HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – April is Month of the Military Child, Child Abuse Prevention Month, Sexual Assault Awareness Month, National Nutrition Month, and Military Saves Month. The Hanscom Airman and Family Readiness Center will be conducting their scheduled annual observance events throughout the month via virtual activities and newsletters.
Representatives from the Hanscom Helping Organizations, or H2O, are working to continue finding creative ways to lift up and engage with the Hanscom community, support overall wellness and raise awareness of risk factors that can be present during this challenging time of physical distancing.
“H2O is pulling all of these themes together to demonstrate that we are all valuable and this is how we can support each other,” said Carolyn McCafferty, installation community support coordinator. “This will help us stay connected, strong, healthy and resilient.”
The Month of the Military Child celebrates the important role military children play in the armed forces community. Child Abuse Prevention Month empowers families and communities to work together to prevent child abuse and neglect. Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month is to raise public awareness about sexual assault and educate communities on how to prevent it. National Nutrition Month is an annual campaign to encourage people to develop sound eating and physical activity habits. Military Saves Months supports financial wellness, key for resilience and readiness.
There will be a number of events and activities through April that Hanscom community members can participate in while ensuring safe physical distancing.
Purple-up Day and the Hanscom Parade: The 66th Security Forces Squadron and Hanscom Fire Department will lead a vehicle parade around the base housing area on April 15. People are encouraged to decorate their cars celebrating military children and thanking medical providers and join the parade in their vehicles.
Weekend Walk n’ Riddle on April 18 -20: Families can put “riddle” stations outside of their house in their front yards so that, as families walk by, they can try to solve the riddle.
Youth Programs Weekly Challenge: Every week a themed challenge will be posted on the Youth Program’s Facebook page for children to participate in.
Denim Day on April 29: All are asked to wear denim jeans to take a stand against blaming victims of sexual assault.
Officials from the Family Advocacy Program are also taking part to help families be resilient and safe throughout this period of physical distancing.
“We have a big role in supporting our community when it comes to Child Abuse Prevention Month,” said Capt. Chuléte Wallace-Keane, 66th Medical Squadron family advocacy officer. “I’ll be getting on Facebook Live at noon on Fridays to do a ten-minute ‘Snack Session,’ where I go over certain topics that deal with children.”
McCafferty says that while supporting agencies are working virtually, personnel and their families are always encouraged to reach out for resources if they need them.
“The Team Hanscom community is stronger when we are connected,” said McCafferty.
More information on the April activities is available at the online sites listed below.
Hanscom Helping Organizations: Facebook page www.facebook.com/HanscomCSC/
Family Advocacy Facebook page www.facebook.com/HanscomFAP
Hanscom Youth Programs Facebook page www.facebook.com/Hanscom-AFB-Youth-Programs-77676202772/
Hanscom SAPR Facebook page www.facebook.com/SAPR_Hanscom_AFB-105702654409108/
Hanscom Airman and Family Readiness Center Facebook page www.facebook.com/HanscomAFRC/