April is Month of the Military Child: The Opportunity to Make an Impact

In April, the Exchange celebrates the children of Warfighters with in-store events and giveaways as well as online sweepstakes in honor of the Month of the Military Child.

The monthlong salute acknowledges the service of military children, who face unique challenges including frequent moves, changing schools and the deployment of one or both parents.

Vendor-sponsored events resonate with our Nation’s youngest heroes, said Senior Buyer Lynn Castro.

“With all that military children do for the military community, giving them time to just be kids is essential,” Castro said. “We’re honored to bring hands-on fun into the stores and make these children feel special for a day.”

Thrilling parents, too

Sales and Merchandise Manager Wendy Six has worked for the Exchange for nearly 18 years, supporting Month of the Military Child events at the Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph Exchange for the last two years.

She says Month of the Military Child events thrill the parents as much as on the children.

“These in-store events give parents an opportunity to have quality time with their kids that they might not otherwise have,” Six said. “They can create memories together that will last a lifetime, and it is exciting getting to be a part of that.”

The events at Randolph resonate with Six.

“My dad served at Randolph from 1983 to 1990,” Six said. “I love putting on Month of the Military Child events here because it feels like home.”

Military children often grow up to join the armed forces themselves—or, like Six, join the Exchange family. In-store events provide a unique opportunity to establish a relationship with military children, Castro says.

“Many of these kids will be lifelong Exchange shoppers,” Castro said. “Showing that the Exchange is here for them now, when they need us most, goes a long way in building trust.”

Patches and purple

In addition to these events, Exchange associates in every region have the opportunity to make military kids feel special for their sacrifice and fearlessness. The Exchange has again partnered with Vanguard to create a limited-edition Military Brat patch. The collectible iron-on patches will be available for free at select Exchange stores on April 6, while supplies last.

On April 13, participating Exchange restaurants will Purple Up for Military Kids, offering a free side item, fountain drink or dessert for children 18 and younger wearing purple.

From April 1-30, families can receive a free treat at participating Exchange restaurants with any kid’s haircut purchase from an Exchange barber shop or beauty salon location. The offer is good for children 12 and younger. Free treats vary by location.

The Exchange, in partnership with vendors including Mattel, Hasbro, Coca-Cola and more, is giving away more than $20,000 in prizes via online sweepstakes in April. Authorized shoppers can enter all sweepstakes at ShopMyExchange.com/sweepstakes.

Associates can learn more about the Month of the Military Child and upcoming events on the Exchange’s Hub page.