Team Kadena Springs into ACTion for April 2009

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KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  KADENA AIR BASE, Japan - This month is designated as the Month of the Military Child, underscoring the important role military children play in the armed forces community.

April is set aside as a special time to applaud military families and their children for the daily sacrifices they make and challenges they overcome, according to base officials.

"Military children face many obstacles unique to their situation, such as having a parent deployed for extended periods of time and frequently being uprooted from school, neighborhood, and friends," said Jaime Shachter, Family Member Program Flight chief. "Celebrating the Month of the Military Child is especially important today as resilient families manage long separations. The Defense Department has long understood the value of caring for and celebrating children of service members."

The Month of the Military Child, first celebrated in 1986, is part of the legacy left by former Defense Secretary Caspar Weinberger (1981-1987), who died March 28, 2006. 

Throughout the month of April, Kadena is offering special events to honor military children and stress the significance of offering quality support services that help them succeed in the mobile military lifestyle. In addition to honoring military children this month and in keeping with other U.S. national observances, Kadena's Integrated Delivery System, or helping agencies, highlight April as Child Abuse Prevention, Alcohol Awareness, and Sexual Assault Awareness Month. 

"Working collaboratively under the collective theme, 'Spring into ACTion - Awareness, Commitment, and Transformation,' demonstrates Team Kadena's enduring spirit of life and value of community, and public service," said Ms. Shachter. 

The 18th Force Support Squadron kicks of April's awareness activities with the Spring into Action 5K Fun Run/Stroller Walk Saturday, at 7 a.m. at the Risner Fitness Center. Later Saturday afternoon, 18 FSS will host Springfest from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Marek Park filled with games, entertainment, food, prizes, and photos with the Easter Bunny in a carnival-like atmosphere. 

IDS agencies will shift the focus to sexual assault awareness and host the Empowered Women Self-Defense Training for ladies ages 16 through adult at the Risner Fitness Center April 18 from 9 a.m. to noon. Morale, Welfare, and Recreation will close out the month with the Torii Beach Grand Opening focused on fun for Airman and families April 25 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Additionally, the Kadena Child Development Centers and Youth Programs will provide opportunities to highlight and celebrate military children throughout the month. Representatives from the IDS helping agencies will be available at these and other events with resources, information and giveaways to foster Team Kadena's awareness, commitment, and transformation for the health, wellness, and safety of our community. 

"We recognize that military children are proud of their moms and dads for their brave defense of our country," said Ms. Shachter. "Events that celebrate the Month of the Military Child emphasize the importance of providing our children and community with quality services and let us show the youngest members of our military family how proud we are of their contributions, too. We are grateful to our many community partners who join us in this salute to all members of the family who serve, including children." 

For more information, visit http://kadenaservices.com.