Operation Military Kids Update

The Operation Military Kids (OMK) Initiative is making an impact in Wyoming.  The last 6 months have been busy.  Here’s a look at what we have accomplished: 

Two communities have had Ready, Set, Go (RSG) trainings for stakeholders:   Cheyenne / Casper.  Gillette is scheduled for RSG training in September and planning on a NW & SW location to be scheduled for late fall.  Guernsey’s principal requested a RSG training that was held in March with 35 in attendance.  OMK information was presented at both the Wyoming Afterschool Alliance (WyAA) and Wyoming Educator’s Association (WEA) state conferences in June.

OMK fact sheets have be handed out at the American Legion conference and National Guard family academies as well as Yellow Ribbon events.  Wyoming legislators received an OMK fact sheet during the last session and the participants at the Wyoming Association of Municipalities received a copy.  During Inter-Service Family Assistance Committee (ISFAC) in Cheyenne & Casper, Platte County Human Resources Coalition in Guernsey, Community Helping Organizations Summit in Cheyenne and the Wounded Warrior Conference in Casper we have had the opportunity to speak about the OMK program and mission. 

We have sent Hero Packs to six 4H county educators and a Brownie Troop in Guernsey for a total of 400 packs to be assembled.  They have reported have great community support in securing additional items to be included.  We are seeking further support in securing items to fill the packs. 

The Mobile Tech Lab (MTL) will be going to Yellow Ribbon events this summer and fall in order to create items that help children be connected to their deployed military parent.  The projects proposed include:  iron-on transfers, Flat Daddy/Mommy, and zoom albums.  It was displayed at the WyAA and WEA conferences, as well as Showcase Showdown.

Speak Out for Military Kids (SOMK) will be a component at each of the three Teen Retreats scheduled for this summer.  Discussion with American Legion Auxiliary has indicated that they will seek opportunities to include in their youth program.  We hope to have finished SOMK products to use during the Month of the Military Child events next April.

Teen Retreats and a Purple Camp for 9 to 12 year olds are being held this summer.  These are a strategic part of the support for military families.  If you or your organization would like to assist with these activities please contact the state office.

These are the highlights, if you have any questions or want further information contact:

 Eloise Riley, State OMK Program Coordinator 307.633.4383

Have a safe summer!!