ANDREWS AFB, Md. –
In commemoration of Month of the Military Child, the National Military Family Association recently invited military members and their families from local installations, including twenty-eight parents and children from Andrews, to the Capitol to meet with legislators and tour the historic facility. Ranging from kindergarten to the eighth grade, the children brought an important message to the Capitol, that "Kids serve, too," and to remind legislators that children have a crucial role in today's military.
"The purpose of the trip was to allow family members the opportunity to meet Senators and to discuss life in the military as a military-connected child," said Cynthia Nunes-Taijeron, Andrews School Liaison Officer. "The NMFA and the staff members from various Senators' offices took us on tours of the building. It was an honor to be included in such an event."
According to the NMFA, there are nearly two million military children currently supporting the service of one or both of their parents.
Michelle Joyner, NMFA director of communications said, "While military kids are strong, they bear a heavy load. NMFA and military families wanted to take this opportunity to highlight the needs of military children and also celebrate their service. We are not campaigning for legislation or asking for specific action, but wanted to remind Congress of ways to support military children through day-to-day interactions."
One such child who is serving her country is Paige Brewer, 8, daughter of 2nd Lt. David Brewer, 316th Logistics Readiness Squadron logistics officer currently deployed to Ali Al Salem AB, Kuwait. As a second grader at Francis T. Evans Elementary School, the visit to the Capitol was especially meaningful to her. "I'm serving as a military kid by helping my mom. My daddy is in Kuwait. He's been gone for a month, but he'll be back in September," said Miss Brewer.
Paige's mother, Lenae Brewer, said they were able to meet with Kansas Senator Sam Brownback. "As a parent, it was such a unique opportunity. As a military brat myself, and now as a military spouse, the day at the Capitol meant a lot to me. I'm able to see serving as both a child of a military member and as a wife, too."
"We had a fantastic time," said Jennifer Roberts, wife to Major Charles Roberts, USAF/Asset Management and Operations (A7CA) civil engineer currently deployed to Camp Speicher, Iraq and mother to Brooke, 10. "We met with the staff of Senator Elizabeth Dole. They gave us a personal tour of the Capitol Building and a signed picture of Elizabeth Dole to take home."
Mrs. Roberts said the visit to the Capitol left a lasting impact. "I think the kids received a wonderful impression of the Capitol and of those who work there for the benefit of us all," said Mrs. Roberts. "Brooke left thinking that maybe one day she could work there."