Scouts to help children of deployed soldiers

In conjunction with Connecticut Operation: Military Kids, East Hampton Cub Scout Pack 57 will assemble “hero packs” at a holiday party and pack meeting on Dec. 21.

“Hero packs” are knapsacks for children of deployed soldiers.

The packs are filled with a variety of items intended to provide children with fun activities and ways to stay connected to their deployed parents.

The packs the Scouts will assemble will be given to children of the 700 Connecticut soldiers deployed in November to Iraq and Afghanistan.

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, provide transportation for military kids to sporting events or other extracurricular activities, or participate in the Hero Pack program.

Operation: Military Kids has presented Hero Packs to more than 47,000 military youth since 2004.

Call 267-2962 for more information.

Troop 57 is charted by the East Hampton Congregational Church.

For more information on Operation Military Kids programs, visit the Web site at http://www.operationmilitarykids.org

From Operation: Military Kids site – Tell Us Your Story

MY SOLDIER.

By Ashley 14,  Delaware

My name is Ashley, and I’m 14 years old. My father was in the Navy, and is now currently serving in the Army. He has been in the Military ever since I can remember. I grew up my whole childhood with half a father, because he was always away on training. Thankfully, we never had to move because of his job, because he was never active duty, but it still hurts knowing he’s away. Today is the last day I’ll see my father, for two and a half months. He is preparing to deploy to Iraq. He comes home for a four to five day pass to see us, and then he’ll be gone for about a year or more. My father is my best friend. He is the only person I can tell everything and he some what understands. As I stated above, I’m only 14, so I’m going through the teenage stage, where a father is what I need most. Sadly, the Military has taken him away and harmed our family. I don’t know what I will do with myself the next year, for I’m going into high school. My father will miss, my entire freshman year of high school. But I’m following in his footsteps. I’m going to the same high school he went to, and when I get out of high school, I’m joining the Army. My dad is my number one hero, for he is the strongest man I’ve ever known. Please prayfor him as he ships to Iraq. And to all the kids out there, that have family in the service, my prayers and blessings are with you. Thank you for letting me tell my story.

Posted Dec. 20, 2009

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