03/30/04

During this school year I have addressed the mobility and transition issues of military dependents and highlighted the many programs DoDDS Pacific offers to ease the transition process. This April, as we celebrate the Month of the Military Child, I wish to take the opportunity to recognize the many exceptional characteristics and qualities military-connected children develop and possess as a result of their unique experience and lifestyle.

Capable, talented and inventive are a just few words that that come to mind as I observe students in schools and classrooms across the Pacific. Students have been consistently been recognized for their academic achievements. Our educational programs clearly prepare our students to be competitive with their stateside counterparts. Conversations with students make me aware of how competent our students really are. Our students also possess core values of honor, respect and trustworthiness, which are a natural part of the mobile military child's family and school life. In partnership with our military communities, we reinforce these high ideals. The end result is that our children develop into contributing citizens and solid family members.

Although military-connected children share many similar characteristics with stateside children, they also have unique circumstances that shape who they are. The Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC) reports that military-connected children attend six to nine schools from kindergarten through grade twelve. Constant and often untimely moves require great resourcefulness and independence. Although often unwelcome, change does become part of routine life. Conversely, what never becomes routine and perhaps the most significant challenge facing students is the role the military mission plays in their daily lives. Depending on conditions around the world, students' lives are directly affected by where they live, how long they stay and if a parent is home or deployed. These challenges, visible or not, impact each child's life on a daily basis.

On March 24 th Amber Tozier, daughter of Sgt. Scott Tozier, was featured on the Today Show for her winning essay about her dad's eleven-month deployment in Iraq. She said, "My dad is trying to help people to be free like us. By making other countries safe my dad is making our country safe. He wants to protect us and make our country a better place." Amber's essay went on to identify the loneliness, fear and sadness that deployment has brought to her life along with a clear understanding and pride of her father's purpose and duty. Amber's feelings demonstrate the most significant characteristic that military-connected children possess, resiliency. It is this strength that empowers Amber to face the challenges of her unpredictable and ever-changing life. Adaptability and youthful enthusiasm along with courage and stamina enable our children to cope and evolve.

As members of the overseas military community and, as educators, we serve to support families. During the Month of the Military Child and throughout the year, I encourage you to reflect upon the strengths and qualities that make our children stand out. Please take every opportunity to support their needs and to recognize their achievements.
Nancy C. Bresell
Director, DoDDS Pacific