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South Carolina State House supports military children

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Cody Sanders
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

April has been proclaimed Month of the Military Child at the South Carolina State House in Columbia, April 7.

Month of the Military Child is nationally recognized to show appreciation to the children of service members who did not choose to serve but still make sacrifices.

“Military children are a source of pride, earning our appreciation for contributions to local communities despite prolonged and repeated absences from one or both parents,” said South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster . “Most military children will attend six to nine different school systems throughout their lives.”

Initiatives like the Purple Star Designation, which Sumter School District was awarded, support the educational challenges military children face during and in between transitions to keep them on track for life after graduation.

During MotMC, Team Shaw and the local community are hosting family events centered on strengthening family bonds, in an effort to reduce the stressors of military children brought on by the demands of their parent’s life.

Col. Lawrence Sullivan, 20th Fighter Wing commander, David Merchant, Sumter city mayor, and James McCain Jr., Sumter County chairman, came together to sign a proclamation of their own to show support for the military children of Team Shaw at the beginning of the month.

“It reduces stress for our service members and they are more able to complete their mission when they know their children are happy, healthy and taken care of,” said Kristy Schmitt, Oakland Primary School Parent Teacher Association member. “Military children sacrifice so much, it’s important to recognize that and show them appreciation for being team players.”