Governor Tim Pawlenty would like to recognize military children with a letter of gratitude in honor of the service and sacrifice these young Minnesotans make on behalf of our state and nation.
A letter from the Governor will be mailed to the child in May or June.
Read Governor Pawlenty's proclamation for The Month of the Military Child.
Other items of interest:
Department of Defense Press Release - www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=49442
Sesame Street program When Parents Are Deployed
Over half a million children under the age of five are waiting for their active duty, Guard or Reserve, mother or father to come home - the most since World War II. The producers of Sesame Street, along with funding from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, have responded with a television special geared to address the challenges military families face with deployment.
This primetime special, hosted by Cuba Gooding, Jr. captures the extraordinary courage and touching vulnerability of both parents and children. "When Parents are Deployed" builds upon Sesame Workshop's recent educational outreach program produced in partnership with Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. titled, Talk, Listen, Connect: Helping Families During Military Deployment.
Minnesota Operation Military Kids
From the University of Minnesota Extension office. Operation: Military Kids thanks the 17,000 Minnesota kids that have been affected through recent 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 Minnesota Operation: Military Kids.
The U.S. Army's collaborative effort with America's communities to support the children and youth impacted by deployment. This initiative was officially launched in April 2005. Since its inception OMK has touched 65,000 military youth and provided information to 7200 community members across the United States. Also see Operation Military Kids for information outside of Minnesota.
Camp FA-HO-CHA
Inviting all children and grandchildren (age 10-12) of Minnesota Soldiers since 9/11/01 to a one week camp at no cost. Camp Fa-Ho-Cha is located on a 25-acre island on German Lake about 20 miles northeast of Mankato. Eight A-Frame sleeping cabins accommodate five campers each. A large recreation hall also serves as a kitchen area. Activities include fishing, swimming, canoeing, crafts and making new friends.
The last two weeks in July are scheduled for boys and girls camps, respectively. The camp is operated by volunteers and can accommodate up to forty kids per session. The campers are sponsored by a Minnesota Odd Fellow or Rebekah Lodge. All applications must be received by May 1st of the current year. For more information on Camp Fa-Ho-Cha, please contact Gene Lewis at 507-420-5389.
A website designed for children to assist them with deployment issues.
Military Child Education Coalition
The Military Child Education Coalition is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, world-wide organization that identifies the challenges that face the highly mobile military child, increases awareness of these challenges in military and educational communities and initiates and implements programs to meet the challenges. MCEC's goal is to level the educational playing field for military children wherever they are located around the world and to serve as a model for all highly mobile children.
Whether its help with child care, personal finances, emotional support during deployments, relocation information, or resources needed for special circumstances, Military OneSource is there for military personnel and their families... 24/7/365!
Provides military families with the tools and information needed to make informed choices regarding the appropriate educational setting for each child.
National Military Family Association
To educate military families concerning their rights, benefits and services available to them and to inform them regarding the issues that affect their lives and to promote and protect the interests of military families by influencing the development and implementation of legislation and policies affecting them. Also, information on Operation Purple, a free summer camps is to bring together youth who are experiencing some stage of a deployment and the stress that goes along with it. Operation Purple camps give kids the coping skills and support networks of peers to better handle life’s ups and downs.
Information and resources for military families.
The mission is to support the healthy development and well-being of infants, toddlers and their families. Military deployment information is included.
Did you know? 90,000 babies are born to active duty service members each year, and there are over 106,000 children ages birth to 3 who are part of the Guard and Reserve families.
These children and families live throughout the country—they may be living in your neighborhood or your colleagues may be serving them. ZERO TO THREE has just released a video, Young Children on the Homefront, in which military families share their unique deployment experiences and early childhood professionals offer tips and strategies for dealing with difficult issues such as grief and loss from deployment and the challenges that often arise upon reunification.
Watch the Young Children on the Homefront video online at ZERO TO THREE's military resources link to learn more about how to support all military families.
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