April is nationally recognized as the Month of the Military Child, a time to honor the experiences of military‑connected dependents and acknowledge the ways military service shapes family life. At Illinois, dependents make up a large and vibrant part of our military‑connected community. Their needs may differ from those of Veterans and current service members, but their stories, strengths, and perspectives are essential to who we are.
During the month of April, the Chez Veterans Center hosted a celebration focused on recognizing military dependents and the impact of their families’ service. The event brought together dependents, Veterans, and current service members for donuts, therapy dogs, and easy conversation — the kind of space where people recognize pieces of their own story in someone else’s. It was a reminder that military service affects whole families, and that those experiences continue to shape identity, resilience, and community well into adulthood.
As part of this month’s celebration, several students shared reflections about their backgrounds, their goals, and what it has meant to grow up in a military family. Their voices highlight the range of experiences within our dependent community.
Student Spotlights
Devin McCoy
What he shared: Devin grew up as a military child and later served six years on active duty himself. As a dependent, he remembers doing “pretty well,” but his story reflects the layered identity many dependents carry — shaped by family service, strengthened by personal service, and grounded in a desire for stability and opportunity. Outside of academics, he enjoys survival and management games, spending time with his cat Biscuit, and watching The Expanse.
Grace Best
What she shared: Grace grew up in a large family where her father’s long deployments meant learning responsibility early and adapting to constant change. She describes becoming skilled at “expecting the unexpected,” a strength that continues to shape her today as she pursues her social work degree and hopes to work with military-connected populations. Her story reflects the resilience and adaptability many dependents develop — skills that now guide her path toward a career in service and support.
Natalie Koldenhoven
What she shared: For Natalie, one of the hardest parts of being a dependent was her father’s deployments — especially during her senior year of high school, when she saw him only a few times. The joy of his return remains one of her most memorable moments. Her story highlights the emotional landscape many dependents navigate: pride, uncertainty, and deep family connection.
Why These Stories Matter
Across these reflections, shared themes emerged — adaptability, responsibility, pride, and the ability to build community wherever life takes you. The event reminded us that dependents carry experiences that shape who they are long before they arrive at Illinois, and those experiences continue to influence their leadership, relationships, and goals.
By creating spaces where dependents feel seen and supported, we strengthen the entire military‑connected community. Veterans and service members at the event echoed this, recognizing the essential role families play in the broader ecosystem of service.
Looking Ahead
The Chez Veterans Center remains committed to supporting dependents year‑round through community‑building, resources, and peer‑led initiatives. Whether students are navigating transitions, seeking connection, or exploring their identity within the military‑connected community, we’re here to walk alongside them.
To the dependents who shared their voices — and to those whose stories are still unfolding — thank you. You are an important part of our Illinois community.