Bloom Where You are Planted:


The Life of Military Brats


by Caroline Charles


age the true meaning of home is where the heart is. By the time they have grown into teenagers, they have likely attended numerous schools in different cities, states or countries and made and said goodbye to dear friends. The Month of the Military Child seeks to recognize our resilient youth and the sacrifi ces they have made being a part of the military family.


T


Our kids do not choose the military life voluntarily, but despite this they embrace the constant change and become adaptable and strong young leaders. They are children that have been blown to all corners of the world and have thrived and fl ourished in so doing. The offi cial fl ower of the Month of the Military Child is the hearty dandelion, and for many reasons. Dandelions are almost impossible to destroy, they thrive in almost any location, put down roots wherever the wind settles them and adapt to life among other plants with ease. When a dandelion is plucked and a wish made, the seeds fl oat on the wind to fi nd a new home and fl ourish there. This is the story of the military brat we hear over and over again. In the bio’s on the next page, the theme of moving, making new friends, saying goodbye and starting over again is paramount in each one. FSS would like to give a heartfelt thank you to all Misawa military kids! Be a dandelion and bloom where you are planted.


If you are new to Misawa Air Base and want to fi nd out about resources available to your family or if you are just looking to get your youth more involved, below is a list of facilities that can offer assistance and ease your transition.


Lunney Youth Center 226-3220 The Lunney Youth Center provides a fun and educational after school environment for children ages nine through thirteen. Annual and monthly memberships are available for children which includes FREE access to the Boys and Girls Clubs of America and 4–H sponsored programs and events.


FAST FACT:


There are approximately 1.1 million military


children of active duty members worldwide.


*Statistics retrieved from MilitaryOneSource.mil reports and surveys 18 |Month of the Military Child


Misawa Teen Center 226-2792 The Misawa Teen Center provides an interactive after school environment for youth ages thirteen through eighteen. Get access to the Teen Center facility located above Cafe Mokuteki complete with video gaming systems, arts & crafts corner, pool tables, TV’s and more! Participate in STEM club, Arts & Crafts club, Healthy Habits, Smart Teens, specials events and trips.


Average Ages of Military Children


42.0% are 0-5


31.6% are 6-11


A&FRC 226-4735 The Misawa Airman & Family Readiness Center is a one-stop location where Active Duty service members, retirees, DOD civilians and their eligible family members can obtain reliable information, consultation and assistance.


4.4%


22.0% are 12-18


are 19-22


his month we recognize our community's youngest members, military kids. They learn from an early


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