CRESTVIEW — The Month of the Military Child is in force nationwide throughout April. The 29-year-old event recognizes American children 18 or younger with parents serving in the U.S. military.

North Okaloosa schools are celebrating with various activities, including a Purple Up! observance, officially set for April 15. Employees and students are encouraged to wear purple, the color formed when the colors of all U.S. military branches combine — "Army green, Marine red, and Coast Guard, Air Force, and Navy blue" according to the University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension site, http://bit.ly/1NfddAc.

Celebrating the Month of the Military Child particularly resonates here on Panhandle, said Henry Kelley, the Okaloosa County School District's Military Interstate Children's Compact Commission representative. 

"Because 10,000 out of 30,000 Okaloosa students are military, we have the highest (percentage) in the state," he said.

The commission works with public schools and "addresses key educational transition issues encountered by military families including enrollment, placement, attendance, eligibility and graduation," he said.

A key part of the program is providing Military Family Life Counselors in Okaloosa schools who assist military families and students with transfers and deployment-related issues.

ANTIOCH: On the first Friday of April, students and staffers wore red, white and blue. The school is being decorated with "Thank a Military Child Today" signs; bracelets, hats and other wearable items are being created.

BAKER AND CRESTVIEW HIGH: A bulletin board features statements from military-connected students about "one thing they want their fellow students to know, as well as thank yous and other messages from their peers.

Tonya Nascimento, Military Family Life Counselor for Baker and Crestview, said of students creating board posts, "A lot of them didn't know just how many classmates' parents were deployed…or how often they have had to move." Students also shared how proud they are of their military parents, even though the sacrifices they have had to make are great, Nascimento said.

Some English classes have written essays based on a vignette where students imagine their parent has been deployed, they don't get to speak to them often, and the parent misses special events like homecoming, graduation, etc.

NORTHWOOD: Donna Goode, Northwood principal, said they are printing certificates for their military students. She and the school's military counselor will call students up to the office individually to shake their hand and thank them for their service. "We know how difficult it (having parents away on assignment) can be for them," Goode said.

They will have lunch with the school's military counselor, who meets regularly throughout the year with the students, and has created a bulletin board recognizing their achievements every couple of months.

RIVERSIDE: The Military Family Life counselor at Riverside said, "Right now, kids are working on a big world map" with their names and the places they have lived with their military parents. The design will include a photo of the child and their military parent, and be on display outside the cafeteria.

SOUTHSIDE:The Military Family Life Coordinator at Southside said posters are on display. While they focus on support for military children every month, that has increased this month as follows:

•The coordinator sent an email to all employees explaining the additional issues military children cope with, such as living with their grandparents while their parents are deployed or employed in another state to earn more money; missing tests, missing important tests other school milestones due to relocations, etc.

•Children took home alist of resources for military parents.

•She has been reading a book series, "We Serve Too," to students every month to teach them about issues faced by military children. Subjects include deployment, reunion, moving and more.

•Military-connected students have a patriotic lunch with the school's military counselor is every third week.

•Pre-kindergarten through first grade students are writing and illustrating a book about their experiences called "Brave Heart the Deployment Bear." A May publish date is planned.

WALKER: A stars and flags bulletin board on the schools' military-connected students is on display in the front hallway.

Walker and CHS Military Family Life Coordinator Janice Ockerman Smith said, "I talked to the children about the importance of our military and some of the many struggles the family goes through.

"(Walker) is having two lunches to celebrate our military children — one was (Thursday) and another will be later in April. I hope everyone takes a moment to thank a military family this month, and year-round.

"Or, even better, offer to give them a hand, whether it’s with child care, cooking a meal or helping to mow a lawn. As First Lady Michelle Obama often says at her Joining Forces events, "Everyone can do something.”

Email Editorial Assistant Renee Bell, follow her on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Northwest Florida schools celebrate Month of the Military Child

American Rosie the Riveter Association members seek women who worked on the home front during World War II.

They want to contact women who worked to support the war effort as riveters, welders, electricians, plant inspectors; who sewed military clothing and parachutes; worked in the clerical field, as farmers or collected scrap metals or other necessities;  or their descendants.

For more information call 1-888-557-6743 or email americanrosietheriveter2@yahoo.com. You may also write American Rosie the Riveter, P.O. Box 188, Kimberly, AL 35091.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Association seeks women who supported the World War II effort

CRESTVIEW —Okaloosa County readers and military supporters helped raise money for Fisher House of the Emerald Coast and chewed over matters ranging from politics to pop culture with visiting author Mark Gerszewski this week.

Gerszewski signed copies of his book, “Homo Sapiens: A Species Gone Ape” at the Crestview Public Library Monday evening. He is promoting his book through the week, including events at libraries and military bases.

“It’s exciting, and we sold 10 books,” Gerszewski said midway through Monday’s two-hour event at the library. “The week has started out well.”

Given the area’s strong military presence, Gerszewski said he was surprised how few people were aware of Fisher House, a home for military families whose loved ones are undergoing lengthy medical procedures at the Eglin hospital.

“We gave them a little educational lesson,” Gerszewski said.

“I was up there like a used car salesman,” his sister, Crestview resident Mary Richard, said, saying she revised her morning sales pitch during a book signing at the Eglin Base Exchange to extol Fisher House’s benefits to the military community.

“It was an awesome day at the BX,” she said.

Resident Craig Yort didn’t buy “Homo Sapiens” at the library; he’ll receive his own autographed copy at tomorrow night’s dinner with the author at the Fort Walton Beach Yacht Club.

The Riverside Elementary School teacher said just thumbing through a copy of the book and chatting with Gerszewski at the Crestview library had him eager to read more.

“I’m looking forward to getting my book at the dinner,” he said.

WANT TO GO?

WHAT: Dinner with author Mark Gerszewski and book signing

WHEN: 6 p.m. Thursday

WHERE: Fort Walton Beach Yacht Club, 180 Ferry Dr. N.E.

COST: $65 per person

NOTES: Guest speaker: Maj. Gen. Robert Chedister, former Eglin Air Force Base commander. Tickets include autographed copy of “Homo Sapiens: A Species Gone Ape” and five-course meal. Contact Mary Richard, 582-3317.

Email News Bulletin Staff Writer Brian Hughes, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview residents meet ‘Homo Sapiens: A Species Gone Ape' author

CRESTVIEW — When Army Pfc. Davis Schmitz surprised his sister, Crestview High School freshman Karly Celano, by returning from an Afghanistan deployment early and showing up in her band class, nobody imagined the event would make national TV.

But on Sunday night, “America’s Funniest Videos” 25th anniversary show will include the clip among videos of military members’ returns.

Karly’s mom, Sherill Ward, said well after that joyous Oct. 7, 2014, reunion in the Big Red Machine band room, she thought maybe the TV program, commonly known as AFV, might be interested in the video. She sent it in.

Earlier this week she learned the video, shot by area videographer Ken Nielsen, had been accepted, although it won’t be in competition for cash prizes.

“It’s pretty exciting,” Ward said. “It’s not up for any money, but it’ll be aired and that’s nice.”

Nielsen was equally excited.

“One of my videos is going nationwide!” he said, adding that he had supplied the footage to WEAR-TV the day of the brother-sister reunion.

WANT TO WATCH?

A video clip of Army Pfc. Davis Schmitz early return from Afghanistan will air during a segment of “America’s Funniest Videos,” 6 p.m. Sunday on WEAR channel 3.

Email News Bulletin Staff Writer Brian Hughes, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Soldier’s surprise return video makes ‘America’s Funniest Videos’

CRESTVIEW — When residents pause at the Okaloosa County Veterans Memorial to pay their respects to local war heroes, they’ll find a new name among the roll of honor.

Albert Flowers Sr., a Crestview native, was memorialized Saturday morning by city officials, veterans and residents at the dedication and laying of a brick honoring the Bronze Star recipient.

“I believe Dad is proud,” Albert Flowers Jr. said. “He’s looking down right now and smiling. He was a hero and always will be a hero to me.”

Albert Jr. and his brother, Kent, were present at the ceremony presided over Army Sgt. George Stakley (ret.), during which Mayor David Cadle proclaimed Saturday “a day of remembrance and recognition of the heroic actions of a son of Crestview.”

In his proclamation, Cadle praised Albert Flowers Sr., whose “decisive action and courage was instrumental in saving the aircraft carrier and spring the lives of hundreds of fellow sailors” when the “Intrepid” was attacked in 1944.

Albert Jr. said Saturday’s ceremony wasn’t just about his father.

“We’re here to support all the veterans,” he said. “We honor our veterans and we love them.”

He said if his father were still alive, he believes he would share the message of non-violence he installed in his children.

“I think his message would be similar to Martin Luther King’s,” Flowers said.

“We’re really proud we can stand on this windy day to celebrate this hero,” Stakley said as wind whipped the flags held by the Crestview High School Army ROTC color guard.

“It sure is a proud moment,” Kent Flowers said.

Citations and other personal materials from Albert Flowers Sr.’s military career will be displayed in the Carver-Hill Museum at Allen Park, 895 McClelland Street.

WANT TO GO?

The Okaloosa County Veterans Memorial contains the names of local veterans who gave their lives for their country in wars and conflicts since World War I. Residents may visit the memorial and its eternal flame at the corner of Courthouse Terrace and Main Street.

Families and friends may purchase one of the few remaining bricks in honor of a war hero by contacting Bob Lynn, president of the Military Appreciation Recognition Celebration, 582-2222, bettybob1234@aol.com.

Email News Bulletin Staff Writer Brian Hughes, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: New Veterans Memorial brick honors World War II hero

CRESTVIEW — The Swamp Ranger Association, which supports the 6th Ranger Training Battalion on Eglin Air Force Base, is taking applications for new members.

This association provides fun activities for the battalion’s families and supports their wives’ Family Readiness Group, among other things.

 The only requirement to become a member is to want to support the battalion and participate in association activities when you can. E-mail Tom Moody, tomandcarolretired@cox.net, if you would like to become a member.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Here’s how to support Army Rangers