F-18s soar through Virginia Beach’s clear blue skies creating high decibel roars over the Norfolk Naval Station. 

The station holds the title of the world’s largest naval base, harboring aircraft carriers and submarines that present themselves coincidentally with the roar of fighter jets. Naval Air Station Oceana also contributes to the quarter of students with military connections in Virginia Beach City Public Schools.

With this significant population of military children, the Ocean Lakes community aims to provide a supportive system for them. 

“Challenges of being a military child include moving and losing a lot of your friends since moving happens often,” freshman Morgan Ramsey said. 

The average military child will experience moves every two to three years. Moving makes it difficult to adapt to new school environments and make friends. 

“During my six years on active duty, I spent a lot of time at sea, which always brought some hardships while away from family and friends. I missed weddings, funerals and holidays,” swim coach and science teacher Andy Bedinger said. Bedinger served in the U.S. Navy for 20 years as a Surface Warfare Officer. 

Parents of military children commonly miss out on key events in their children’s lives such as graduations, weddings and birthdays. Despite encountering challenges, military children develop strengths that can be of great use throughout their lifetime. 

“Patience is a strength a lot of military children have,” freshman Alex Williams said. 

April celebrates the military child for the overlooked sacrifices they make daily.  

“It is important for people to understand that sometimes being a military child is hard, but overall it is a great experience,” Morgan said.