Rockton Legion -Auxillary recognizes importance of supporting military children
A South Beloit family shares part of their experience having a loved one who is serving our country.
In 1938, the American Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary designated April as Child Welfare Month (later renamed to Children and Youth Month) with a focus on the well-being of all children in America through community support.
The Merten family of South Beloit is one that has been greatly affected by military deployments.
Stephanie Merten shares, “My view of watching my children grow up as military children has been a lot.”
“They don't know any other life besides being military children. I will say I think it's made them more resilient as children.”
“Birthdays, holidays, and anniversaries have been missed. There are sacrifices made on all ends.”
“The military can have a lot of heartache but also carries a lot of pride in their father and my husband.”
“I think it helps them prepare for adulthood and even as teenagers knowing that sometimes things can't always go our way but we make the best of any situation. Three deployments in six years is a lot for any child to go, through.”
Merten's daughter Autumn reflects, “Being a child with a father in the military means growing up with a mixture of confusion and emotions. I was only seven during my dad’s first deployment. At that age I couldn't comprehend why he was leaving, I just knew it was sad.”
“Now that I am fourteen, with his most recent deployment, I understand the reason that he goes, but the logic doesn't make saying goodbye any easier. It's a lot to process knowing that I won't see him for another nine to twelve months.”
Merten's son Logan says, “To begin with, being a military child is very hard, sad and challenging.”
“Secondly the first deployment came when I was six and the last deployment was when I was 11. It is especially hard not being able to talk to my dad everyday. I am glad I get to talk to him at least once a week.”
“Lastly, it was hard being at home and thinking if my dad is going to come home.”
About the Month of the Military Child
Former Defense Secretary Casper Weinberger formally established the month of April as the Month of the Military Child in 1986 with the Department of Defense continuing to honor this initiative today.
An estimated 1.6 million military children exist according to the DOD. On average military families move every two to three years causing an impact on these children through changing schools and friends.
To further help affected families the American Legion Children & Youth program emphasizes protecting, caring for, and supporting children and youth, especially those of veterans and military families.
Children of those serving in the military suffer when a parent is deployed or is placed on extended temporary duty. They don't understand why their parents aren't there to celebrate special occasions or to attend sports games, and would be missing important holidays.
The wearing of the color purple on this date, honoring all veterans and families like the Mertens, indicates the combined colors of all military branches. Army-Green, Marines-Red, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and Space Force-Blue.
A military kid is commonly referred to as a military brat. While the word 'brat' is generally used in a negative sense, military families see it as a badge of honor, representing terms described in the official symbol of the military child - the dandelion.
It represents resilience, adaptability, and ability of these children to bloom wherever they are planted, and thriving despite frequent moves and family separation.
Locally, extra support came from the Village of Rockton, Village of Roscoe, and the City of South Beloit, with a Purple Up proclamation read by each Village leader.
The Department of Defense, the 4H Military partnership, state government, and education departments are among key players in advocating for special activities or events, adding an extra layer of support.
On these lines Sue Johnson, State Chair for Children and Youth with the Post #332 Legion Auxiliary, hosted a Purple Up Ball at the American Center on Saturday, April 11, with music by the “Dancing Outlaws,” plus fun with Hula Hoops and balloons. Frito Lay generously donated several cases of chips.
The Rockton American Legion family came together on Wednesday, April 15 to capture full support of the day by joining in a “Purple Up” photo, estimated to be the largest group to date. A “Polar Bear picnic” was held afterwards.
The original idea for using the color purple for "Purple Up" came from past National Commander Denise Rohan, from WI.
Beyond the April 15 date, the Rockton American Legion keeps children and youth at the forefront year-round.
Another program that is part of Children and Youth is called, “Kids of the Deployed Are Heroes Too.”
Legionnaires, Sons of the Legion, the Riders, and the Ladies Auxiliary give back millions of dollars per year to honor the legacy, helping kids go on to college who have lost a parent killed in action, or who are on active duty combat.
The Legion, Sons, Riders, and the Department President help with and contribute to summer and winter Special Olympics games. Legion members extend a helping hand through either monetary donations or snacks for the athletes.
Good Deed award winners are chosen from local youth who have made a true difference in their communities.
The Sons of the Legion are one of a true family tree. Each has a father or grandfather who has served our country in the military.
The Riders are the motorcycle hub. They donate money to help veterans, and support the food pantry by purchasing Christmas gifts to give to children who would not otherwise receive them.
The Legion gives out yearly scholarships to deserving Hononegah High School and South Beloit High School seniors.
Post #332 also awards one educational scholarship and two medical scholarships each year. This year's winners are in the process of being selected, and will soon be named.
Students may also participate in the Legions essay program about our Government. Recipients from Illinois have won Nationals twice.
Girls and Boys State programs fall under the umbrella of Americanism. These programs allow youth to simulate the experience of elections and office holding learn the process of how things work in levels of government and politics, and how laws are made, while working with others. Students who participate might qualify to win a Legion Samsung award scholarship.
