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Operation Military Kids

Operation Military Kids (OMK) is a nationwide initiative designated to provide support to the children and youth of families that are impacted by the Global War on Terrorism. This includes those served by Army installations, Air Force bases, and those children and youth who are geographically dispersed. Building upon their ten year collaboration to support youth development programs, 4-H and its military partners are now placing special emphasis on the children and youth of National Guard and Reserve Solders.

To be featured at Cyberfair 2007:

Hero Pack

The Hero Pack Initiative is an outreach effort for Operation: Military Kids.  Hero Packs are backpacks filled with mementos and items designed to help connect kids with their deployed family member.  Presenting Hero Packs to kids is a way to show appreciation and hand-deliver a salute to military youth for their strength and sacrifices while their parents are deployed.

The Hero Pack project is a chance for groups of youth and adults to become involved in a valuable community service effort that also builds awareness and fosters community support for geographically dispersed military families.

            The Hero Pack backpack contains fun and educational items such as: a disposable camera; a picture frame; a small photo album; a journal; a storybook; a new stuffed animal; a Frisbee; stationary; pens/pencils; stamps and a hand written letter.  The key component in the Hero Pack is the hand written letter.  The letter thanks the child for their contribution to our country.            

Ideas of items to put into an Operation: Military Kid’s Hero Pack…

  • Disposable Camera
  • Pencils
  • Paper
  • Envelopes
  • Postage Stamps
  • Small Photo Albums
  • Picture Frame
  • Daily Journal
  • Day Planner
  • Stuffed Animal
  • Children’s Books
  • Flashlight & Batteries
  • Frisbee
  • Yo-Yo’s
  • Key Chains
  • Stickers

Any of the above materials can be donated to Operation: Military Kids at the Sarpy County Cyber Fair or at the Cyber Fair during the State Fair.  This is a great way to support our troops and military families!

Mobile Technology Lab

The Mobile Technology Lab (MTL) supports Operation: Military Kids by helping to facilitate connections between deployed soldiers and their kids.  They contain software and programs for children and youth to send personal messages and pictures to their deployed family members.

They are also utilized by OMK partner organizations such as UNL Cooperative Extension, The National Guard, after school programs, Boys & Girls Clubs, and 4-H, who request the lab for events that involve or support military kids.  The MTL can be used for events that have a combination of military and non-military youth.  Many OMK team members and community partners have also held trainings to become familiar with the MTL and its many uses.