|
|
New Program Reaches Out to Military Children
By
Katie
Pratt
 LEXINGTON, Ky., (Oct. 2, 2007) – Children of active duty
military parents deployed overseas experience a wide array of
emotions. In partnership with 4-H, Operation Military Kids is a
program designed to help children cope with the loss of a parent
due to military service.
“A lot of kids go through tough times, especially the younger
ones because they don’t understand why Mommy or Daddy has to go
away for a long period of time,” said Joe Wiley, University of
Kentucky grant staff associate for Operation Military Kids.
“This program helps them cope with the loss of a parent.”
The loss of a parent due to military service affects children
from all across the state, but the largest concentration of
children dealing with the loss of a parent due to military duty
is in western Kentucky where Fort Campbell and Fort Knox both
have numerous service men and women deployed.
Operation Military Kids uses different avenues to let children
of military personnel know they aren’t forgotten by their parent
or community, such as the chance to send an e-mail to a parent
or share their experiences and emotions with others in the
community.
In one program, children receive supportive materials in
packages called Hero Packs. These packs include items designed
to help the child cope with and understand the absence of a
loved one. Some items included in Hero Packs are books, stuffed
animals, hats and a disposable camera. An informative packet for
the child’s guardian also is included in the pack. Wiley said in
the last two months, program volunteers have distributed
approximately 180 Hero Packs throughout the state.
Operation Military Kids also offers children a chance to talk
about and express their feelings through a program called Speak
Out For Military Kids. Participating children deliver a short
speech in which they discuss feelings and emotions they have
experienced because a parent is overseas.
Wiley said Operation Military Kids also set up a mobile
technology lab up at the Kentucky State Fair. The lab provided
children an opportunity to use one of four laptops, cameras and
printers to connect with their overseas loved one through the
Internet. Children could take and print pictures and put them in
a mini-album to send to their parent overseas.
For more information or to get involved in the program, contact
any county 4-H youth development extension agent.
|
|
Contact: Joe Wiley, 859-257-5961 ext. 228
|
|
The UK College
of Agriculture, through its land-grant mission, reaches across
the commonwealth with teaching, research and extension
to enhance the lives of Kentuckians. |
Questions/Comments,
e-mail the
webmaster
Copyright © 2001-2006 University of Kentucky, College of Agriculture,
Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service |
News Home
Other Headlines This Week
More
News
Atom (RSS) Now Available
for those
using news aggregation programs
College News
|
