MANAMA, Bahrain – The Bahrain Naval Support Activity (NSA) proudly honoured the strength and sacrifice of military children by declaring April as Military Children Month during a ceremony held at the Bahrain School on April 4.
The proclamation, signed by Captain Zakaria Aperauchi, Commander of Bahrain’s National Security Agency, highlights the important role these young heroes play in our nation’s military community and highlights their indomitable spirit and unwavering support to their parents who serve our country.
“This month we celebrate the courage and resilience of young people like you who serve all over the world,” Apeloche said. “It’s a month to celebrate the courage you show to move to a new country on the other side of the world, to leave school, to leave home, to say goodbye to friends and loved ones.
“It’s about the courage to step out of your comfort zone, to come on the first day of school, not know anyone, and be open to making new friends and having new experiences. It’s about the resilience to not only adapt but thrive in a new environment.”
Throughout the month of April, the Department of Defense is recognizing the sacrifices made by the nation’s 1.6 million military children. Military families move every two to three years, impacting military children with constant changes in schools and networks.
“As we celebrate Month of the Military Child, I want to say to all of the students here, from kindergartners just beginning their educational journey to seniors about to step into the larger world and begin a new adventure: your story is an inspiration,” Apeloach said. “This story best speaks to what it means to be a part of the military community — a community that knows no borders and is defined by shared values and common experiences. Keep your heart and mind open and continue to embrace your journey. Keep learning, keep growing, and keep showing the world the strength and resilience that defines you as military kids. Thank you for being who you are and the bright future you represent. You are an inspiration to us all.”
Each year, the Department of Defense joins with federal, state and local governments, schools, military-affiliated organizations, businesses and civilians to honor the children of military personnel and their sacrifices.
While the Department of Defense recognizes Month of the Military Child on a larger scale, local families at NSA Bahrain can receive support through a variety of services, including work/military and family life counselors at the Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC), the Child Development Center, various youth programs and other military families.
“We offer numerous classes for military families, including my own Ages and Stages class, as well as financial and investment education courses, life skills classes like anger and stress management, and parenting classes,” said Carolyn McCorvey, Work and Family Life Program Supervisor. “Ages and Stages focuses on observing the developmental stages of children and helping parents adopt age-appropriate behaviors.”
On April 29, military parents can attend the “Ages and Stages: Parenting Through the Ages” course offered by FFSC.
“It’s important for parents to have realistic expectations about their children’s behavior and interactions throughout their developmental stages,” McCorvey says. “Children’s behaviors change as they grow, and parenting styles that align with a child’s natural developmental milestones will be the most successful.”
In addition to parenting courses, FFSC Bahrain also offers classes to help newcomers learn everyday Arabic, Arabic for life, and cultural norms.
“There are quite a few cultural differences when moving to Bahrain, so our office has two staff members dedicated to helping newcomers adjust to the local culture,” McCorvey says. “We also provide sponsorship training so sponsors have the tools they need to support their new recruits. If our office doesn’t have the information, we have great resources and referral services to point military families in the right direction.”
As a father and a commander of an overseas base, Capt. Apelach offered his insight into the unique perspective that children of military personnel have.
“As some of you know, my three children attend school in Bahrain, and just like you, they are learning that home is where we are together, and that culture, language and country are bridges, not barriers,” Apeloach said. “The bridges that connect us to one another in this big world. Many of you are too young to realize it, but your lives growing up as military kids overseas will be a mosaic of experiences that many can only dream of.”
NSA Bahrain’s mission is to support U.S. and Allied maritime operations throughout the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations by ensuring the security of ships, aircraft, and tenants aboard NSA Bahrain and assigned contingents. NSA Bahrain provides efficient and effective shore services to keep the fleet operational, the warfighter operational, and our families operating with honor, courage, and commitment.
Date taken: April 4, 2024 Date posted: April 7, 2024 02:05 Story ID: 467975 Location: BH Web views: 124 Downloads: 0 Public domain
This piece, “NSA Bahrain Celebrates Month of the Military Child,” is by PO1 Shayla Hamilton, identified by DVIDS, and must comply with the restrictions set forth at https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
