Helping Our Heroes

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Helping Our Heroes

• A Service Project of National Collegiate 4-H and
  Operation Military Kids
• Michael Cooley, Iowa State University

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Operation Military Kids

• Operation Military Kids is an outgrowth of the
  Army Youth Development Project.
• Goal is to support geographically dispersed
  children and youth of National Guard and Army
  Reserve soldiers.
• Links Extension with military families, program
  staff, youth leaders, schools, and veterans.

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Operation Military KidsWorking to

• Build Infrastructure Support
• Implement Educational Program Options
• Provide training on the deployment cycle for
  schools, youth organizations, and communities
• More Info http//www.operationmilitarykids.org

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Helping Our Heroes

• Mission

• Encourage collegiate 4-H clubs to help spread
  the word about the issues and struggles that
  military kids face when their parents are
  deployed.

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Plan of Action

• Each club should coordinate two events annually
• Military Kids Evening Provide activities for
  youth to participate in and allow parents a
  night off.
• Power Point Presentation Inform those on campus
  or within community about OMK.

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Military Kids Evening

• Contact state military liaison.
• Communicate interest in projects, discuss
  possible projects, and find out more about OMK.
• Possible partners Boys and Girls Clubs, American
  Legion, etc.
• Promotion Military families, military liaison,
  family readiness groups, Extension offices,
  school, national guard and army reserve websites,
  American legion, Auxillary, etc.
• Provide Supper, crafts, games, creating
  memories.
• 3-4 hours on a weeknight.

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Power Point Presentation

• Contact state military liaison.
• Discuss ideas and gather more information.
• Work to tailor OMK presentation to your states
  program.
• Audience Boys and Girls Clubs, American Legions
• Contact national OMK for flyers, handouts, etc.

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Reporting Back

• How many people were involved or present?
• Partnering groups.
• Two to three paragraphs describing the event.
• A minimum of 2 pictures.

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Call to Action!

• Start planning soon!
• April is Month of the Military Child
• Remember to contact national OMK for more
  information and supplies (lanyards, wristbands,
  dog tags, flyers, handouts.)
• http//www.operationmilitarykids.org