Warriors of the North celebrate Month of the Military Child Published April 6, 2016 By Airman 1st Class Ryan Sparks 319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- The 319th Air Base Wing kicked off the Month of the Military Child with the Beautiful Child Photo Shoot and Activity Fair April 5, 2016, on Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota. The Department of Defense established April as the Month of the Military Child in 1986. Each base hosts their own events to honor the sacrifices made by military children. Kelly Painter, 319th Air Base Wing school liaison officer, wants military children to realize the support they have during their time as a military child. "My hope is that every military connected child feels they are supported, loved, and appreciated for the sacrifices they make being part of a military family," said Painter. The Beautiful Child Photo Shoot and Activity fair was the first of many events that are scheduled to be hosted by the Child & Youth programs, Family Advocacy Office, School Liaison Office and other organizations here. The schedule of events is as follows: April 10- Annual 4-H Basketball Tournament Times: 2-6 p.m. Location: Liberty Square April 12- Purple Up Power on STEM Science Night Time: 6-8 p.m. Location: Liberty Square Ages: 5-14 year olds April 15- Purple Up Day Purpose- Encourage all personnel to wear purple in support of military connected youth in all branches of service. It is a visible way to show support and thank military children for their strength and sacrifices. April 16- BGCA North Dakota State Youth of the Year Competition Times: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Location: Community Activities Center April 16- Hands on Learning Fair Time: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Grand Forks AFB will have an activity at this community event Location: Purpur Arena, Grand Forks Ages: Birth to eight years old 29 April 29- 2016 Operation Megaphone Lock-in Time: 7 p.m. to Midnight Ages: 13-18 years olds Location: Liberty Square For more information, contact the School Liaison Office at 701-747-4484.