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Military-connected youth wearing purple and celebrating Month of the Military Child

Month of the Military Child

A statewide April celebration for military kids

Purple Up, classroom kits, family events, and shared stories all come together here. If you want the full picture, this is the page to start with.

Request a Classroom Kit Register for the Ball

What it is

Recognize the kids who live military life every day

Each April, Iowa CYP joins schools, families, and communities across the state to recognize military-connected children. The month is a chance to celebrate resilience, raise visibility, and make sure Guard kids feel seen.

You can keep it simple or make it big. The important part is creating a moment that says military children matter here.

Purple Up

Show support with a shirt, a display, or a quick social post.

Classroom kits

Use ready-made materials to make the month easy to celebrate.

Family events

Gather in person for the Military Family Ball and other April moments.

How to participate

Three easy ways to join in

  1. 25

    April 25 · Military Family Ball

    Formal dinner, dancing, and surprises for every age group. Reserve your spot before seats run out.

  2. 10

    April 10 · Purple Up Friday

    Wear purple and share a photo with #IApurpleup to shout out Guard-connected youth statewide.

  3. All

    All April · Share support

    Update your profile picture, host hallway displays, and invite Guard families to speak in your classrooms.

Stories of impact

See how April shows up in real life

The full stories live on our Stories page, but these are the moments that help explain why MOMC matters statewide.

Governor Reynolds signing the Month of the Military Child proclamation at the Iowa State Capitol

Capitol moment

Governor Reynolds Proclaims April as Month of the Military Child at Iowa Capitol

A statewide proclamation set the tone for a month of recognition across Iowa.

Read the full story
Purple Up! Day classroom kit outreach across Iowa

Purple Up! Day

Purple Up! Day Celebrated Across Iowa with Statewide Classroom Kit Outreach

Classroom kits helped schools mark the month in a way that felt visible, practical, and positive.

Read the full story
Families gathered together at the Military Family Ball

Military Family Ball

An Evening That Strengthened the Bonds Behind the Uniform

A full evening of connection, belonging, and support wrapped the month with purpose.

Read the full story

Need help planning?

We can help you put MOMC into practice

If you want a quick planning call, a classroom kit, or a hand deciding what fits your school or organization, our team can help.

Request a Classroom Kit Schedule a planning call