Hill AFB Airmen join Syracuse Junior High to celebrate military children

Published April 23, 2025
By Richard Essary
75th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah (AFNS) --

Airmen from Hill Air Force Base joined community veterans, students, and faculty for a military parade at Syracuse Junior High School on April 11, celebrating the children of military families as part of the school’s Month of the Military Child events.

To recognize their experiences and sacrifices, the school organized a series of activities throughout April to honor military children who are students at the school.

Hill Air Force Base Airmen wave to students during a military parade April 11, 2025, at Syracuse Junior High School in Syracuse, Utah. Active-duty military from Hill Air Force Base and local veterans participated in the parade, which aimed to celebrate military families during Month of the Military Child in April. (U.S. Air Force photo by Todd Cromar) — Hill Air Force Base Airmen wave to students during a military parade at Syracuse Junior High School in Syracuse, Utah, April 11, 2025. Active-duty military from Hill Air Force Base and local veterans participated in the parade, which aimed to celebrate military families during Month of the Military Child in April. (U.S. Air Force photo by Todd Cromar)

(Center) Capt. Aaron Peters, 75th Civil Engineer Squadron, fist-bumps students during a military parade April 11, 2025, at Syracuse Junior High School in Syracuse, Utah. Active-duty military from Hill Air Force Base and local veterans participated in the parade, which aimed to celebrate military families during Month of the Military Child in April. (U.S. Air Force photo by Todd Cromar) — Capt. Aaron Peters, 75th Civil Engineer Squadron, fist-bumps students during a military parade at Syracuse Junior High School in Syracuse, Utah, April 11, 2025. Active-duty military from Hill Air Force Base and local veterans participated in the parade, which aimed to celebrate military families during Month of the Military Child in April. (U.S. Air Force photo by Todd Cromar)

(Right) Capt. Aaron Peters, 75th Civil Engineer Squadron, fist-bumps junior high school students during a military parade April 11, 2025, at Syracuse Junior High School in Syracuse, Utah. Active-duty military from Hill Air Force Base and local veterans participated in the parade, which aimed to celebrate military families during Month of the Military Child in April. (U.S. Air Force photo by Todd Cromar) — Capt. Aaron Peters, 75th Civil Engineer Squadron, fist-bumps junior high school students during a military parade at Syracuse Junior High School in Syracuse, Utah, April 11, 2025. Active-duty military from Hill Air Force Base and local veterans participated in the parade, which aimed to celebrate military families during Month of the Military Child in April. (U.S. Air Force photo by Todd Cromar)

Events included wearing purple on Fridays to show support, the official color recognition for Month of the Military Child. The school also hosted a social for military students and planned a “camo-out” day.

“April is set aside to celebrate them because military kids make sacrifices, too,” said Dana Howard, a counselor at the junior high. “More than anything, we want these families and children to know how much we appreciate their service.”

Principal Brad Chapple understands their journey firsthand.

Raised in a military family, his father’s last duty station was Hill AFB. After retiring, his family chose to stay in northern Utah, reinforcing his connection to the local military community.

“Syracuse Junior High is proud to celebrate the military families in our community, recognizing the unique experiences and sacrifices they make,” Chapple said.

The celebration provided students with opportunities to connect with their peers, engage with the community, and gain a deeper understanding of military life.