CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED// 
ROUTINE 
R 071750Z APR 23 MID200080880797U 
FM SECNAV WASHINGTON DC 
TO ALNAV 
INFO SECNAV WASHINGTON DC 
CNO WASHINGTON DC 
CMC WASHINGTON DC 
BT 
UNCLAS 
 
ALNAV 029/23 
 
MSGID/GENADMIN/SECNAV WASHINGTON DC/-/APR// 
 
SUBJ/MONTH OF THE MILITARY CHILD// 
 
RMKS/1.  This month is a time to focus on and celebrate the contributions of 
military children, youth, and teens and as well as support their unique 
needs.  Supporting children of Sailors and Marines is an integral part of the 
Department's commitment to Taking Care of Our People.  First recognized in 
1986, the Month of the Military Child is a time to honor our nation's 1.6 
million military children. 
 
2.  While our children do not serve in uniform, they serve in different ways 
as they support their military parents and guardians.  However, amidst the 
challenges of everyday life as a military child, there are unique 
opportunities to learn and grow.  A Sailor or Marine's deployment in the 
service of others opens the opportunity for parents and guardians to 
translate that military service into service to community, with their 
children at home.  As parents, you encourage and support your children as 
they tackle the demands of military life through the acknowledgement of their 
reality and our response to it.  In my travels, I see and hear from military 
children, their stress, and their joy. 
 
3.  Many of our Sailors and Marines were military children themselves.  Those 
of you who have experienced life as a military child continue your service 
honorably in uniform; the nation is grateful for your dedication.  You have 
made military service your family business.  We understand that while you 
serve, your family sacrifices.  For that reason, we make care for your family 
our business.  To assist all parents and guardians in uniform, and their 
partners, your local installation Fleet and Family Readiness and Marine Corps 
Community Services offer a wealth of information pertaining to parenting 
resources, benefits, and programs.  In addition to the services provided 
onboard your installation, 24/7 assistance is always available via the 
Military OneSource website. 
 
4.  Throughout April, be on the lookout for Month of the Military Child 
events held onboard your local installation or hosted through national 
organizations.  Morale, Welfare and Recreation, and the Child and Youth 
Programs are facilitating many exciting events to celebrate military children 
of all ages.  We hope you and your children will have the opportunity to 
participate in these events or the various digital engagements. 
 
5.  During this Month of the Military Child, we also applaud our child 
development professionals who are essential for Navy and Marine Corps 
families.  These amazing individuals compose a highly dedicated team, working 
tirelessly to support the growth of our military children.  They make a 
profound difference in our children's lives, contribute to readiness, and the 
Department of the Navy mission would not be possible without them.  Please 
take a moment to recognize them by celebrating Provider Appreciation Day on 
May 5, 2023. 
 
6.  The demands of military family life are challenging and this can be 
especially true for our children.  We must show them that we understand their 
struggles, while we focus on their contributions.  I am proud of all military 
children, during this month that celebrates them, and every month of the 
year.  Please share my sincere message of gratitude with the military 
children in your lives. 
 
7.  Released by the Honorable Carlos Del Toro, Secretary of the Navy.// 
 
BT 
#0001 
NNNN 
CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED//