Every April, Month of the Military Child is observed across the United States Armed Forces to recognize the contributions and sacrifices of military youth for the nation. 

Air Force Master Sgt. Devin Duryee, 133d Airlift Wing Maintenance Squadron, and his wife, Leigh, have four children – Emma, 16; Claire, 15; Evelyn, 11; and Nora, 7. Devin and Leigh said children in military families must cope with difficulties and needs that may not be familiar to other children.  

“One of the biggest needs of military kids is to not feel so alone during a deployment,” Leigh said.  

Emma cited “not having my dad around when I need him” as one of the biggest challenges of being a military youth.  

Claire agreed, adding, “Not being able to see my dad as much while he is deployed and being concerned about how hard his job is” can be tough.  

More than 15,000 children in Minnesota have at least one parent serving in the National Guard or Reserve. Devin said knowing there are many other military youths in the community is a relief for Emma, Claire, and their siblings, along with the community support they receive.  

“We are happy with what the community has to offer us during deployments,” Devin said. “Like the YMCA’s Military Outreach program that provides free memberships for families of deployed service members.” 

Emma and Claire are involved in the military community. Both have participated in the annual Minnesota National Guard Child & Youth Program’s Teen Leadership Forum, which provides an opportunity for military youth in grades 6 through 12 to challenge, grow, and develop leadership skills by participating in a group project, volunteering for a community service project, listening to speakers and presenters, and connecting with peers. 

“It’s important to get involved to support their efforts in helping the youth and to show them that we appreciate them,” Claire said.  

“I like getting a better understanding of what it’s like being in the military and hearing from another source what it’s like at work every day and on deployments,” Emma said. 

To further strengthen community support for military youth, Emma suggested for schools to have a club for military youth so they can connect with each other. Claire added schools can also “Give more time to get assignments completed during deployments since there is less help at home.” 

Devin and Leigh have also participated as a couple and as a family in events that provide support to those in the military community.  

“We have attended several Strong Bonds events for a ‘date night’ class or for a family weekend retreat and we always come away with more tools to be better for each other,” Devin said. 

The Strong Bonds program, primarily offered by the Army and Air Force, aims to strengthen military families by providing relationship education, skills training, and support during deployments and relocations. It is a chaplain-led initiative that focuses on building resilient relationships and fostering a sense of community within military units. 

In addition, the Duryee family enjoys attending the Purple Up celebration for military youths and their families held each year at Mall of America in honor of Month of the Military Child. Purple is the official color of the military child. It is a combination of all the colors of the U.S. Armed Forces — Air Force, Navy, and Coast Guard blues, Army green, and Marine Corps red. 

“We love seeing the looks on our kids’ faces, like they are the VIPs at the event,” Devin said. 

Hosted by the Minnesota National Guard Child & Youth Program, in partnership with Mall of America, the Purple Up festivities on April 25 features music, character appearances, giveaways, treats, rides at Nickelodeon Universe, and more.  

“The younger kids like to get their faces painted and then go to Build-a-Bear where they get to craft their own little buddy to bring to the park,” Leigh said. “Then, of course, it’s having access to all the rides.” 

Emma and Claire are glad there is a Month of the Military Child observance, and Emma said she would consider joining the military.  

“Because I want to get stronger both physically and mentally, so I can be a better registered nurse for my community,” she said. 

Both siblings are proud to be part of the military community, adding that being a military youth means “street credit.”  

Story By Cristina Oxtra 

Minnesota National Guard Public Affairs