Operation Military Kids is 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.

Operation Military Kids, as part of the 4-H/Army Youth Development Project, is a vital part of the Army Integrated Family Support Network (AIFSN) delivery system.

The Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) has provided funding to the 4-H Army Youth Development Project to strengthen and expand Operation: Military Kids programs and services to millitary youth in 15 states.  Nine states which are already implementing OMK programs and six new states are involved in this Joint Family Support Assistance Program (JFSAP) initiative.

Through this JFSAP initiative, OMK programs in these states will be expected to provide support and assistance to geographically dispersed youth and families of all military personnel in this state.  This means that the OMK program will work with both Active Duty and Reserve Components of Army, Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps.

OMK is a collaborative outreach initiative by Army Child and Youth Services, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National 4-H Program, Boys and Girls Clubs of America, The American Legion and the Legion Auxiliary, the National Association of Chid Care Resource and Referral Agencies, and the military child Education coalition to provide support and assistance to military youth and their families- on installations or geographically dispersed in communities.

Through a network of community partners, OMK provides youth program opportunities for school age, middle school and teenaged youth and connects them to support resources where they live.  To view Hawaii OMK's 2010 slide show click here. (PPS)