By Josine Walter
Increased stress, a feeling of loss and added responsibilities are just some of the issues facing military kids when a family member is deployed.
Usual support networks may not be adequate or available during these times. Media coverage of military operations can heighten anxiety and stress in military kids who know their deployed parent may be in harm’s way.
Operation: Military Kids (OMK), the U.S. Army, the Department of Defense and Alabama 4-H, in partnership with local organizations, businesses and community leaders, are connecting military youth with local resources to build a network of support and promote emotional and physical health by providing research-driven programming tailored to the situations that military youth face, educating the public on the impact of the deployment cycle on military families and acknowledging and recognizing the home-front heroes (military kids) for their strengths and sacrifices.
At a recent OMK Technology Retreat at the Alabama 4-H Center, military youth spent the weekend using technology to prepare educational videos while touring behind the scenes in the Raptor Mew (enclosure), participating in team-building activities in the Challenge Course and doing activities on the archery field.
They were treated with presentations from two local authors, Anne Dalton from Clanton and Wayne Martin from Billingsley, who shared their experiences as author, teacher and retired military.
Each youth received two personally autographed books from the authors. After dinner, the youth were challenged to create their personal touches to a skit and bring the characters alive in innovative ways.
Most importantly, each youth was given the opportunity to create a personal video to share with their deployed serviceperson.
The weekend culminated with the youth receiving appreciation certificates and the premiere viewing of their educational videos by family members, who returned to take them home.
The true success of the OMK event is measured by the networking and peer support that naturally develops when the youth have the opportunity to share their deployment period experiences with one another and in the videos that they share with their serviceperson.
After exchanging addresses and e-mails, the youth departed better prepared to handle the stressors that exist during this deployment period.
Our next OMK event will be an OMK 4-H Babysitter Training and CPR Certification course in Prattville on March 14, 21, and 28, from 5–8 p.m.
If you would like to participate in this or upcoming OMK events, contact Josine Walter at jaw0023@aces.edu or 334-750-2032.
We welcome individuals, local organizations and businesses to partner with us as well.
–Josine Walter is a Regional Extension Agent in 4-H and Youth Development.