MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. -- For 26 years, the Department of Defense and the Marine Corps have taken time during the month of April to recognize the unique sacrifices of military children.
“Month of the Military Child” was formed in 1986 by former Defense Secretary Caspar Weinberger as an official Defense Department commemoration. The goal is to recognize and pay tribute to military children for their commitment, sacrifice and unconditional support shown to their parents serving in the military.
Whether it is a permanent change of station or keeping in contact with a deployed parent, children of active-duty Marines face many challenges that their peers in the civilian sector do not have to deal with.
As Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point celebrates “Month of the Military Child,” we take a closer look into the lives of a few of these exceptional children.
Jazlyn Xochitl Torres and Lily M. Wade, both children of active-duty Marines aboard Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, are great examples of the ways young family members excel in their lives.
According to Jazyln’s mother, Gunnery Sgt. Kendira C. Perez, the hardest part of military for Jazlyn is trying to keep everything as normal as can be.
“It can be tricky at times but that is the most important part,” Kendira said.