Operation:
Military Kids thanks the Nebraska youth of all military branches who
have been affected through troop deployment in service to our country.
We are proud of you and salute your sacrifice!
Helping kids feel connected, active and supported are the goals of Nebraska Operation: Military Kids. Working together we can have a strong impact on military families in our own backyard.
The goal and commitment of the Nebraska Operation: Military Kids, along with our partner organizations is to help military kids feel connected, active and supported. We do this through the following core elements of Operation: Military Kids:
- Hero Packs
- Hero Packs are given to military kids ages 5-12 who have a loved one deployed to thank them for their service and courage. These Hero Packs are packed by community groups. They include a “Letter of Thanks” to the child for their sacrifices while their loved one is deployed.
- Speak Out for Military Kids (SOMK)
- SOMK is a speaker’s bureau where youth are given the opportunity to speak out about having a loved one deployed. Retreats are held throughout the year to train youth to speak out and to allow them to have fun with other military youth. SOMK participants are available to speak at various events, including school functions, scout meetings, Legion Conventions and more.
- Mobile Technology Lab (MTL)
- The MTL is a lab that travels the state and is available at events for military kids to stay connected to their deployed loved one. The MTL is can be used in a variety of ways, including to create Zoom Albums, SOMK presentations and a DVD to be sent to a deployed loved one.
- Youth Activities
- National, State and Local Partners of Operation: Military Kids provide access to youth programs and support services where military children live. OMK Partners can organize special events using the MTL, making crafts, playing games, going fishing and a variety of other activities that allow kids to grow and learn. They may even provide transportation to military kids to sporting events or other extracurricular activities.
- Hidden Heroes Training
- Professionals around the state go out to community groups, schools and conferences to help build awareness around the issues that military youth face. At these trainings participants learn about the deployment cycle, how kids are affected by deployment and ways that they can help support military youth.
- Resource Material
- Libraries have been set up in the seven Family Assistance Centers across the State of Nebraska. The books can be checked out at any time by any Military Member or their family. The books available range from helping children during a deployment to helping the family member left behind during a deployment.