We, the parents of students attending Department of Defense Education Activity (DODEA) schools, strongly support the recent call for the Department of Defense to allow high school athletic programs and extra curriculars to continue without interuption during government shutdowns. 

As families stationed worldwide, we understand the unique challenges our children face. Sports are not just “extracurricular” for DODEA students — they are a lifeline. Athletics provide structure, physical health, mental well-being, leadership skills, and a sense of belonging. They are often a key factor in college applications and scholarship opportunities.

Our children dedicate countless hours to their teams. For seniors, a lost season can mean lost opportunities. For freshmen and underclassmen, it can mean the loss of a formative experience that shapes character, confidence, and community. These programs are particularly vital overseas, where civilian athletic opportunities are often limited or unavailable.

A recent letter from members of Congress emphasized this issue in a letter to Secretary Hegseth, highlighting that, “the children of our servicemembers should not pay the price for Washington’s failure to pass a budget.” We wholeheartedly agree. The men and women serving our country make tremendous sacrifices, and their children — who also serve in their own way — deserve continuity, stability, and support.

Therefore, we respectfully urge Congress and the Department of Defense to:

1. Designate DODEA athletics and extracurricular activities as “excepted” functions during government shutdowns, allowing them to continue uninterrupted.
2. Include language in future appropriations bills that authorizes continued funding for student athletics during funding lapses.
3. Work in a bipartisan manner to ensure that no student-athlete loses a season because of political gridlock in Washington. 

We stand behind this call to action and urge lawmakers from all sides to join in this effort. Our children’s futures, morale, and development should never become collateral damage in a budget impasse.

Parents of DODEA Student-Athletes
Kaiserslautern High School, Germany