Elementary school children celebrate military child month

  • Published
  • By Kevin Gaddie
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs

Eglin Elementary School children celebrated the Month of the Military Child here April 18-22 with Spirit Week activities.

The activities included Crazy Camo Day, Armed Services Day, Purple Up Day and Military Career Day.

Eglin Airmen also participated in the School Care Strike Day event April 22, the week’s final activity.

Approximately 30 Team Eglin enlisted leaders greeted about 450 military-connected children with high-fives and fist bumps, while waving American flags and offering encouraging words, as they arrived at the school.

“The School Care Strike event and all of the week’s events, highlighted the services and sacrifices our military-connected students make, living the military life,” said Elaine LaJeunesse, Eglin school liaison manager.

Chief Master Sgt. Karissa Gunter, 96th Mission Support Group senior enlisted leader, said the event was a fabulous opportunity to honor the children.   

“We agree to wear the uniform in service to our country, but they don’t, “she said.  “They serve with us every day.  They make permanent change of station moves with us, changing schools, homes and locations.  They do it all with resiliency, love and care.  We can’t put this uniform on every day without their support.  Today, we want to honor them and thank them for serving alongside us.”

Laureen Seegers, Eglin Elementary School principal, thanked everyone involved for recognizing the students’ resilience, adaptability and bravery.

“The high-fives and warm welcomes the students received made them feel valued and appreciated,” she said.