More than 150 people attended Heroes in the Making: A Storytime Celebration for Military Children on Saturday, April 12, at the ACC Rio Grande Campus. With April designated as the Month of the Military Child, the event honored “young heroes” by allowing military families to celebrate, appreciate, and cherish the unique experiences that bond them together.
The event featured a reading of “Be a Hero with Skipper the Seal” with Admiral William H. McRaven (retired) and his daughter and co-author, Kelly Marie McRaven. Austin PBS and other literacy-focused partners provided free books to young readers.
Additionally, ACC’s mascot, R.B. the Riverbat, and PBS KIDS’ Donkey Hodie were available to meet and take photos with the kids.
“As we reflect on this unforgettable day, we are reminded of the importance of coming together to honor and appreciate the sacrifices made by our military children. Their courage and unwavering spirit serve as a beacon of hope for us all, inspiring us to continue supporting and uplifting those who serve alongside them,” said Vanessa E., ACC Military Families director.
Heroes in the Making was a collaboration between ACC’s Military Families Center, ACC Board of Trustee member Dr. Nan McRaven, Admiral William H. McRaven (retired), Kelly Marie McRaven, and Austin PBS.
“By joining forces, these organizations showcased their ability to meet the diverse needs of military families, fostering a sense of belonging and support within our communities. The event was a testament to their unwavering commitment to support military families,” said Vanessa E.
View photos from the event in the Flickr album below.
For more information about the Military Families Center, contact [email protected].
About the Month of the Military Child
Every April, we celebrate the Month of the Military Child, recognizing the strength 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 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.
About Kelly Marie McRaven
Kelly McRaven is a national security professional with 10 years of combined experience in the public and private sectors. Past roles include being at The Chertoff Group and the Department of Defense. She has a master’s from Georgetown University and a bachelor’s from the University of Notre Dame.