Largest troop deployment in state history adds new sense of urgency to program

Operation: Military Kids (OMK) New Hampshire had just wound down a successful summer camp season for military kids and families, when another 700 New Hampshire National Guardsmen and women were deployed.

"The September 11 deployment brought to 1,800 the number of National Guard, Reserve, and Active Duty service members who have deployed from New Hampshire in 2010--the largest deployment in state history," says Charlotte Cross, the Extension 4-H specialist who directs the N.H. Operation Military Kids program.

"This large deployment adds a new sense of immediacy to our ongoing work supporting military kids."

Supporting New Hampshire's military kids since 2005

Since 2005, UNH Cooperative Extension's 4-H Youth Development program has served as the local hub of this nationwide program funded by the Army/4-H Youth Development Project.

In New Hampshire OMK supports more than 4,000 geographically dispersed children who have a parent in the Armed Services, as well as the additional 2500 New Hampshire youth who have an older sibling, stepparent, or other close family member serving in the military.

The program, run in partnership with the various branches of the U.S. military and an OMK State Team, consisting of numerous state and local organizations, provides broad support and helps OMK tie into existing resources for kids and families, including after-school programs, Scouts, and Boys and Girls clubs. 4-H clubs throughout New Hampshire get involved in various ways.

Special challenges underscore the need to support military kids

"Because New Hampshire no longer has any military bases, children of military families often feel isolated from other kids with whom they can share their feelings and experiences," says Cross. "Many of these youth have limited opportunities to interact with other military kids for support and connection, and their unique needs may go unrecognized in their schools and communities.

"Military kids who worry about the safety of a deployed family member or react to major changes in their home life, may experience increased anxiety, anger, and impaired concentration. This can lead to decreased academic performance, social withdrawal, and increased risk behavior.

"Deployment often results in changing family roles and destabilization of family systems," Cross continues. "Older youth may need to take on some of the roles of the deployed parent by doing chores or watching younger siblings, leading to less participation in usual after-school or weekend activities.

"Military families have a higher rate of divorce and separation, substance addiction, and child neglect and abuse. And the strain doesn't end once the deployment is over."

Learn more, get involved

It's all about connecting Read Cori's story. Scroll down to bone up on the components of the OMK program and how you can get involved.

Get involved! Opportunities for families, individuals, and community groups to support the military kids in their neighborhoods, schools, and communities.

Hero Pack Guidelines The large 2010 deployment has resulted in requests for hundreds more 'hero packs', small backpacks filled with age-appropriate items, including toys, journals, and cameras, given out to military children when their parent is deployed. Hero Packs are tangible way to salute these youth for their strengths and sacrifices. The packs and their contents are usually donated and put together as a community service project.

Operation: Military Kids 2009 Report Discover all we did last year.

WMUR's Positive Parenting segment on OMK

OMK in the news: UNH student volunteers stuff Hero Packs for military kids