Solano County, Travis team up for children

by 1st Lt. Angela Martin
60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

4/5/2013 - TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Members of Solano County and Travis Air Force Base united at the Solano County Board of Supervisors meeting in Fairfield April 2 for the presentation of a resolution recognizing April as Month of the Military Child.

Month of the Military Child was established by the fifteenth Secretary of Defense Caspar Weinberger in 1986 to applaud military families and their children for the daily sacrifices they make, as well as the challenges they overcome during times of separation.

The resolution was presented by Supervisor Skip Thompson of Solano County, who explained that personal ties to the military made the recognition of military children especially important to him.

"Affectionately known as a military brat, I have fond memories of the military," Thompson said.

The resolution explained that more than 1 million of America's children have at least one parent currently serving in the active military.

"These children are a source of pride and honor to all of us. It is only fitting that we take time to recognize the contributions, celebrate the spirit, and let the men and women in the military know that while they're taking care of us, we're taking care of their children," Thompson read.

Col. John Klein, 60th Air Mobility Wing vice commander, echoed the remarks of the resolution.

"These children make sacrifices and serve their country as much as anyone in uniform does," he said. "They might not understand the significance of their service, but it's important to recognize them and help them understand their significance."

According to Shirley Collins, 60th Force Support Squadron Airman and Family Services Flight chief, there are about 880 children enrolled in programs for children at Travis. These programs include the child development centers, the youth center and various special events throughout the year.

"What's really neat about what we do for children is we couldn't do it without the community embracing us," Collins said.