Operation Military Kids Celebrates Month of the Military Child

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Operation Military Kids Celebrates Month of the Military Child

AMERICUS, GA – Operation Military Kids (OMK) will host a Month of the Military Child Celebration event on April 14, 2012 at Monroe’s.  Military children from Sumter and Lee Counties are invited to attend. April Bowen, the OMK Program Assistant, said that each child will receive a free hot dog and a drink. 

“We are celebrating military children and thanking them for their service,” said Bowen.  “Military Kids don’t wear uniforms so many people don’t realize that they serve alongside their parents.  They are unsung heroes and it’s important that they know that their service and sacrifices are appreciated.”

Bowen added that military children face difficult challenges.  “They move on average of every three years and have to leave behind friends and start new schools.  Sometimes a parent deploys for up to 18 months at a time, causing them to miss important milestones in their child’s life, such as their birthdays, getting their first tooth, graduation, and getting their drivers license.”

The community can support military children by wearing purple on Friday, April 13^th.  “It would be great if we could ‘paint’ Lee and Sumer Counties purple in support of Military Kids,” said Bowen. 

Operation Military Kids is designed to create a fun environment for military children to meet and interact with others that understand and have experienced the ups and downs of military life.  The children participate in monthly gatherings, special retreat opportunities and more.  “The kids are very proud of their parent’s service but studies show that it can be stressful for them, especially those that don’t live on a military installation,” Bowen said.  “All military children are welcome to join OMK, especially those who don’t have access to the support that’s offered on an installation.”

About Sumter/Lee OMK Program

Through partnerships with local organizations, community leaders and volunteers, the Sumter/Lee area is forming an OMK Regional Support Network that aims to reach military youth, connect with support systems in the community and help build the community capacity to respond to the specific needs of military families.

For more information about Operation Military Kids, stop by the Sumter County Extension Office located at 127 William Bowen Pointe in Americus or contact April Bowen at (229) 924-4476.

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