"Throughout New Hampshire, military units representing all branches of the armed services are preparing for large-scale deployments in 2010," says Charlotte Cross, the UNH Cooperative Extension 4-H Youth Development specialist who directs the state's Operation: Military Kids (OMK) project.

"With more than 4,000 children from military families living in our state, there is a pressing need for support and services to address the unique challenges these youth and their families face before, during, and after a parent or loved one deploys."

Symposium will mobilize community support for military kids & families
To mobilize community resources for these "military youth" and their families, OMK will offer a symposium, Partnering to Support Military Kids and Their Families, Wednesday, October 14, in Concord. The event aims to attract community leaders and volunteers, educators, members of the faith community, and youth- and family-serving agencies and organizations.

Organized by Cooperative Extension in partnership with all branches of the military, the New Hampshire Council of Churches, and the Disaster Behavioral Health Response Team, the symposium will take place at the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center on 2 Institute Drive in Concord, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The morning program will feature speakers from each branch of the military and Operation: Military Kids who will discuss the different stages of deployment, how each stage differs among the various branches of service, and some of the support needs for children and families. A guest panel will then take questions from the audience.

In the afternoon, participants will meet in small groups to develop strategies and channel resources that will best meet the unique needs of Granite State military families.

"Because of the significant number of service members scheduled to deploy in 2010, New Hampshire's military youth and their families are facing many new challenges," says Cross.

Number of children affected by a loved one's deployment to rise 10-fold
"To illustrate the increasing need, OMK normally distributes between 100 and 200 "Hero Packs" each year, but in 2010, we expect to distribute more than 2,000 packs," Cross says. "Hero Packs, backpacks filled with items such as disposable cameras, calling cards, stationary, and age-appropriate fun items, are presented to military youth when a parent or loved one deploys, in recognition of the sacrifices these young people make.

"We need donations of items to fill the packs, and donation drives are a wonderful opportunity for groups to engage in a worthwhile community service project."

"We're also always in need of childcare providers," says Captain Ana McKenna, New Hampshire National Guard Family Program Director. "For example, military families join together at monthly Family Readiness Group meetings to offer support to one another and are routinely faced with the challenge of locating caring individuals to provide childcare that includes engaging youth activities.

"There are many ways for individuals and community groups to get involved, and we are excited about the chance to explore ways to work together at the October 14th symposium," McKenna says.

As an added benefit, after the symposium ends, attendees can explore the many Discovery Center exhibits until 5:00 p.m., at no charge.

The symposium registration deadline is October 8th. Space is limited. Cost of $20 covers refreshments and lunch. Questions? Please contact the OMK office at 603-862-2297.

Register online for the October 14 Partnering to Support Military Kids and Their Families symposium

Download the Partnering to Support Military Kids and Their Families flyer

Learn more about Operation: Military Kids in New Hampshire

National OMK Web site