MA National Guard "Youth Service Medal" recognizes children's sacrifices.

Youth Service Medal recognizes children's sacrifices
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When servicemembers deploy, they aren't the only ones who serve. Their families serve also, and usually the separation is hardest on the children. Homecomings are joyous moments for military families, but until recently, the service and sacrifice made by the children of deployed troops went largely unrecognized.

That has all changed here, thanks to the Massachusetts State Family Program Office and their new Youth Service Medal.

“At each reunion briefing, we are all amazed at how strong these children are and the degree of resiliency they demonstrate” said Jennifer Cesaitis, youth program coordinator for the Massachusetts National Guard.

“The children are truly deserving of an award for their service, sacrifice and support to their families, the unit, the community and each other," she said. "The Youth Service Medal is only one small way that the National Guard can recognize them.”
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