Fallon Schools Celebrate Month of the Military Child With NASF

In a town with a military installation as substantial as Naval Air Station Fallon, it's unsurprising that schools across the valley would take time from their packed schedules to honor the numerous military students among them.

In observance of April, the Month of the Military Child, schools in the Churchill County School District conducted assemblies last week to acknowledge military children. Captain Shane Tanner, the Base Commander of NASF, visited each school to share the importance of recognizing and befriending students whose parents are actively serving in the military, as well as share how they can serve their country in their day-to-day lives as students. 

"Military children may attend as many as 11 different schools by the time they are seniors," noted Tanner. Besides frequently changing schools, these students often find themselves relocating to different towns, states, and even countries. Departing from their familiar surroundings, they leave behind not only their homes but also relatives like grandparents, cousins, aunts, and uncles, making their adjustment to new schools and social circles even more challenging.

For the younger grades, Tanner read from "Daphne the Dandelion," a book crafted for military children, offering them a sense of connection amidst experiences that may differ from those of other children. Tanner focused on words like “resilient,” adaptable,” and “tenacious,” sharing how brave military children must be. Capt. Tanner at EC Best, pictured right.

Tanner encouraged students to reach out to military children in their schools. "Smile at them," Tanner urged, "Say hello, give them a fist bump, ask how they are doing, and invite them to be your friend.” He explained that this was one of the best ways for them to support their country and to thank the courageous parents that serve. Numa students with Capt. Tanner, pictured left.

Addressing high school and middle school students, Tanner's message urged them to fulfill their responsibilities as citizens of the nation. Quoting Theodore Roosevelt's speech "Citizen in a Republic," the captain assigned students homework, prompting them to consider what it really means to be a citizenship in our great republic. He conveyed to the students that their actions in high school hold significance. “The freedoms we enjoy every single day, other parts of the world aren’t guaranteed, and it will be up to all of you to hold that together.” 

CCHS Assembly pictured below.  Story continues...

Following the assembly at Churchill County Middle School, Captain Tanner spared a few moments to speak with The Fallon Post about the importance of celebrating the Month of the Military Child. Tanner shared how proud he was of their sacrifice and noting that they are the ones that will hold the preservation of our country in their hands. "Changing schools, forging new friendships, switching sports teams—these all send shockwaves through the system," remarked Tanner. “The fact that they keep doing it over and over again is form of service and commitment unto itself.” CCMS ROTC with choir students who performed the National Anthem.

It is no secret that holds military families near and dear to his heart. After working with the community and schools over the last two years, he has found something extraordinary in Fallon – a place he and the many men and women of NAS Fallon can call home. "The special bond that Fallon Naval Air Station shares with Fallon and Churchill County is something we deeply value," Tanner expressed. “The special relationship Fallon Naval Air Station has with Fallon and Churchill County is something that we cherish,” Tanner said. “The military community loves Northern Nevada and they really want to make themselves part of this community. I cannot thank the community enough for welcoming them in and embracing us.”

Tanner expressed tremendous pride in Fallon’s military families, “Whether it’s the miliary spouses who work and serve in the community or the students themselves, what you are going to find is even though they may have just shown up…and they may be leaving in a couple years, you will not find a more committed employee, worker, or student,” Tanner explained. “They are very aware of how precious their time here is, so they make the most of it. Their community really becomes their family. My ask, in response to this, is to embrace them, make them part of your family.

Below: Capt. Tanner with students at Northside Early Learning Center.