APRIL 23, 2025 – Airmen and their families gathered at the 122nd Fighter Wing in Fort Wayne for a creative event celebrating the Month of the Military Child April 12.
For the second year, Board and Brush provided an opportunity for military children and their families to design and personalize wooden signs.
Danielle Botteron, owner of the North Fort Wayne Board and Brush and a military spouse, said she was inspired to offer the event on base to bring families together in a relaxed, hands-on setting while honoring the families and children of service members.
“The event is low-stress, low-anxiety and fun for kids, which opens the door for adults to interact, too,” Botteron said. “Kids gravitate toward others their age. So while they’re comparing a Tyrannosaurus rex to a unicorn, they’re starting conversations that help their parents break the ice as well.”
Kelly Harrison, 122nd Fighter Wing family readiness program manager, expressed appreciation for the businesses and community members who support events that honor and celebrate the youngest members of the military family.
“It’s our chance to let the kids know we appreciate them, too,” Harrison said. “We know they make sacrifices. The military members can’t do their job, especially when they deploy, without family support behind them. This is our way of saying thank you.”
The Board and Brush event is one of several family-focused activities hosted throughout the year. The next event will be Military Appreciation Night with the Fort Wayne TinCaps baseball team in May.
By Airman 1st Class Danielle Hough
122nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs