News & Highlights
Keep up with the latest DAF Child and Youth Programs events, offerings, and policy changes.
Celebrate Military Children in April, Year Round
Each year, communities worldwide look to April as an important month for children who have one or both parents or guardians serving in uniform.Â
Considered the military’s youngest heroes, in many ways children serve too. That’s why we honor them during the observance of Month of the Military Child.
​Established in 1986 by Defense Secretary Caspar Weinberger, the Department of Defense continues the Month of the Military Child initiative today. Sponsored by DOD Military Community and Family Policy, the month-long observance acknowledges the important role military children play in their communities and honors their strength, bravery and resilience.
By Lori Phipps, Air Force Services Center / Published April 01, 2021
Buda teen reflects on navigating life as military child
When her biological father was killed in action nine years ago, Nyah Gray relied on her faith to deal with the heavy loss and overcome obstacles as a military child.Â
Gray is one of more than two million military children in the U.S., according to the National Military Family Association, and one of eight recipients to receive the 2021 Military Child of the Year Award. Military children are brave as they shoulder the burden when their parent(s) or other relatives serve.Â
 By Megan Wehring , Hays Free Press / Published April 08, 2021