The military lifestyle is nomadic by nature. Military families move on average once every three years.
This requires military children to overcome unique and significant challenges, such as enduring family separation while a parent is deployed for long periods of time, as well as navigating new schools and trying to make new friends every few years.
To acknowledge how precious family time is for those who serve, more than 100 military family members were invited to Johnson’s Corner Farm in Medford on April 27 to enjoy a day in their honor.
All of the families were special guests of the Johnson family, who have owned and operated the farm since 1953.
The children and their parents were treated to a day of games, hayrides, interaction with farm animals and a chance to learn about farm life; they also had the full run of the farm’s extensive playground. Lunch and ice cream were included, and each child selected toys and books to take home.
The children’s day was further highlighted by a visit from Antsy the Clown, as performed by local entertainer Nancy DeVito.
The event was co-hosted by the Craig Newmark New York Tri-State Chapter of Blue Star Families and the Military Support Alliance of New Jersey.
Two weeks later, on May 10, more than 80 graduating seniors from local high schools — all children of military families — were gathered at Adventure Crossing in Jackson to be recognized for the unique sacrifices they made and challenges they overcame to earn their diplomas.
Each graduate received an individual certificate of achievement, enjoyed a buffet dinner and dessert, and got the chance to take on the many games and sports activities available at Adventure Crossing. The seniors were the guests of Cardinale Enterprises.
The co-hosts were Vito Cardinale, founder and president of Cardinale Enterprises and Air Force Col. Anthony Smith, commander, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst and the 87th Air Base Wing stationed there.