Wrapping up Month of the Military Child, one Killeen school on Wednesday welcomed a special group of service members for a breakfast snack, words of thanks and a special few moments with their children.
Reeces Creek Elementary School’s cafeteria was awash in purple for its “Muffins with the Military” reception, honoring students tied to the military, along with their family members and adopt-a-school soldiers.
Principal Abigail Church welcomed the group of honored guests, thanking family members for continuing to partner with the school even as they serve in the Army.
As a military spouse with children, she said this is always a special time of year to focus on families who serve.
Sergeant First Class Elias Flores also thanked and encouraged students and military family members.
The point of contact for the Reeces Creek Fort Hood adopt-a-school partner, the 2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, has two school-age children of his own at Meadows Elementary School on post.
“It’s been amazing,” he said of connecting with students at Reeces Creek this school year.
“They know we care about them and their family. Any time we can come out … every moment means a lot. Their service member might be deployed and just seeing someone in uniform caring for them, it does a lot.”
Just like their soldier parents, military children learn to be ready for change.
“The US Army mission is readiness,” said Flores. “We have to make sure our children are ready. One way we can give back to our community is to be here to honor those children and let them know they are part of the mission.”
He and other volunteer soldiers handed out purple challenge coins to the military-connected students.
Multiple speakers referred to the dandelion, the official flower of the military child.
The hardy naturally growing plant is known as a survivor with seeds that blow in the wind and take root most anywhere, adaptable to a broad range of climates.
“We take the time to represent this month for what they go through,” said Flores. “Like the dandelion, they are spread out and grow anywhere in the world, and we have to take a month to recognize the military children for their honor and sacrifice.”
Killeen ISD photo albums: https://www.killeenisd.org/photos