CFB Shilo Base Commander J.P. Nguyen raises the flag in celebration of TEAL UP, Month of the Military Child on April 7. The flag was raised for the 5th anniversary of the CFB Shilo initiative to honour the strength and resilience of military children. Photo: K-J Millar/Shilo Stag News
K-J Millar
Shilo Stag Media
The bright blueish-green flag celebrating Teal Up, Month of the Military Child, waved as a symbolic banner to the strength and resiliency of Canadian Armed Forces children, during the raising ceremony at CFB Shilo, on April 7.
With spring in bloom, April celebrates the fifth anniversary of Teal Up, with the eminent dandelion as the hero, representing the superstar children of the CAF.
CFB Shilo Base Commander Lieutenant-Colonel Jack Nguyen said this year’s Teal Up Month especially hits home for him as a Dad to two military dandelion youth.
“I have seen firsthand how military life shapes them – the pride they feel, the sacrifices they make, and the strength they develop along the way. Like so many families here, we live this reality together.”
He reminded the gathered attendees that military children don’t volunteer for their position; however, they serve, too. They are resilient and adaptable, he said.
“They don’t sign up for this. They are not adults joining up and signing on the dotted line. No one asks them,” LCol Nguyen said. “Military children grow up learning resilience at an early age. They learn how to say goodbye to friends, adapt to new schools and communities, and carry the weight of a parent’s absence – often quietly and proudly. Their strength, flexibility, and courage are every bit a part of our operational readiness.”
He said he is proud of Teal Up being a local initiative which has grown and gained much broader recognition. Teal Up reflects CFB Shilo’s values of care, inclusion and leadership.
Back in 2021, Teal Up seeds germinated into the brainchild of two CFB Shilo Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC) staff. Shannon Chapman and Stephanie Laviolette grew the idea, which has now taken root in military bases, wings, and Canadian communities nationwide. Teal Up is officially proclaimed on the last Monday of April, (April 27). However, it has blossomed into a full month of activities to honour the contributions and sacrifices of the youth of military families.
The colour teal symbolizes a fusion of all the branches of the Forces: blue for the Air Force, green for the Army, and a blue-and-white combo for the Navy.
The dandelion was chosen as the plant of fortitude, representing the youth of military families as they show courage and toughness in their existence. Military children grow up facing unique challenges of deployed parents, constant relocation and an ever-changing landscape of daily life. These young people are like the seeds of the lion-toothed plant, which blow on the wind and can blossom anywhere they land.
Everyone is encouraged to incorporate teal in their April wardrobe. Teal Up T-shirts can be purchased at the CANEX; Teal Up Tuesdays are a day everyone is invited to wear teal to keep the conversation flowing. You can show support by ordering Teal Up merchandise at www.tealup.ca and by contacting your local MFRC to obtain a Teal UP Tool-kit and ask a special guest speaker to visit your location to share age-appropriate information and activities.
Calendar events planned at CFB Shilo this month to celebrate and honour the young people in the CAF community include the flag raising at the Army Base; a City of Brandon flag raising outside City Hall on April 9, at 10 a.m.; Walk of Champions on Teal Up Day, April 27, from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.; and a community barbecue from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at L25.
The TEAL UP flag was raised for the 5th anniversary of the CFB Shilo initiative – Month of the Military Child, to honour the strength, resilience and adaptability military children learn and show. (Photo: K-J Millar/Shilo Stag News)
