Navy Child Serves as Circus Ringmaster

By Mass Communication Specialist (EXW) Todd Frantom, Defense Media Activity Public Affairs

FAIRFAX, Va. (NNS) -- The Military District of Washington Armed Forces Color Guard kicked off the Month of the Military Child celebration at the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, in Fairfax, Va., April 19.

Anthony Albright, son of wounded warrior Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Stephan Albright, was the guest ringmaster in attendance.

"I am really honored to be recognized and will never forget this experience," said Albright.

There are 1.7 million American children with a parent serving in the military and approximately 900,000 children with single or combined parents deployed.

April is designated as the Month of the Military Child, underscoring the important role military children play in the armed forces community. The Month of the Military Child is an opportunity to recognize military children for their heroism, character, and courage.

Ringmaster Johnathan Lee Iverson said it's an honor to have this year's Military Child of the Year standing next to him center stage under the big tent top.

As a long-time supporter of America's military community, Ringling Bros. recognizes the sacrifices made by our U.S. Armed Forces and their families and in turn provide special events and promotions for military families in each city the tour visits.

"Military children go to bed each night praying for the safe return of a deployed parent and wake up in the morning helping to prepare their younger brothers and sisters for school," said Casey Spurr an active blogger and author.

Spurr and her husband, Lt. Cmdr. Nate Spurr, live in Virginia Beach, Va., with their 3-year-old son Carter. In honor of Month of the Military Child, Casey wrote about an experience she shared with her son.

"Military parents often dwell on their own challenges associated with military life without factoring in how these same issues are magnified for their children," she wrote.

"My son and military children are both inspiring and heartbreaking in their ability to continually adjust. I am very proud of Anthony," said Albright. "It's also very moving that the Circus has programs to support our military children."

For more information on Defense Media Activity, Anacostia, visit www.navy.mil/local/DMAA/.