Speak Out for Military Kids

Operation Military Kids is a nationwide initiative designed to provide support to the children and youth of families that are impacted by the Global War on Terrorism. This includes both those children and youth served by active     military installations and those who are geographically dispersed through their parent’s service in the National Guard or Reserves.

“Speak Out for Military Kids” is a special project between the US military and 4-H programs throughout the nation. One of the issues facing military youth and families is the lack of community awareness of the unique challenges faced by military kids. This lack of understanding by the general public can make military youth feel isolated and misunderstood. These issues are particularly important for youth from National Guard and Reserve families who may not have access to traditional military support systems.

“Speak Out for Military Kids” is a project that is available for youth from military and non-military families. The goal is to get as many youth as possible to develop media messages to support military youth. 4-H is one of the    leading organizations that emphasize public speaking by youth. Youth may be involved in public speaking, webpage design, e-radio, writing articles for newspapers, or other forms of outreach. This project offers special incentives for  4-H members who participate.

In the fall of 2006, South Carolina held its first SOMK Retreat at Cooper Leadership Center in Summerton, SC. 

SC SOMK Team

A group of Teens from all over South Carolina got together to decide how to best get the word out about the challenges faced by military kids.  They decided to start a web Radio Station (http://www.wsomkradio.com/).

Another retreat is being planning for Jan. 2008.

 

This page was created and is maintained by: Bob Spalding, OMK Technology Specialist
For more information contact: Barbara Brown

Last Update: 09/28/2008