Memphis, Tenn. – Members of the 164th Airlift Wing held a “Youth Lock-in” in observance of Military Child month Apr. 13 and 14 at the Memphis Air National Guard base, Memphis, Tenn.
April is Military Child month. Members of the military and community wear purple, and many organizations across the nation put together different activities to honor the children of military members.
“The Military Child month is a time to honor the sacrifices made by military families worldwide, with an emphasis on children of military members,” said Master Sgt. Vanilla Nixon, the chaplain corps superintendent for the 164 AW in Memphis, Tenn.
This year’s youth lock-in events were focused on S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) activities to challenge the children’s cognitive abilities, while building teamwork and other important social skills.
“The kids built ‘Build and Grow’ kits,” said Senior Master Sgt. Beverly Hood, the military human resource advisor for the 164 AW.
“These (kits) were designed to allow the kids to follow the directions, use a hammer and learn to work together,” said Hood.
Children of many different ages attended the lock-in, where they played games, toured different areas of the base and had the opportunity to operate fire truck equipment
“I feel this is a great opportunity for our youth members to meet others,” said Hood. “They are exposed to many different job possibilities for their future and can continue the growth of the unit.”
The lock-in gave members of the 164th the opportunity to volunteer to help with the different activities as well as the opportunity to interact with other children that may share the same experiences as their own children.
“This event is more than one day or one month, its life changing for some,” said Nixon. “I look into each child’s eyes knowing and hoping that this event is a seed planted to reap an amazing future Airman that will return back a great investment to the Department of Defense.”
For more information about the youth lock-in or for how you can volunteer for next year's lock-in, contact Senior Master Sgt. Beverly Hood at Beverly.k.hood.mil@mail.mil.