McMorris Rodgers, Murray Lead Bicameral Effort to Recognize the Month of the Military Child

Statement

Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) and Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) today introduced bipartisan, bicameral resolutions to celebrate April as the Month of the Military Child.

"I've always said when someone joins the military, it's not just a job -- it's a family commitment to our country. This is especially true for the more than 1.6 million children who have a parent actively serving our nation, including the nearly 2,000 who call Fairchild Air Force Base home," said Rodgers. "To all of the children in a military family, we salute you for sharing your parents' commitment to our country. You are a hero in your own way, and this month is all about celebrating you."

Specifically, the resolutions urge all citizens, business, and government leaders to observe the Month of the Military Child with ceremonies and activities that honor, support, and show appreciation for the incredible sacrifices of the 1.6 million children connected to the military across the United States.

"We make a promise to our military service members that we'll take care of them and their families throughout their service -- and this resolution is an affirmation of that commitment," said Murray. "I'm proud to introduce this bipartisan resolution with Congresswoman McMorris Rodgers. Military kids deserve to know that their government is looking out for them and their families, and--whether it's housing, health care, or anything else--that's what I'm focused on making a reality every day in the other Washington."

Rodgers and Murray were joined in introducing these resolutions by Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Representatives Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02), Elise Stefanik (NY-21), Don Bacon (NE-02), Andy Kim (NJ-03), and Cheri Bustos (IL-17).

"We know that America's servicemembers are the backbone of our military might. But the welfare of their spouses and children should never be a worry for our troops as they defend our freedoms at home and abroad," said Bishop. "This bipartisan resolution sends a clear message that Congress appreciates our nation's military children. To those children, we say thank you for the sacrifice and inspiration as you too support our nation's military."

"As the chief advocate for Fort Drum and the 10th Mountain Division, I am proud to represent so many military children in New York's 21st District and fight for their families in Congress," said Stefanik. "This month, we honor our military children for the important sacrifices they make while facing relocation or deployment of their parents and reaffirm our commitment to our nation's military families."

"As a retired Air Force Brigadier General, former Wing Commander, and military parent, I have personally seen the sacrifice these kids make so their parents can serve our country," said Bacon. "I am glad to join my House colleagues in honoring these children for their courage and strength."

"More than 1.6 million American children serve our country in ways we sometimes forget. These brave children, whose parents or guardians are servicemembers stationed at home and abroad, make incredible sacrifices every day in support of their families," said Kim. "Designating April as the "Month of the Military Child' will give these children recognition for their spirit, grit, and sacrifices. I am honored to represent many military families that work and live on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst and proud to have gotten this done in a bipartisan way to salute military families and their resilient, exceptional children."

"The children of our brave servicemembers make their own sacrifices to our country, and it's essential that we honor their strength, flexibility and resilience. I'm proud to join Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers on a resolution to recognize April as the Month of the Military Child," said Bustos. "To every child who has said goodbye to a parent during their service to our country or started at a new school due to a military move -- we see the challenges you're overcoming and we're incredibly grateful for the selfless service and sacrifice of you and your family."

"As someone who deployed to Kuwait and Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom, leaving my daughter Libby at home, I know firsthand the sacrifices those with moms and dads in our armed forces make," said Ernst. "I'm honored to work with Democrats and Republicans on this effort to recognize the children of our men and women in uniform for whom we are eternally grateful," said Senator Ernst.

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