Every April, communities across the country celebrate the Month of the Military Child, recognizing the strength, resilience, and sacrifices made by children whose parents serve in the armed forces. This year, the Deb & Jeff Hansen Foundation’s Henry’s Heroes program helped celebrate Iowa’s military-connected youth by providing 1,480 purple “Proud Military Kid” t-shirts to children in 73 Iowa counties.
The shirts were distributed ahead of Purple Up! Day on April 10, when people across the nation are encouraged to wear purple in support of military children. Purple represents all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, symbolizing the unity and shared sacrifices of military families.
Originally launched in 2019, Henry’s Heroes is one of the Deb & Jeff Hansen Foundation’s signature programs dedicated to supporting Iowa children. Each year, the program evolves to meet a different need, providing meaningful resources and opportunities that strengthen children, families, and communities across the state. Previous iterations include bilingual book carts, dream kits, and STEM carts.
This year’s initiative recognizes a group of young people whose sacrifices often go unseen. Military children experience frequent moves, long deployments, and extended separations from loved ones while supporting parents who serve our country.
“Military children show incredible strength and resilience as they support their families who serve,” Erin Coogler, Iowa National Guard Child and Youth Program Coordinator, said. “Their sacrifices may look different, but they deserve to be recognized and celebrated.”
Through Henry’s Heroes, the Foundation remains committed to creating opportunities that uplift children and strengthen communities throughout the state.
