April is the month to celebrate military children Published April 3, 2008 By Dr. Joseph Kelley TRICARE Management Activity FALLS CHURCH, Va. -- April is the month we celebrate the military child, and I applaud them for the sacrifices they make and the obstacles they overcome. I've seen this firsthand as a military father. Military children deal with situations unique to military families. There are many great experiences and opportunities. But they also make sacrifices and serve their country as much as anyone in uniform does. Military children have to deal with having a parent deployed and frequent moves. Many are vulnerable during deployment because they often don't know how to handle all the changes and uncertainties. Active-duty military families move every few years, making the children uproot, change schools and say goodbye to friends. Leaving friends and changing schools can be emotionally difficult. Throughout the month, military commands around the world host special events and activities to salute military children. Families enjoy fun events, such as carnivals, parades, ice cream socials, talent shows, concerts and art contests to name a few. Another great activity offered at some installations is free health screening for children. If your base offers these health programs, I urge you to take advantage of opportunities like stress-free dental, vision, cholesterol, and blood pressure screenings as a great way to monitor the health of a child between TRICARE-covered routine check-ups. It's of utmost importance that our military children stay healthy physically and emotionally. TRICARE is committed to taking care of nearly two million military children year-round, so April isn't the only month in which it's important that military children have access to support and information resources and programs. TRICARE covers well-child care, including, but not limited to the following: - Routine newborn care - Comprehensive health promotion and disease prevention exams - Vision and hearing screenings - Height and weight screenings - Routine immunizations - Developmental and behavioral appraisals Celebrate and focus on military children not just during this month, but all year long. Take advantage of the numerous activities available to you and your family. For more information on Month of the Military Child activities in your area, contact your local Morale, Welfare and Recreation centers. Other valuable information about relocation and deployment can be found at http://www.militarystudent.dod.mil/.