Naval Base Guam Petty Officers Celebrate Month of the Military Child


By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Peter Lewis, Joint Region Marianas Public Affairs

April 27, 2010 - SANTA RITA, Guam (NNS) -- The U.S. Naval Base Guam (NBG) First Class Petty Officer Association (FCPOA) hosted a Month of the Military Child celebration on base April 24.

More than 1.7 million American children under the age of 18 have at least one parent serving in the military and about 900,000 with one or both parents deployed multiple times. This month offers the opportunity to focus on military children, recognize their sacrifice, and applaud their courage and continued resilience.

According to Master-at-Arms 1st Class (SW) Orlando McLeod, of NBG Security, one of the event's coordinators, the FCPOA feels it is important to let military dependents know that their sacrifices are appreciated.

"It's important to hold an event like this to let the kids know that we recognize the sacrifices they deal with when their parents go off on deployment in support of our country," McLeod said. "We are also showing them some career options because these kids will be our future leaders."

The celebration featured child-friendly displays from several NBG units, including Fire and Emergency Services, Harbor Security, Dive Locker, Security's Special Response Team, as well as military working dog demonstrations. NBG tenant command Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 5 also had a display.

The event was well-received and many parents brought their children out to learn and have a good time.

"It's great that the Navy does things like this in recognition of what our kids go through when their parents deploy," said Michelle Paxton, wife of Hull Maintenance Technician 1st Class (SW) Joshua Paxton of USS Frank Cable (AS 40). "My two girls are really enjoying the festivities — especially the fire trucks!"

Chief Electronics Technician (SS) Keith Deliteris, of Submarine Squadron 15, added that the event would have a positive effect on the lives of the children by helping them understand the jobs in the Navy that save lives.

"My dad was a cop; grandpa a fireman. I really want my son to be familiar with those jobs, and it's great that the Navy has events like this to familiarize kids with those fields," Deliteris said.

The mission of the FCPOA is to foster improved morale and esprit de corps, and to put forth a positive image of the United States Navy, the command, and the association.