Honoring military’s youngest heroes: Fort Cavazos celebrates at MoMC Fest

FORT CAVAZOS, Texas — In a celebration of resilience, strength and community, more than 3,000 children and their parents gathered at Fort Cavazos to honor military-connected youth during the annual Month of the Military Child Fest. This year’s theme, “The Future of the Military Child,” shined a spotlight on the unique challenges and bright futures of military children.

Command Sgt. Maj. Loyd Rhoades, U.S. Army Garrison-Fort Cavazos command sergeant major, opened the event with a message recognizing the sacrifices military children make alongside their families.

“Military families face many hurdles during deployments, transitions and the daily routines of military life,” Rhoades said. “It’s important for military children to understand — and for us to understand — what they go through day in and day out. Sometimes, we forget about the resiliency and adversity they go through as we PCS (permanent change of station), deploy and transition to different locations. This month, we’re celebrating our children … and showing the great things they do for our community and for our installation.”

The fest featured an array of hands-on experiences designed to engage, inspire and entertain — from climbing walls and bounce houses to interactive STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) stations and activities and special appearances by a Space Force Guardian, an astronaut and fan-favorite characters, such as Darth Vader and the Mandalorian from “Star Wars.”

Brenda Brown, an administrative assistant for Child and Youth Services, emphasized the importance of highlighting the potential of military youth.

“These children are going somewhere,” said Brown. “They’ve moved across the country, made new friends and adapted to new environments. We want to celebrate that resilience and help them explore what their future might hold — especially in fields like science and math.”

A standout moment of the day came during a robotics activity led by Pvt. Gretchen Fieldhouse, an explosive ordnance disposal specialist, 752nd Ordnance Company (explosive ordnance disposal), 79th EOD Battalion, 71st EOD Group, 20th Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosives Command, where children took turns maneuvering a Man Transportable Robotic System to pick up inert training grenades.

Among the participants was 6-year-old Noah Tupinio, who was guided by Fieldhouse through the hands-on challenge.

His father, Spc. Melvin Tupinio, Thunder Squadron, 3rd Cavalry Regiment, watched with pride as Noah carefully navigated the robot through a mock obstacle course.

“It’s very interactive,” said Melvin. “It shows the kids the kind of equipment we use in the military and gives them a chance to connect with what we do. It’s not just about work — it’s a community; it’s a way of life. Events like this help the kids feel that.”

Fieldhouse, who is relatively new to Fort Cavazos, expressed enthusiasm about the experience, especially for the children.

“I love kids, and it’s amazing to be able to teach them and show them what I do every day,” she said. “If Noah and other kids remember this and later think, ‘Hey, maybe I want to join the military,’ I hope they associate it with something fun and inspiring.”

Support for the event came from key partners, including H-E-B and the Military Child Education Coalition. Johnny Mojica, public affairs manager for H-E-B, shared the company’s commitment through their Operation Appreciation initiative.

“H-E-B Operation Appreciation was created in 2013 to show our deepest gratitude and appreciation to active-duty service members, veterans and their families,” he said. “The heart of it is really our H-E-B partners who come together and want to roll up their sleeves and give back to those who do much for our country. Here at Fort Cavazos, we’ve partnered with MCEC, DFMWR (Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation) and many other groups to make sure we recognize so many of these military kids who also are serving in many ways themselves. From snacks and refreshments to face painting and healthy eating stations, we just want them to know we’re here to support them.”

Kyra Bush, vice president of education services for MCEC, highlighted the partnership with H-E-B and importance of community presence for families who are often in transition.

“It’s important for families to know that they are supported and there are organizations here for their children and for their families,” she expressed. “We both have the same mission … bringing the community together, you see families feeling the support today.

“Many of these families could be new here, and this event is giving them a baseline of, ‘I know I have organizations that I can reach out to and help my family,’” Bush added.

Tia Belnavis, a parent of five and first-time Month of the Military Child Fest attendee, was grateful for the opportunity to celebrate her children.

“I love that the fest is for military kids and lets them know that they are cared for and valued,” she said. “Even when mom or dad is away, they know they have a village here that supports them.”