In recognition of the Month of the Military Child, Governor Joe Lombardo has formally declared April 2025 in its honor, with the American Red Cross of Northern Nevada partnering in the observance to support military families across the state.
This annual observance honors the strength and sacrifices of military children faced by more than 11,000 military children statewide, acknowledging the unique challenges they face, frequent relocations, changing schools, making new friends, extended parental separations, and, in some cases, coping with the loss of a parent.
Supporting their ability to build resilience is critical to their emotional and social well-being.
“These brave kids often bear unseen burdens, such as stress, anxiety, and depression,” said Heidi Ruster, CEO of the American Red Cross Utah/Nevada Region. “When a service member takes the oath to serve, their entire family is impacted. For military children, this often means navigating unique social and emotional challenges that can have lasting effects without proper support; that's why we are committed to providing the resources and care they need to thrive.”
Ruster brings a personal connection to the cause, she's a Navy veteran, the daughter of a servicemember, and the spouse of a retired Navy sailor. Having raised children during her husband's deployments and frequent moves, Ruster is deeply familiar with the trials military families endure. Her leadership at the Red Cross is shaped by this lived experience.
Nationally, the Department of Defense reports there are 1.6 million military children, who move three times more frequently than civilian children.
To support those living in Nevada, the American Red Cross offers several programs through its Services to the Armed Forces initiative:
- Free and confidential mental wellness classes for children ages 5–17, led by licensed professionals, to build emotional resilience.
- Family reconnection workshops that ease transitions after deployments and help strengthen communication.
- Skill-building programs, including “Roger That! Communication Counts” and “Operation 10-4: Confident Coping,” which focus on developing self-confidence, communication, and stress management.
- Reintegration planning resources that prepare families for both reunions and future separations.
These targeted efforts aim to ensure military children feel supported, understood, and empowered to thrive despite the challenges they face.
More information about these programs and the Red Cross’s work with military families can be found at redcross.org/SAF.
The Month of the Military Child was established in 1986 by then-Secretary of Defense Caspar Weinberger to honor the immense sacrifices and strength of military children.
It has since become a nationwide tradition, with organizations, schools, and communities uniting to recognize and support the over 1.6 million U.S. military children worldwide.
Through every phase of duty, military service members and their families face a unique, sometimes daunting set of challenges – like reaching a loved one stationed overseas in an emergency or combating veteran isolation. From the first deployment to life after service, the American Red Cross is there, 24 hours a day, for those who serve and their loved ones.
