Daughter of 910th member advocates for the military child (editorial) Published April 24, 2012 By Ms. Lauren Tancer YOUGNSTOWN AIR RESERVE STATION, Ohio -- The following editorial was submitted by Lauren Tancer, daughter of Lt. Col. Drew Tancer, 757th Airlift Squadron director of operations, in recognition of the Month of the Military Child. Lauren is the Air Force Reserve Command Major Command representative for the Teen Leadership Council. The Air Force Reserve (AFR) Teen Leadership Council (TLC) is a nationwide group of teens selected to provide a youth perspective in the planning, implementation and evaluation of AFR Youth Programs, develop effective strategies and implement solutions for issues faced by military youth, speak on behalf of AFR youth at selected functions and programs and lead programs to other youth at various events. April: Month of the Military Child The US Military has more than two million members stationed worldwide, and every one of them has a family stationed at home. In 1986, Secretary of Defense Casper Weinberger declared April to be Month of the Military Child in order to show honor and respect for what military children sacrifice. As a military dependent of Air Force Reservists, I have experienced having parents deployed over birthdays, Christmas and other big events. Having my parents deployed is not only difficult because they are not home, but it is also difficult to talk with them because of time zone issues, mission timing and sometimes a lack of reliable communications. Although this can be very challenging, I have developed my resiliency by using my experience to help other military children going through deployments. Military youth have programs available to them through their branch of the military as well as outside community partners. Air Force youth programs that I am a part of include Air Force Teen Council and Air Force Reserve Teen Leadership Council. They work to raise awareness of military children and difficulties faced and present solutions to Air Force leadership. Being a military youth is a unique experience that has taught me to appreciate my family and what our military does for our country. Taking time to acknowledge not only what your military members do for you, but also the sacrifices their families make is something that will make a difference for each and every person. For more information on the aforementioned Air Force teen programs, please visit Air Force Reserve Teen Leadership Council.