To help celebrate Month of the Military Child, Beyond the Yellow Ribbon (BTYR) held its annual Military Children Appreciation Day at the Becker Community Center  Saturday.

 

April is designated Month of the Military Child, a time to support and honor the sacrifices made by military families worldwide, with an emphasis on the children of military members.

 

Around 100 attendees came through the doors to enjoy the appreciation day event, which was free and open to everyone.

 

There were a number of activities going on for kids to choose from, including balloon art, hair by Fantastic Sam’s, face painting by the Big Lake Ambassadors, a bouncy house, games and a hot dog lunch. Vision Taekwondo held demonstrations and helped kids attempt to break their own boards.

 

Along with members of BTYR, Becker Chief of Police Brent Baloun, Becker Mayor Tracy Bertrum and members of the Becker American Legion were on hand to greet and mingle with attendees.

 

Kerry Atwood attended the event with her children, Avery, 11 and Jenna, 6. Their dad is active in the Army National Guard.

 

“He’s a pilot and flies Black Hawks,” said Atwood. “He’s done active duty tours in Iraq and Kosovo.”

 

The Becker family also includes Jack, 14 and Abby, 12.

 

Another Becker youth, Madison Schroeder, came to the event with a friend’s family.

 

“My friend has family in the service,” she said. “And my uncle is in the Air Force.”

 

Donated by TJ Potter Trucking, the appreciation day also featured a drawing for six bikes given away to children in military families.

 

Kent Graning from BTYR was pleased with the turnout.

 

“There’s a good crowd here,” he said. “The sun is shining but with the colder weather we opted not to have the fire department come out this year.”

 

The U.S. Depart. of Defense reports approximately two million military children have experienced a parental deployment since 9/11; currently there are 1.2 military children of active duty members worldwide.

 

Beyond the Yellow Ribbon is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating awareness for the purpose of connecting service members and their families with community support, training, services and resources.

 

For more information visit ci.becker.mn.us and click on Becker Beyond the Yellow Ribbon under the Community tab.