BOISE, Idaho – April marks the Department of Defense’s annual observance of the Month of the Military Child, a time to recognize the unique challenges and enduring resilience of children of military members.
With more than 1.6 million military children in the United States, these young individuals often navigate frequent relocations, parental deployments and the complexities of military life.
As the Idaho Air National Guard observes the Month of the Military Child, families like that of Tech. Sgt. Megan Brasley are reminded of the unique challenges and sacrifices military children endure.
Brasley, deployed as an aircraft vehicle data operations specialist in the 124th Maintenance Group Plans and Scheduling office, has been in the Air National Guard for 14 years. This marks her third deployment but her first with young children. Her sons, Ryker, 4, and Rhett, 2, are the heart of her experience.
“The hardest part of being away is missing the everyday moments—bedtime stories, family meals and backyard play,” Brasley said. “Not being there when they get hurt or sick, and missing their hugs and cuddles, is incredibly difficult.”
To help her boys cope with her absence, Brasley and her husband, Jeff, worked hard to prepare them emotionally. They made Build-A-Bears with recorded messages from Brasley and read them a book called The Invisible String, which teaches that love connects people even when they are far apart. A digital photo frame also has helped her stay connected by allowing Brasley to send pictures of her day, letting her children feel a part of her life while she is deployed.
Brasley remains committed to her role despite the challenges and finds strength in her children’s resilience.
“I hope they know how loved they are,” she said. “Everything I do is for them, and I hope they are proud of me and themselves for their resilience.”
Brasley’s experience resonates with the larger theme of the Month of the Military Child, which celebrates military children’s resilience, strength and sacrifices. Military children often face emotional challenges because of frequent separations from their parents, said Heather Echols, the IDANG’s Airman and Family Readiness program manager.
Echols emphasizes the importance of supporting military families year-round.
“Military children are the silent heroes of the military,” Echols remarked. “They endure the sacrifices of deployments and the uncertainty of not knowing when their parent will return. They are strong, flexible and able to thrive in an ever-changing environment.”
Echols and her team provide vital support to military families, offering resources for financial assistance, counseling and deployment support. They also organize events such as the Parent-Child Ball, Easter Egg Hunts, and Kids' Holiday Parties to foster community and connection.
The Month of the Military Child, celebrated by the Department of Defense each April since 1986, serves as a reminder of the importance of supporting these young family members. The IDANG recognizes this month through initiatives like “Purple Up!” to encourage members to wear purple to support military children. Purple symbolizes all military branches, combining Army green, Marine Corps red, and Coast Guard, Navy, Air Force, and Space Force blue.
As families like the Brasleys navigate the complexities of military life, their stories serve as a testament to the strength and resilience of military children. Through support, preparation and love, these young individuals continue to thrive, embodying the enduring spirit of military families.