Celebrate the Month of the Military Child with commissary drawing and writing contest

FORT GREGG-ADAMS, Va. - The Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) joins communities across the world in celebrating the Month of the Military Child in April.

For nearly 40 years, supporters from public and private organizations have come together for annual events and activities to honor military children and the sacrifices they make.

"Young people growing up in military families understand the meaning of service before self," said Navy Command Master Chief Mario Rivers, senior enlisted advisor to the DeCA director. "Their courage and resilience inspire us all, and DeCA is proud to recognize the important role they play in military communities."

Featured among DeCA's April events is the "Spreading Joy Around the World" drawing and writing contest for those 18-years-old and younger. To enter the contest, the children of authorized commissary patrons must submit a drawing or written description of a unique experience they have had as a military child.

Each store location will have one winner in the writing category and one in the drawing category, for a total of two winners per store location. To enter, visit corp.commissaries.com/military-child-month and download the activity card. The webpage will be active April 1.

Entrants may also visit the customer service desk at their local commissary to obtain an activity card. Entries will be accepted at local commissary customer service desks April 1-30. There is a limit of one entry per child.

All entries must also include the first and last name of the artist/writer, age, email and phone number. Parents must also complete the accompanying photo release authorization form to display their child's work in the store if their submission wins.

Each store will determine whether the activity cards of the winners will be displayed. Late entrants or entrants without complete information as noted above will not be accepted. DeCA employees and their family members are not eligible to participate in the contest.

Each commissary is responsible for selecting winners and contacting them by phone or email. Winners will receive a prize by May 31, 2024. No purchase is necessary to enter or win.

By entering, participants grant DeCA and its industry suppliers full rights to use all materials and information. All entries become the property of DeCA and will not be acknowledged or returned. A copy of these rules and the activity card can be found at corp.commissaries.com/military-child-month.

Commissary customers are encouraged to check with their local commissary store and corp.commissaries.com for other programs supporting the Month of the Military Child.

-DeCA-

About DeCA:The Defense Commissary Agency operates a worldwide chain of commissaries providing groceries to military personnel, retirees and their families in a safe and secure shopping environment. Commissaries provide a military benefit, saving authorized patrons thousands of dollars annually on their purchases compared to similar products at commercial retailers. The discounted prices include a 5-percent surcharge, which covers the costs of building new commissaries and modernizing existing ones. A core military family support element, and a valued part of military pay and benefits, commissaries contribute to family readiness, enhance the quality of life for America's military and their families, and help recruit and retain the best and brightest men and women to serve their country.