In This Section
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“This is the only program I have found that directly affects middle school and high school age children.”
A grateful parent.
“I can’t thank you enough. The Our Military Kids grant felt like the first time my child was truly recognized for the sacrifices that she and the other military kids make for the freedom of their country.”
A grateful mom.
“The ease of application and quick turnaround time was incredible. I received notice of his acceptance within a week!”
An appreciative parent.
“My family is the most important thing in the world to me and knowing there is someone back home who is doing something to make their life a little better makes my life over here a little bit better.”
A Captain in Fallujah, Iraq
The fact that I was deployed created a void in the kids’ lives. Their grants helped fill that void in a controlled and positive way. It lessened the burden of not having Dad at home.”
A National Guardsman just returned from Afghanistan.
“I want to thank you for assisting me with the grant to allow my kids to participate in a summer camp program. I am so grateful for everything you have provided for me and my family. Thank you for your prompt services as well.”
A soldier mom serving in OIF.
“ I am a married Reservist with six kids and I just found out about your organization. I will be applying for a grant soon and would just like to thank you and say someone finally gets it.”
An Airman serving in OIF.
“While most Americans are nestled in the comfort of their everyday lives, it is refreshing to know you are helping us share the burden of a deployment. Thank you for attending to the soldiers’ most precious assets back home — our kids."
(This note was accompanied by the gift of an American flag flown over Al Asad Air Base, Iraq)
“It is wonderful to know there are groups out there willing to take care of my children and allow them to continue with their extracurricular activities, to enable them to continue as balanced routine as possible.”
A Colorado National Guardsman
In the Media
Headlines about "Our Military Kids"
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Nationals Step Up to Support Military Kids and their Friends, By Julia LeDoux, InsideNova.com, August 9, 2010
Worries about deployments, permanent change of station orders and other facts of military life were put aside at least for a little while Aug. 1, as a group of local military kids and their families took in a Washington Nationals game, courtesy of the Major League Baseball team and the USO. Read the Full Article here -
"Our Military Kids" Helps kids from the Guard and Reserves, By Wendy Young, Todaysmilitaryspouse.com, June 29, 2010
Whenever a parent is serving his country through the Reserves or the National Guard, his whole family, including his children, serves the country. This is even more true when that parent is deployed. The sacrifice that the entire family makes is often not fully understood by others who do not share in this experience. But there is one program that takes special notice of soldiers’ children, as well as the children of severely injured soldiers, be they in the Reserves, the Guard or Active Duty. Read the Full Article here -
CEO Who Cares: Bahman Atefi of Alion Science and Technology, By Molly Mulrain, GovConExecutive.com, June 25, 2010
As Chairman and CEO, Dr. Bahman Atefi makes sure his company does well in the marketplace, follows through with its chores and ensures that it grows into a strong and well-functioning corporation. All in all, Atefi knows the importance of proper leadership. That is why this ‘CEO Who Cares’ decided that he was going focus his attention to help provide a sense of direction to the children who need it, the children sponsored by the group called Our Military Kids. Read the Full Article here -
To Iraq and back, By Stephanie E. Ponder, Costco Connect, July 2010
"We never intended to start a blog. We never intended to write a book," says Costco member Tiffany Stoner. What she and her husband, Tim, set out to do was keep in touch when he was deployed to Iraq in 2007. Read the Full Article here -
Our Military Kids: Small grants yield big results, By Rachel Gladstone, Foundations Magazine, July/August 2010
Unsung heroes are common when it comes to National Guard Soldiers. But it isn't only Soldiers who fall into this category. Often, their children are the heroes, enduring long periods of separation from a parent who is deployed. Read the Full Article here. -
Military Kids Look to Extracurricular Activities to Cope With Parents' Deployment, By Julie Percha, ABCNews.com, April 18, 2010
Ask 9-year old Valerie Gonzalez of Alhambra, Calif., about her father's job, and she flashes a toothless smile. "I like it. My dad knows how to protect me," she said of Army Master Sgt. Juan Gonzalez, a member of the California Army National Guard, who recently returned from a tour of Kosovo. "Daddy protects California." But Valerie's mother, Denise Gonzalez, recalled that the first-grader had a different reaction when her father initially deployed. Read the Full Article here.
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National Guard, Reserve Children Get Capitol Hill Recognition, By Army Staff Sgt. Jim Greenhill, National Guard Bureau, April 14, 2010
When 9-year-old Valerie Gonzalez’s father deployed to Kosovo with the California Army National Guard, Valerie got a grant that helped her participate in extracurricular activities. She took tap dancing classes, paid for in part by a six-year-old organization called Our Military Kids. It provides grants for enrichment activities and tutoring that nurture and sustain children during the time a parent is away serving our country. Read the Full Article here. -
Our Military Kids salutes military children, By Jeremy Borden, usoonpatrol, April 14, 2010
When Army National Guard Lieutenant Colonel Tom Sonnen deployed to Iraq last year, he needed to focus on the mission, but it was difficult knowing he was leaving his wife and four children at home in Maryland. Making everything harder was the fact that his wife had to leave her job to take care of all the additional tasks at home. Read the Full Article here. -
MHS Profiles: Saluting America's Smallest Heroes, By Jessica L. Klem, Military Health System, April 9, 2010
This month we profile the people and programs within the Department of Defense dedicated to the families and children of those who serve. The Office of the Deputy Undersecretary of Defense (Military Community and Family Policy) leads DoD's efforts in providing specialized services to meet the unique needs of military families and children. Read the Full Article here. -
Our Military Kids helps a child attend a theatre program, By Christina Connally Honkonen, features@knoxnews.com , December 7, 2009
Every Tuesday afternoon Canaan Jackson has a chance to perform skits and role-playing games under the direction of a theater teacher. He's taking part in the Drama Kids of Volunteer Valley after-school program offered by Mindy Barrett. Without the opportunity, available since September, Jackson wouldn't have such an outlet for his outgoing personality and interest in acting. The theater program helped Canaan qualify for a scholarship through the "Our Military Kids" program, set up to fund after-school programs for children of parents serving in the military. Read the Full Article here. -
Our Military Kids helps military families during tough times, By M. Scott Morris/NEMS Daily Journal, November 9, 2009
In these challenging economic times, $500 is $500.In Tammy Criddle’s case, that number is actually $3,000, which represents the grant money she received for her six children to attend karate classes. “There’s no way we could afford that on our own,” said Criddle, a 35-year-old Hatley resident and full-time student at Itawamba Community College.Criddle’s children and stepchildren are eligible for the money because her husband, Thomas “Jay” Criddle, is in Iraq. Read the Full Article here. -
Military Kids Hit Home Run at Nationals Tribute, By Sharon Foster
Military children and their families were honored here yesterday by a troop-support group and others when the Washington Nationals took on the New York Mets.
Armed Forces Press Service, July 22, 2009
The Nationals beat the Mets 4-0, but the kids were the winners, as well, at the Nationals’ annual Tribute to Our Troops event. Our Military Kids, a Virginia-based troop-support group, along with WTOP Radio and Careerbuilder.com’s Mission Get Hired participated in the event, which included 1,500 free tickets distributed to Washington, D.C.-area military families through the Our Military Kids office, Walter Reed Army Medical Center and WJLA, a local television station. Read the Full Article here. -
AT&T National Kicks Off With Military Salute, By Samantha Quigley, Armed Forces Press Service, July 2, 2008
They may not be on the pro tour yet, but two military children got a taste of the big time when they helped pro golfer Fred Couples kick off the second AT&T National at Congressional Country Club here today. Jeffrey Dahl, 9, of New Jersey and Margaret Rollins, 13, of Virginia, teed up with Couples to hit the ceremonial "shot from around the world" to conclude the opening ceremonies and officially start the week's tournament-related events. Read the Full Article here. -
DOD Secretary Gates Honors Our Military Kids, Reuters, April 7, 2008
Secretary of Defense Robert Gates joined other dignitaries in honoring "Our Military Kids" at a Capitol Hill reception Monday, April 7. The event recognized the nonprofit foundation for giving more than $1 million to the families of deployed or wounded National Guard and Reserve members. "Military children may experience a deep send of loss when they have a parent serving far from home," Gates said. "Organizations like this one make our military kids feel special and loved, " he said. Read the Full Article here. -
Treating Family War Wounds, By Janet Shamlian, MSNBC, November 23, 2007
Days like this are the most painful. While classmates throw a football in the backyard with dad, the children of our service people at war are separated from a parent this Thanksgiving weekend. There might be a phone call or visit by web cam, but there's no holiday from the stress these kids live with every day.. knowing mommy or daddy is in harms' way. Read the Full Article at the MSNBC web site. -
House passes Ortiz' "Military Kids" Resolution Helping Troops' Families as they Carry the Load of War, Sept 5, 2007
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. House of Representatives today passed a resolution sponsored by Congressman Solomon P. Ortiz commending the organizations that offer support to military families and children of deployed and severely injured National Guard and Reserve personnel. Context for Ortiz' resolution is laid out fully at the end of this release. The House passed the resolution unanimously. Read the resolution at Congressman Ortiz's web site. -
In Time of War, by Peter Slevin, Washington Post, July 1, 2007
CLEVELAND -- When her father went off to war, 13-year-old Brittney Wilkinson felt angry. She cried at unexpected times and battled her older sister, Ashley. At school, she seemed withdrawn. When her mother saw an offer that would pay for art classes for both girls, she jumped at it. Read the Full Article at the Washington Post web site. -
Helping Kids Stay Busy; Children from Winchester's National Guard Unit Benefit from New Grant Program, by Robyn Fontes Taylor, The Winchester Star, July 14, 2005
When Allen Wanser comes marching home this weekend after more than a year in Afghanistan, the National Guardsman will find his middle son has learned a few new moves.
After Chris Wanser, 12, gives his dad a bone-crushing hug he can show off some of the kicks and punches he's learned at taekwon-do class.
Thanks to a new nonprofit group that gives grants to children who have a parent deployed overseas, the Winchester boy was able to participate in the martial arts class he’s been longing to take. (Read the Full Article at the Winchester Star web site. Registration required). -
It takes a village to care for children in wartime, by Beverly Crawford, McLean Times Newspaper, June 01, 2005, page A9
Two McLean women have organized a nonprofit to help meet the needs of families of National Guard military reserve personnel called into active duty for the war in Iraq, leaving their families, homes and jobs without much time to prepare.
Often, they do not know how long they will be gone. And, often, their absences impact the family's income level.
Because they do not live on a military post or base, such families may not be able to access military family support services; many live more than 25 miles from the nearest military installation.
The children often suffer, said Gail Kruzel and Linda Davidson of McLean, two friends who organized "Our Military Kids" to help fill in for an absent parent. Read the full article at the McLean Times web site -
Chamber Recognizes Efforts of Our Military Kids Program Program Provides Support for Children of Deployed Guard and Reserves, Press Release from US Chamber of Commerce, Wed, Apr 20, 2005
WASHINGTON, D.C.-The United States Chamber of Commerce today applauded Our Military Kids, a new nonprofit organization that seeks to provide resources for children of deployed National Guard and Reserve parents.
"Organizations like Our Military Kids are working to ease the burden on the families of our nation's deployed Guard and Reserves," said retired Lt. Gen. Daniel Christman, Chamber senior vice president for International Affairs. "In the global war on terror, the National Guard and Reserve are increasingly being called to defend our nation. Americans have an obligation to ensure there is support for the loved ones they leave at home."Read the full press release at the US Chamber of Commerce web site. -
Treating Family War Wounds, by Timothy Dwyer, Washington Post, Sunday, April 17, 2005; Page C01.
"Somehow Erica Godfrey had convinced herself that if she learned the alphabet, her father would be hurt or killed. .....
"Although the family was struggling financially because of the deployment, Erica's mother, Ti Godfrey, quit her job at the post office to spend more time with Erica and her son, Cuu, 12, whose grades had plummeted from A's to D's and even an F. .....
"Now, there is an organization to help the Godfreys and other families get their children through the hardships of deployment. In January, Linda Davidson and Gail Kruzel founded the nonprofit group Our Military Kids in McLean, with a pilot program for the Winchester-based 3rd Battalion, 116th Infantry Regiment of the Virginia National Guard." Read the full article at The Washingtonpost.com
Kids’ Stories
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Jen was intent on having her son continue with his therapeutic horseback riding lessons while her husband was deployed to Iraq.
Margaret, a mother of eight children ages one through eleven years, home schools her children. She applied for a grant for the five older children to join the area YMCA. The grant allowed the children to participate on the swim team and pass the summer months engaged in energetic play.
When I first heard about having the chance to travel to an important band festival I didn’t imagine I could go because of how expensive it was. But because of your generosity, I get to have an experience to last a lifetime. I’ll always be grateful to you all for the work you’ve done to help give me this wonderful opportunity. —Christine
“Enrolling my four boys in martial arts provided a structure that we all needed during my husband Mark’s deployment,” says Nancy. “They have learned the importance of respect, loyalty, non-violent behavior, and the value of working out conflicts in different ways.” Knowing the boys were enjoying tae kwon do relieved Mark’s stress level while he was away in service.
Did You Know?
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Who can receive a grant?
School-age dependents (3 years through high school) of Reserve and National Guard military personnel deployed overseas may apply.
What documentation is required as proof of a parent’s deployment?
A copy of the military parent’s overseas deployment orders will verify that a child is eligible for the grant program.
Is the grant award dependent on family income?
Family income is not a consideration in determining the eligibility of a child’s grant request.
Are there restrictions on the types of activities eligible for grants?
Our Military Kids, Inc. covers many programs but there are restrictions. See a complete list in our “Activities Covered” section of this website.
Which tutoring services qualify?
Grants assist children in maintaining academic performance at grade level. We require a letter from the child’s teacher indicating the need for tutoring
What documentation is needed to support the amount of the grant?
A copy of a brochure, flyer, website page or letter from the organization providing the activity or service must accompany the application.
Who receives the grant check?
The organization indicated on the grant application will receive the check for the approved grant.
Does the grant have to be repaid?
The grant does not have to be paid back unless the child does not complete the activity.
Can a child receive multiple grants?
We can award 2 grants per child per 365 day deployment.
May more than one child from a family apply for a grant?
All eligible children in a family may apply for a grant.
How does Our Military Kids, Inc. determine which children receive grants?
We award grants to all qualified applicants as long as funds are available.
How are the grants funded?
Our Military Kids, Inc. is supported by contributions from corporations, charitable foundations and individuals.
Does Our Military Kids, Inc. qualify for donations through the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC)?
Our Military Kids, Inc. meets the Campaign’s rigorous standards. Members of the Reserves or National Guard can select #12357 to contribute.
Does Our Military Kids provide grants for children of the severely injured?
Yes! Please see the Severely Injured Program Guidelines and Criteria page.
