Indiana OMK Website- www.four-h.purdue.edu/omk/

For information on Operation: Military Kids in Indiana, please e-mail omk@ydae.purdue.edu, or contact Steve McKinley, Indiana OMK Project Director, mckinles@purdue.edu, 765-494-8435, or Judy Hauser, Indiana OMK Coordinator, jhauser@purdue.edu, 765-494-9516.

Operation: Military Kids thanks the Indiana youth of all military branches who 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 Indiana Operation: Military Kids.

Indiana Operation: Military Kids provides support for military kids through the following elements:

• Hero Packs
  • Hero Packs are given to military kids who have a loved one deployed to thank them for their service and courage.  The packs are distributed at various events, holiday parties and other youth activities.
• 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.  Training sessions are held to teach youth to speak out and to allow them to have fun with other military youth. 
• Mobile Technology Lab (MTL)
  • The MTL is available at events for military kids to stay connected to their deployed loved ones.  The MTL can be used in a variety of ways, including the creation of greeting cards, digital pictures, and video messages. 
• Participation in 4-H activities
  • Military youth are invited to join 4-H in the communities in which you live. 4-H activities include club meetings; educational workshops, camps, and conferences; opportunities to interact with other youth; and the chance to complete a variety of projects of interest to you. Indiana 4-H is a branch of the Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service. To contact the Purdue Extension Office in your county, visit: http://www.ces.purdue.edu/counties.htm.
• Participation in OMK County-Sponsored Events
  • OMK in local communities hold youth activities throughout the year to provide support for military kids. Typically these are organized by the FRG’s in conjunction with county-based OMK team members. Activities may include using the MTL, making crafts, playing games, and a variety of other activities that allow kids to grow and learn. 

The Indiana Operation: Military Kids State Team includes partners from Purdue University Extension, the National Guard and Reserves, the Military Family Research Institute, American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary, Military Child Education Coalition, Boys and Girls Clubs, National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral, the Indiana Lieutenant Governor’s office, Indiana Pacers Sports & Entertainment, educators, business leaders, and other community representatives. This team works together to provide support and resources throughout the state for military kids.