April is recognized as the Month of the Military Child. The initiative is dedicated to honoring the young heroes of our military families. To celebrate military children and the power of storytelling, the Military Families Center hosts Heroes in the Making: A Storytime Celebration for Military Children on Saturday, April 12.

Heroes in the Making: A Storytime Celebration for Military Children
Date: Saturday, April 12, 2025 
Time: 10 a.m. – Noon (with storytime from 10:30 – 10:45 a.m.)
Location: ACC Rio Grande Campus – The Center for Government and Civic Service, 1218 West Ave., Austin, TX 78701 
RSVP HERE

The event is supported by Austin PBS, ACC Trustee Nan McRaven, and her brother retired Admiral William H. McRaven. During the event, Admiral McRaven will read from his newest children’s book, “Be a Hero with Skipper the Seal,” co-authored with his daughter, Kelly Marie McRaven. The story follows Skipper, an adventurous young seal who learns valuable lessons in courage, leadership, and perseverance—qualities that inspire military children and families alike. 

In addition to Admiral McRaven’s reading, Austin PBS and other literacy-focused partners will be on-site to promote the joy of reading and will be giving away books to young readers. 

All military families, ACC students, staff, and faculty are invited to celebrate the resilience of military children and the magic of books at this free event.

For more information, contact the Military Families Center at [email protected].

About the Month of the Military Child

Every April, we celebrate the Month of the Military Child, recognizing the strength, resilience, and sacrifices of children in military families. These young heroes navigate unique challenges, from frequent moves to parental deployments, all while demonstrating incredible adaptability and courage. This month is dedicated to honoring their contributions and providing them with support, encouragement, and recognition. 

About Admiral McRaven

Admiral William H. McRaven is a retired U.S. Navy Four-Star Admiral, former Chancellor of The University of Texas System, and a distinguished leader known for his lifelong commitment to service, leadership, and education. Throughout his 37-year military career, Admiral McRaven commanded at every level of the special operations community, culminating in his role as Commander of U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM), where he led elite forces in some of the most significant military operations in recent history. He is best known for overseeing the special operations mission that led to the successful raid on Osama bin Laden’s compound in 2011, an achievement that solidified his reputation as one of the most respected military leaders of his generation. 

Beyond his military career, Admiral McRaven (Retired) has become a renowned speaker and bestselling author of books such as “Make Your Bed” and “The Hero Code”, inspiring readers with lessons on resilience, discipline, and leadership.