UNH Cooperative Extension has participated in a nation-wide program called Operation Military Kids (OMK) the past three years. When National Guard, Army Reserve and other military families living in civilian communities become mobilized, their children become kids with unique needs for special support and services, even though they still “look the same” to their friends and the community.

The OMK program works with local and state partners to provide sustainable support services to youth in military families before, during, and after family members are deployed. This is done by creating support networks and raising community awareness about the issues Guard and Reserve families face.

During June, July and August, we reached 170 people with five “Ready Set Go!” presentations designed to offer insight into military culture and the deployment cycle, as well as suggest ways others can help meet the needs of military kids. Additional awareness was created with a radio show and an OMK display at a county fair reaching approximately 7,800.

Additional youth-focused programs encompassing a variety of different types of OMK events for military kids and their families were held across New Hampshire. These programs provide opportunities to get together, have fun and offer support to one another in an informal environment. Some programs included a fishing derby, family camp weekend, Healthy Choices Day Camp, military reservation tours, Children’s Museum of Portsmouth event, “We Share the Same Sky” program at the Christa McAuliffe Planetarium, Healthy Choices Overnight camp, Family Fun Day at Stonewall Farm, and OMK Camp at Bear Hill 4-H Camp. As a result, we had 460 contacts with military youth, and many events also reached adult family members.

The Speak Out for Military Kids program (SOMK) program is a youth-led, adult supported activity that gives voice to, and educate others about what it’s like to be a military kid. Four youth received SOMK training and are involved with this leadership program. They reached 270 individuals with their message including Extension staff, 4-H Youth and volunteers and 4-H Campers. They also used our Mobile Technology Lab to design, direct and produce a new DVD about issues military kids face. This DVD, along with a previously created one, can be borrowed and shared at various events.

Many organizations helped with Hero Packs, backpacks filled with fun and useful items given to thank children for the sacrifices their families have made. Those involved included a Girl Scout troop, the UNH Circle K Club, Manchester High School Key Club, Concord Contemporary Club, the Seymour Osman Community Center, The Works Family Health and Fitness Center, Sullivan County 4-H, South Church-the Unitarian Universalist Church of Portsmouth, and the Keene Emblem Club. Hero Packs were presented to 112 youth.