April is the Month of the Military Child—a time to honor the resilience, strength, and sacrifices of military-connected children and their families. These young individuals often navigate unique challenges, such as frequent relocations, parental deployments, and adapting to new schools and communities. Supporting them isn’t just a gesture of appreciation—it’s critical to their well-being and success. 

At the forefront of these efforts stands the National Military Family Association (NMFA), an organization dedicated to ensuring that military families have the support they need to thrive. 

If you’re looking for a deeper dive into the challenges military children face and the resources available to help them succeed, be sure to check out Mission Roll Call’s guide to supporting military children. 

A Legacy of Advocacy and Support 

Founded in 1969 by a group of military spouses who were determined to secure financial protections for widowed friends, NMFA has grown into a powerful voice for all military families.  

Their mission is clear: to stand up for, support, and enhance the quality of life for every military family through bold advocacy, innovative programming, and dynamic solutions. For over five decades, they have been a cornerstone of empowerment, offering resources that address the real, evolving needs of service members’ families. 

Empowering Military Children Through Operation Purple® 

One of NMFA’s flagship initiatives is the Operation Purple® program, a series of experiences designed specifically for military children and families. These programs recognize that military life presents extraordinary challenges—and that building resilience begins with connection, adventure, and community. 

Highlights of Operation Purple® include: 

Operation Purple Camp: A free, week-long summer camp where more than 1,600 military kids annually meet peers who understand their journeys. Through activities like kayaking, zip-lining, and horseback riding, kids strengthen their coping skills and form lifelong bonds. 

Operation Purple Family Retreats: These retreats offer families a space to reconnect and heal after a deployment. Through structured activities and time in nature, families rebuild relationships and share meaningful experiences together. 

Operation Purple Healing Adventures: For families of wounded, ill, or injured service members, these healing retreats help navigate a new path forward, blending fun and healing in a supportive environment. 

Programs like Operation Purple® remind military children and their families that they are seen, valued, and not alone. 

Strengthening Military Spouses and Families 

Military spouses are the backbone of their families, often balancing career ambitions with the realities of frequent moves and unpredictable schedules. NMFA’s Military Spouse Scholarship Program provides critical financial support—ranging from $500 to $2,500—for spouses pursuing higher education, professional licenses, or certifications. This not only empowers spouses but also strengthens the entire family’s financial stability. 

Recognizing the ongoing childcare challenges faced by military families, NMFA also launched the Child Care Fee Relief Program. By offering reimbursements for childcare expenses related to work or education, the program eases one of the most pressing burdens military families face today. 

Giving Families a Voice 

NMFA’s impact extends beyond direct support. They conduct critical research—including the Military Teen Experience Survey—to capture the real experiences and needs of military families. These insights inform not only NMFA’s programming but also broader national conversations about how we can better serve those who serve. 

Why Supporting Military Families Matters 

The experiences of military families are often shaped by: 

• Frequent relocations, which can disrupt education, friendships, and community ties. 

• Parental deployments, which can lead to emotional stress, anxiety, and difficult transitions. 

• Educational disruptions, as children must adjust to new schools, curricula, and social environments—sometimes multiple times over the course of their childhood. 

The right support can make all the difference. Programs like those offered by NMFA help military families build resilience, maintain stability, and pursue opportunities that might otherwise feel out of reach.  

Join the Mission 

Supporting military families is a shared responsibility, and every action counts. Whether through donations, volunteering, or simply raising awareness, we can all play a role in ensuring military families feel valued and supported. 

This April, as we celebrate the Month of the Military Child, we honor not just the resilience of these extraordinary young people but the organizations like NMFA that stand behind them every day. 

Learn more about NMFA and how you can get involved at www.MilitaryFamily.org.