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Operation: Military Kids
Reaching out to Military Youth
Before…
During… and
After
Deployment(Revised 2/08)
Objective #1
Define the background and purpose of OMK.
OMK Background
Began nationally in December, 2003 Started in Indiana in May, 2005; current grant runs
through September, 2008 Initiated by U.S. Army Child and Youth Services
(CYS) based on need for support of military families, especially youth
4-H was sought as the first national partner by CYS because of its presence in every county in the nation
OMK is now in 42 states, selected by CYS, based on deployment levels
OMK Purpose
Provide support to military children and their families through a network of community resources to help them overcome challenges they face.
Military Family Challenges
Global war on terrorism resulted in high levels of mobilization and deployment
Deployed family member Reduced income level 2nd parent working Child care issues Extended family – care of children
Military Family Challenges
Tutoring needs Increased stress levels Increased medication levels Changes in spousal roles Adult roles assumed by children Community/schools unaware of
change in family status
Objective #2
Identify National, State, & County OMK Team Partners.
National Partners
4-H U.S. Army Child and Youth Services (CYS) Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC) National Association of Child Care Resource
Referral Agencies (NACCRRA) The American Legion & American Legion
Auxiliary Boys and Girls Clubs of America (BGCA)
Indiana OMK Team
State Contacts Steve McKinley, 765-494-8435,
[email protected], OMK Project Director
Judy Hauser, [email protected], 765-494-9516, OMK Project Coordinator
County OMK Teams
Key to the success of OMK in Indiana! Purpose: identify and address local military
families’ needs in a timely manner No set number of members required Include those with diverse backgrounds,
with and without military experience Goal: Continue to build County OMK
Teams in 2008 and beyond
County OMK Teams
Include a variety of individuals/groups as team members Youth & Adults Community & Business leaders Extension Staff Local military personnel Family Readiness Groups (FRG’s) School representatives Social Service agencies YMCA/YWCA, Boys & Girls Clubs, Scouts Other…
County OMK Team Activities
May include State OMK Team components Be flexible and responsive to meet local
needs identified Foster positive relationships with military
families Participate in already-established
community, 4-H & Extension events
Objective #3
Describe primary
components of OMK.
Primary Components of OMK
Speak Out for Military Kids (SOMK)
Hero Packs
Mobile Technology Lab (MTL)
Speak Out for Military Kids
Speakers Bureau designed as an educational program to raise the awareness of issues facing military families
Participants find out first hand what military families go through
Builds public awareness about issues facing military families during mobilization and deployment
Participants give presentations in their communities about military life
Speak Out for Military Kids
Participants are youth in grades 7-12, with or without military backgrounds
Primary qualification is an interest in learning more about military life and in communicating this message to their communities
Hero Packs
First outreach effort of OMK Contain fun and educational material for the
youth and informational material for parent/guardians
Purpose is to say “Thank You” to military youth for the sacrifices that they make during the deployment cycle of a loved one
Each pack includes a handwritten letter from youth to military families
Hero Packs
Over 3,000 have been assembled and distributed in Indiana.
Extension Homemakers are partnering with 4-H to assemble additional Hero Packs in several counties.
Sample patterns are available for those interested in making backpacks. These are suggestions only; most any pattern that will hold the contents will be suitable.
Hero Pack Items
A suggested list of items to put into a Hero Pack includes… Small photo albums Disposable camera Stationary Journal Pen and/or pencil 4-H stuffed animals Hats T-shirts
Phone cards Stamps Stickers Coloring books Crayons Certificates for
restaurants Discount Cards Donated items from
local businesses, service organizations, government
Hero Pack Items continued…
Information on local services available to military families Tutoring for students, Child care options, Food bank,
Family services Local 4-H, Extension Homemaker, Extension
information – relevant to military families Opportunities available in 4-H Programs offered through Extension Homemakers/CFS –
money management, budgeting, healthy lifestyles, meal planning, etc.
Master Gardener/home horticulture information relevant to raising vegetables, flowers, ornamentals
Hero Pack Distribution
Locally through Family Readiness Group (FRG) or Armory
Designed for youth who have parents in some phase of the deployment cycle
Respect privacy of military families by not asking for names
May distribute at upcoming FRG activity Through FRG, invite military youth to attend
4-H/Extension event Give packs to FRG for later distribution
Mobile Technology Lab
Mobile, wireless computer lab Provides access to technology to
communicate with deployed loved ones Users can create cards, letters, digital
videos, audio recordings, photos
Mobile Technology Lab
Messages are created, then printed or downloaded to CD for distribution to service men and women
Utilized at County 4-H Fairs, Indiana State Fair, Indiana Fever/Pacer Games, local deployment/reunion events, Family Readiness Group events
Mobile Technology Lab
Hardware includes Laptop computers Color printer Digital camera Digital camcorder
Mobile Technology Lab
Software includes… Hallmark Card Studio
Greeting Cards Hundreds of options to choose from
KidPix Deluxe Paint Zone Drawings Graphics
Mobile Technology Lab
Software includes… Encarta
Electronic encyclopedia Videos from Discovery Channel Dictionary and Thesaurus Research tool for media report
MTL Scheduling
Need to have local representatives trained to use MTL
2-3 hour training available through State OMK Team
After completion of training, may schedule MTL for local use
Responsible for transportation, set-up, repacking, and care of MTL
Objective #4
Explain procedures to hold County-Sponsored Event.
County-Sponsored Event
Supported through State OMK Grant Application made through Extension Staff by
FRG’s and other community partners $500 maximum per event May join efforts with multiple counties in multiple
program areas Applications accepted at any time (as long as
dollars are available) Use for Hero Pack supplies, local military-related
events, etc.
Sample County-Sponsored Events
Purchase of items to fill Hero Packs or materials to construct bags for Hero Packs
Supplies used with Mobile Technology Lab Funds for activities in support of military unit
events – homecomings and departures Funds for activities to lead with children
during FRG meetings
Objective #5
Describe other OMK
Activities.
Other OMK Activities
Invite military youth to join existing 4-H Clubs and Jr. Leaders
Help FRG’s start new 4-H Club and/or incorporate 4-H activities into FRG events; “Activities to Assist” Kits are available
Encourage military youth to attend 4-H Camps and State Conferences
Special activities for members of FRG’s – e.g., Boone County National Guard Mother’s Day event
Incorporate OMK programming into other youth programs (e.g., St. Richard’s School)
Objective #6
Initiate OMK programming in your community.
County OMK Programming
Identify local contacts for OMK activities. Ask an SOMK speaker to visit your group. Assist with assembly and distribution of
Hero Packs. Schedule the MTL for an event. Organize and/or partner with your County
OMK team and respond to local needs. Hold a County-Sponsored event.
For More Information
Send an e-mail to
or call Steve or Judy
(765-494-8435; 765-494-9516)
THANK YOU for your support!!!
