SOUTHCOM Commander Supports Military Youth at Doral Purple Star School Designation

U.S. Southern Command:

"DORAL, Fla. — U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Francis L. Donovan, commander of U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), participated in a Military Child Education Coalition forum, Nov. 5, 2026, at J.C. Bermudez High School to recognize Miami-Dade County Public Schools for their commitment in supporting the unique needs of military-connected children.

At the gathering, the school system received recognition for its strong support of the Purple Star School program. The program supports military families by providing a structured, predictable support system designed to ease transitions into new academic environments.

Miami-Dade county currently has over 900 military-connected students and 29 Purple Star Schools. As a military child himself, Donovan spoke on the vital importance of academic institutions meeting the unique challenges military children face when relocating during the school year.

"The Purple Star Initiative provides an important link in assisting our schools to be better equipped to recognize the challenges our military children and their families face by having designated staff assist the children and their families with counseling," said Donovan.

Several key community leaders also attended the forum to show their support:

• Christi Fraga, Mayor of Doral
• Juan Carlos Bermudez, Commissioner for District 12 of Miami-Dade County
• Dr. Michael Lewis, Deputy Superintendent of Miami-Dade County Public Schools
• Jonathan Dweck, Deputy Chief of the Doral Police Department

The Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC) is a nonprofit organization founded in 1998 and headquartered in Harker Heights, Texas. MCEC’s mission is to ensure quality educational experiences for all military-connected children."