By Justin Creech
Staff Writer
Thursday, April 5, 2012

Families took advantage of a free dinner provided by Primo’s Family Restaurant, door prizes, an assortment of games and activities for their children and a performance by the Command Performance Choirs from Elk River, Minn. during the Month of the Military Child kickoff event, Monday.

Fort Belvoir Child, Youth and School Services and Army Community Service Family Advocacy Program hosted the event at the Belvoir Community Center.

“Any time I can spend with my Family is a stress reliever,” said Staff Sgt. Craig Bushey, Office of Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs, executive assistant. “My daughter likes the father-daughter time and it puts a smile on her face. That is a big relief to me when I see her happy.”

Door prizes included movie ticket packages, two packs of four tickets to Kings Dominion, two $50 gift certificates to Houlihan’s Restaurant and two Nintendo 3DS’s with game and accessory packs.

April is also Child Abuse Prevention month, which Col. John Strycula, Fort Belvoir Garrison Commander, addressed during his remarks.

The attention brought to Child Abuse Prevention month was eye opening to several Families at the event.

“I didn’t realize it was National Child Abuse month,” said Spc. Johan Brown, Headquarters Headquarters Company Special Activities, chaplain assistant. “So, when the Garrison Commander said that, my eyes really opened up. I have three of my own kids, so it’s really making me take a closer look at abused children.”

In addition to spending time with their Families in a relaxing environment, people appreciated the hard work of CYSS and ACS in organizing the event.

“It’s a stress reliever,” Brown said. “We are not doing what our brothers are doing overseas right now, but knowing that CYSS and ACS are able to take care of our Families and children is a huge relief.”

Brown said he isn’t going to limit his involvement in Month of the Military Child to the kickoff event. He said he and his wife will also attend the parent’s night out event on Apr. 14.

Now in his third year at Belvoir, Brown said he has attended every Month of the Military Child kickoff and will continue to do so as long as he is here.

“It’s an important event to me and my Family because CYSS is a major part of what we do with having our own children,” Brown said. “So, I think it is important for me to support and tell my battle buddies about the services they offer.”

Giving the Families an opportunity to relax and spend quality time together was especially satisfying, according to CYSS Chief, Sally Haskell.

Incorporating Child Abuse Prevention Month awareness and a musical performance made the night even more special.

“The addition of the Command Performance Choirs and the special participation assistance from the children when Colonel Strycula spoke were especially memorable,” Haskell said. “Celebrating children and Families helps us remember why we do what we do in Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation.”