Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany

04/11/2013 -- Children with brightly painted faces and different colored T-shirts, parents, service members and Civilian-Marines celebrated the Month of the Military Child at the Child Development Center here, April 2.
Col. Don Davis, commanding officer, MCLB Albany, signed a proclamation in front of the CDC for the event.
The celebration was held to recognize the support and sacrifices made by military children, according to Dorothy Bryant, director, CDC, Marine Corps Community Services, MCLB Albany. Bryant said military men and women are under a tremendous amount of stress.
She explained that one, sometimes both parents, are deployed with young children waiting for them at home.
“Our goal is to remove the stress of worrying about their children as much as possible,” Bryant said. “This event is an example of things we do to reassure our service members their children are being taken care of and honored while they are away.”
The CDC serves 150 children from infants to age 12.
The CDC had a parade, a barbeque and bounce castles for the children.
Sparky, the fire dog, and Freddie, the fire engine, were also on hand.
Children were scattered around enjoying the festivities.
Marines in uniform walked in the parade.
Some carried their children in their arms, while others mounted their kids securely on their shoulders.
Other Marines walked alongside toddlers holding their hands as they completed the parade.
“My favorite part is the bouncy house stuff,” five-year-old Cameron Forrest-Myers said.
Cameron explained how the parade tired him a bit.
As he patted his chest, he said, “I had to drink some water cause I was tired.”
“I think this is great,” Kristie Robinson, whose two-year-old daughter, Katelyn, participated in the parade, said. “I attend every year.”
She explained this is a great opportunity to enjoy the day and honor the children.
“It’s always good to give tribute to the kids,” Davis said.
Davis emphasized the importance of recognizing military children and praised the crowd for attending.
The Month of the Military Child is an annual event and this year marks its 25th anniversary.