APRIL 1, 2021 – The Department of Defense has designated April as the Month of the Military Child, underscoring the important role military children play in the armed forces community. To celebrate this year, the 173rd Fighter Wing Airman and Family Readiness Center has created a ‘Jet Nose Art’ contest.
“This contest is open to all of Oregon military children 17 years old and under,” said Cecily Gaudinski, 173rd FW Airman and Family Readiness Center coordinator. “We are excited to open this up to all of our military dependents, regardless of branch of service.”
Using the provided design template, children are asked to pick a theme for their design and create an image they would want to see displayed on the nose of a Kingsley Field F-15 Eagle.
“Some examples of themes could be freedom, patriotism, or whatever comes to mind when you think about what it means to be a military child,” said Gaudinski.
For inspiration, the 173rd FW structural shop shared examples of previous nose art designs and gave a few tips for design success.
“First identify a theme, and then choose the animals, people, or objects you think best represents your theme,” said Master Sgt. Paul Allen, 173rd FW aircraft structural maintenance. “These are the first two simple steps we use when designing our large and elaborate paint schemes as well.”
The young artist will need to keep in mind a few rules when creating their designs. All nose art must:
- Be distinctive, symbolic, and designed in good taste
- Enhance unit pride
- Be gender neutral
- Must not use copyrighted material
All designs must be submitted to the Airman and Family Readiness Center by April 25 through their email at 173.fw.afrc.org@us.af.mil.
The winning design will be selected by a committee and announced the following month. That image will then be displayed on the nose of one of the Kingsley F-15 Eagles.
“We are so excited to highlight our military children in this fun and unique way,” added Gaudinski.
According to the Department of Defense Education Activity, the Month of the Military Child is a time to applaud military families and their children for the daily sacrifices they make and the challenges they overcome. The Month of the Military Child is part of the legacy left by former Defense Secretary Caspar Weinberger. He established the Defense Department commemoration in 1986.
For any questions, you can contact the Airman and Family Readiness center at (541) 885-6112.
AAFES Celebrates the Military Child
The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is committed to making life better for military communities—including our youngest heroes. The Exchange is celebrating the 2021 Month of the Military Child with virtual events, activities, games and giveaways throughout April.
“Military children are often likened to dandelions because they blossom wherever they land,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Kevin Osby, the Exchange’s senior enlisted advisor. “The Exchange honors and celebrates the resiliency of military children with Month of the Military Child activities.”
Protecting the military community remains the Exchange’s No. 1 priority, and stores are ensuring safe, sanitized and secure environments for shoppers of all ages. Military children are also invited to safely participate in virtual Exchange events throughout April at ShopMyExchange.com/momc.
Military children 17 and younger can receive a limited-edition iron-on patch celebrating military brats at select locations (see ShopMyExchange.com/momc for a store list), as well as a coupon for a free treat at participating Exchange restaurants. Shoppers can contact their local Exchange for dates, times and details.
The Exchange is also giving away more than 70 prizes in 16 sweepstakes, including more than $8,000 in Exchange gift cards and the hottest games and toys. Authorized shoppers 18 and older can visit ShopMyExchange.com/sweepstakes to enter.
Kids can also take part in four virtual contests at ShopMyExchange.com/momc. There will be four winners in each of the following activities:
- Disney Princess coloring contest April 2 through April 8
- Family Game Night picture contest April 9 through April 15
- Nerf Target contest April 16 through April 22
- Play-Doh sculpting contest April 23 through April 29
Military families can find details on all Month of the Military Child events—as well as coloring pages, themed recipes, video drawing lessons from Disney pros and more—by visiting the Exchange’s community Hub at ShopMyExchange.com/momc.
“Military children serve too and make their parents’ missions possible,” Osby said. “The Exchange salutes our youngest Warriors.”
Story by Senior Master Sgt. Jennifer Shirar
173rd Fighter Wing/Public Affairs