By Lucy K., Age 12
I am a military kid, that is me
I run on base, feeling free
Sometimes it feels we are in a random place
There are no challenges we cannot face
A lot we give up
And no one can live up
To us its life
To everyone else it’s a sacrifice
Sometimes we cry
And have to say goodbye
And other times we chuckle
Because life is sweet like a honeysuckle
But there are hard times too
But military kids always break through
Yes we have to move
But we always prove ….
That military kids aren’t just brilliant,
We are also resilient
So purple up
And buckle up
On car, train, airplane, bus
Get ready because this month is just for us!
In our life our wishes aren’t granted
But we ALWAYS bloom where we are planted
How the USO Supports Military Kids like Lucy
Life as a member of a military family can be challenging for everyone, especially military children who face frequent moves, deployments and constant change - all at a young age. The USO recognizes their sacrifice as well as these children’s needs, and we are committed to continuing to find ways to support them.
With more than 250 USO Centers around the globe, many military children can turn to a USO Center as a familiar “home away from home,” no matter where they are stationed. Here, they will be provided kid-friendly activities that can help them feel and build a sense of community, as well as bond with other children who are going through the same challenges as they are. These Centers host programs for kids of various age groups and can be anything from arts and crafts activities and family game nights, to cooking classes and scavenger hunts.
It can be challenging for military children to move every two to three years, leaving behind their friends, family and homes. That’s why the USO is committed to supporting military kids at our more than 250 USO Center locations around the world, providing a network of “home away from homes” that they can always turn to.
Aside from USO Centers each having their own programs for kids, these Centers are also home to the USO Reading Program, where both service members and military children can record themselves reading a book on camera, and send the recording as well as a copy of the book to their service member or child who is far and away.
USO Centers and programming continue to keep all military community members in mind. Whether it’s stateside, where military children are still often far from loved ones, or overseas where they are both far from home and in a new world completely unfamiliar to them, military children can always turn to the USO for support and community.
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Dandelions: A Poem by a Military Kid
Did you know that dandelions, with their ability to grow wherever they are planted, have become a symbol for military children? Just like these resilient flowers, military kids must often learn to bloom wherever their next duty station takes them. Abigail, a military kid, explores this theme in her poem, written in honor of Month of the Military Child, and as part of the 2025 USO Military Kids Creative Showcase.
Every day, America’s service members selflessly put their lives on the line to keep us safe and free. Please take a moment to let our troops know how much we appreciate their service and sacrifice.