Welcome to Indiana
OMK
OPERATION: MILITARY KIDS
Operation:
Military Kids thanks the Indiana youth of all military branches who have been
affected through recent troop deployment in service to our country. We are
proud of you and salute your sacrifice! Helping kids feel connected, active
and supported are the goals of Indiana Operation: Military Kids.
Indiana
Operation: Military Kids provides support for military kids through the following
elements:
- Hero Packs
- Hero Packs are given to
military kids who have a loved one deployed to thank them for their
service and courage. The packs are distributed at various events, holiday
parties and other youth activities.
- Speak Out for Military Kids
(SOMK)
- SOMK is a speaker’s bureau
where youth are given the opportunity to speak out about having a loved
one deployed. Training sessions are held to teach youth to speak out
and to allow them to have fun with other military youth.
- Mobile Technology Lab (MTL)
- The MTL is available at
events for military kids to stay connected to their deployed loved ones.
The MTL can be used in a variety of ways, including the creation of
greeting cards, digital pictures, and video messages.
- Participation in 4-H activities
- Military youth are invited
to join 4-H in the communities in which you live. 4-H activities include
club meetings; educational workshops, camps, and conferences; opportunities
to interact with other youth; and the chance to complete a variety of
projects of interest to you. Indiana 4-H is a branch of the Purdue University
Cooperative Extension Service. To contact the Purdue Extension Office
in your county, visit: http://www.ces.purdue.edu/counties.htm
.
- Participation in OMK County-Sponsored
Events
- OMK in local communities
hold youth activities throughout the year to provide support for military
kids. Typically these are organized by the FRG’s in conjunction with
county-based OMK team members. Activities may include using the MTL,
making crafts, playing games, and a variety of other activities that
allow kids to grow and learn.
The
Indiana Operation: Military Kids State Team includes partners from Purdue
University Extension, the National Guard and Reserves, the Military Family
Research Institute, American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary, Military Child
Education Coalition, the Indiana Lieutenant Governor’s office, Indiana Pacers
Sports & Entertainment, educators, business leaders, and other community
representatives. This team works together to provide support and resources
throughout the state for military kids.
