Military children celebrated at Carthage Central School

CARTHAGE — To thank the children of service members, Carthage Central School District held a celebration of April as the Month of the Military Child.

In recognition of the struggles faced by children of service members, the month was established in 1986 by then-Defense Secretary Caspar Weinberger.

Carthage Central Superintendent Jennifer L. Premo welcomed about 50 students, family and community members to the third annual celebration of the Month of the Military Child on the evening of April 17.

“Today, we come together to shine a spotlight on the unsung heroes of our armed forces — the children who stand steadfast alongside their parents in service to our nation,” she said. “These young heroes embody the true essence of resilience, adaptability and strength in the face of unique challenges that come with military life.”

She pointed out that military children face many hardships, including frequent moves resulting in new schools, but that through it all, they grow strong.

“Despite these obstacles, they continue to demonstrate remarkable courage and resilience, serving as beacons of hope and inspiration to all of us,” the superintendent said. “We at Carthage want you to know that your unwavering support, unwavering strength, and your unwavering sacrifice do not go unnoticed.”

She pointed out that 40% of Carthage students have military connections.

Keynote speaker Col. Matthew R. Myer, Fort Drum garrison commander, said he comes from a long line of military children and is a father of three.

“Statistics show that military service truly is a family affair in many cases,” he said.

The colonel shared observances he had made about military children noting their resilience, flexibility, empathy, sense of adventure and their willingness to try and fail.

However, he pointed out, “these positive traits come with a cost.”

Being a military child can cause anxiety and fatigue from the disruptions to their lives and the loss of loved ones.

Noting the Carthage area cares for the military members — which is not always the case — the colonel said there are ways for all to improve that relationship.

He suggested military parents support teachers, administrators, coaches and anyone who has “chosen to invest in our children.”

He pointed out that federal grant impact aid money is 50% of the school’s budget, thus military and Department of Defense civilian parents should register as such in order to maximize the aid.

He encouraged military parents to urge their children to volunteer as youth sponsors to welcome in new military students.

Citizens can aid military children by being interested in the lives of military children and be understanding, he said.

The colonel encouraged military children to “help shad the long-standing cliche of ‘military brat,’” which he said is not an accurate description of military children.

“The military and leadership are both about dignity and respect,” the keynote speaker said, encouraging military children to treat others with dignity and respect, to be kind, caring, outgoing and positive.

Three military children shared their stories.

Alyssa Allen, a senior, is bound for the University of Vermont to pursue a career as a nurse practitioner.

Alyssa focused on the positive aspects of being a military child, including a sense of adventure, having traveled to almost every state.

“I know now that traveling is something I will not only enjoy, but prioritize for the rest of my life,” she said.

In addition, she said moving around allowed her to make friends from various backgrounds.

Andrew Myer, a junior, is a member of the Comet varsity lacrosse team and following graduation wants to pursue a career in the medical field as a paramedic.

Andrew pointed out that being a military child means adapting to change, which is frustrating and scary. Moving a lot means meeting new people and discovering incredible places.

“Military children have to make a lot of sacrifices but live a life rife with amazing experiences that makes those sacrifices more than worth it,” he said.

Alexandria VanMeter, a senior, plans on attending West Virginia University on an ROTC scholarship.

She pointed out that frequent relocations gave her the opportunity to “immerse myself in new cultures, languages and traditions” and exposed her to “the diversity of humanity, broadening my perspectives and deepening my appreciation for our military.”

Alexandria also spoke of the values of service, sacrifice and patriotism which have been instilled in her by being part of a military family.

The JROTC Color Guard participated in the celebration, posting and retiring the flags. The 10th Mountain Division Band brass quintet played several selections throughout the evening. Mackenzie Ritz, the district’s director of grants, organized the celebration.