaware recognizes Day of the Military Child

Delaware Governor Jack Markell (right, standing) listens to Welch Elementary student Abigail Gordon speak on her experiences and challenges of being a child of a military member, April 30, in his office. Last year, Gov. Markell signed a proclamation that declared April 30 as the Day of Recognition of the Military Child to show appreciation for the many challenges that are unique to their situation, such as having a parent deployed for extended periods of time and moving frequently. (U.S. Air Force photo by: Capt. Bernie Kale)

Delaware recognizes Day of the Military Child

Published May 5, 2015
By Capt. Bernie Kale
512th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. -- Leadership from Dover Air Force Base, Del., along with school-aged children of military members and their school teachers from the local community met with Delaware Governor Jack Markell April 30 to recognize the official day of the military child.

Last year, the Delaware State Senate and House of Representatives passed the resolution to make April 30 a day of recognition of the military child.

Col. Raymond A. Kozak, 512th Airlift Wing commander and Chief Master Sgt. Dean Reed, 709th Airlift Squadron loadmaster superintendent, along with 436th Airlift Wing leadership met with the governor to speak about the various issues children of military members overcome in order to be successful in their schooling.

Markell also listened to students speak on their experiences being a child of a military member, and the challenges that come with it. Their school teachers also spoke to the governor on the measures to help ease the stress of students transferring to a new school every time their military family is relocated.

With more than 2,000 school-aged children of military living in Delaware, the state Legislature wanted to show appreciation for the unique challenges they endure, such as having a parent deployed and moving frequently, according to the DoD website.