Fort Hood, Texas  –   Although dozens of families flocked to Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center’s Kidz Fest on Saturday for school physicals, many left with much more than a signed form — they left with knowledge, resources, and a greater sense of support.

The second annual event, held in the hospital atrium, featured dozens of educational booths focused on topics like oral health, nutrition, hand hygiene, mental health, and more. Organizers said the goal was not just to prepare children for the school year but to equip families with tools to keep them healthy year-round.

“We know Kidz Fest is going to have a big gathering due to physical and wellness checks, so we want to take advantage of this opportunity to take care of our family members and beneficiaries by providing them with information about the services they need,” said Yesenia Montoya, Army public health nurse and event point of contact. “We're a community, and we play a part in helping raise these children because it takes a village.”

Educational booths included demonstrations, take-home materials, and hands-on activities, allowing children and parents to learn together.

CRDAMC Infection Prevention Branch Manager Juliana Luciano used a handwashing station to teach children how easily germs can spread. “The intent is to bring them back to the basics of simple hand hygiene to keep them healthy, especially during flu season,” Luciano said. “We’re also educating expecting mothers on proper hand hygiene while feeding to help prevent germs from going from mom to baby.”

At the Perkins Dental Clinic table, Dr. Daemin Jeon guided children through proper brushing techniques.

“When you're younger, you just brush and don’t really think about it,” Jeon said. “I want to go over it with them hands-on and give feedback, so hopefully they’ll develop good habits. Kids start developing their permanent teeth in elementary school, and once you mess those up, they’re not coming back.”

The educational activities didn’t go unnoticed by parents.

“I came for my kids’ sports physicals, but I think the education made the appointment more enjoyable,” said Kimberly Kelliher, a military spouse. “We got some good information, and my kids especially liked the hands-on activities. It showed them how important their health really is.”

Sgt. 1st Class Ruben Fernandez, 1st Cavalry Division Sustainment Brigade, said events like Kidz Fest reinforce the connection between family readiness and mission success.

“When it comes to resources, it’s huge,” Fernandez said. “As a leader, knowing the resources are there is key. You get this mental idea in your head that, hey, the resources are there, and I don't have to worry as much. The biggest thing is for families to know how to tap into these resources.”

Lt. Col. Suggs, chief of the Department of Public Health, emphasized that health education for children and families is part of a bigger picture.

“We definitely want to make sure our kids are physically well, but we also want to keep them healthy throughout the year by educating them on healthy behaviors — mental, behavioral, physical, and environmental health,” Suggs said. “All of these are important.”

Montoya added that events like Kidz Fest have a direct impact on soldier readiness.

“If our soldiers know the home front is taken care of, then they're able to do their job without worries,” she said. “It’s a great feeling when it all comes together. It’s rewarding, and we’re grateful to all the partners who made this possible."