Arlington, Virginia

The Home of the Military Child

Why Arlington, Virginia

Arlington, Virginia occupies a unique position in the life of the nation. As a community shaped by proximity to national service, global engagement, and military leadership, Arlington is home to a diverse population of military-connected families whose children grow up navigating service, transition, and cultural complexity.

For military-connected children, Arlington represents more than geography. It represents continuity, recognition, and belonging, a place where their experiences are understood, honored, and given public voice.

A Civic Home for Military-Connected Children

The designation Home of the Military Child reflects Arlington’s long-standing relationship with:

Military families from all branches of service
Children who experience frequent relocation and cross-cultural life
Federal, educational, and civic institutions connected to national service
Community organizations committed to youth development and wellbeing

This place-based identity provides a stable civic home for national efforts focused on military-connected children, ensuring that recognition and stewardship are grounded in a real, engaged community.

Anchoring a National Mission

As the National Association for Military-Connected Children, the Military Child World Expo Foundation (MCWEF) anchors its national work in Arlington to provide permanence, coordination, and accountability.

Arlington serves as:

The home of MCWEF’s flagship national convening
A hub for cultural, educational, and civic partnerships
A model community for recognizing military-connected children beyond services alone

By rooting national initiatives in Arlington, MCWEF ensures that policy, programming, and public recognition remain connected to lived experience.

Community, Culture, and Belonging

Military-connected children carry stories shaped by movement, service, and resilience. Arlington’s role as the Home of the Military Child affirms the importance of preserving these stories through:

Arts & humanities
Education and civic engagement
Youth voice and cultural expression
Community recognition and celebration

This approach honors military-connected children not only for what they endure, but for who they are.

A Living Identity

The Home of the Military Child is not a symbolic designation. It is a living commitment expressed through:

Annual national convenings
Youth-centered cultural programming
Caregiver recognition and support
Community partnerships
Ongoing stewardship of military-connected youth identity

Arlington’s role continues to evolve as MCWEF expands its national work, chapters, and partnerships.

Learn More

Stewardship Acknowledgment

The Military Child World Expo was originally created by the Military Children’s Six Foundation (MC6) and is now governed and operated by the Military Child World Expo Foundation (MCWEF) as a permanent national institution.