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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
Our Military Kids and Target Team Up
Organizations to make holidays special for injured service members and their families at Walter Reed Medical Center
McLean, VA, December 19, 2008 -The old Red Cross building at Walter Reed Army Medical Center was transformed into a winter wonderland this past Saturday, December 15, for a holiday party honoring injured service members of the Warrior Transition Brigade and their families. Linda Rasnake, the Family Readiness Group Coordinator of the brigade, organized the event with corporate contributions from Target, Barnes & Noble, and Disney, and additional support from Our Military Kids, Operation Homefront, and the USO.
Special guests included actors Adam Sandler and Rob Schneider whose presence delighted soldiers and children alike. After expressing their gratitude and greetings for a happy holiday season, the comedic duo graciously autographed pictures and presented them to all those willing to wait patiently in line for the unique opportunity.
There were also more traditional holiday celebrities in attendance. Santa, Mrs. Claus, and a group of costumed elves helped local Target volunteers hand out Target gift bags containing a stuffed Bullseye, the Target dog, and a $50 Target GiftCard to each child with a parent in the Warrior Transition Brigade and Cadre.
Representatives from Our Military Kids staffed a table piled high with books collected by the Clarendon Barnes & Noble in Arlington, Virginia. Many young readers took time to check out the wide selection of free books before making their selection.
So no guest of honor left the holiday event empty handed, Target GiftCards were presented to each member and spouse of the Warrior Transition Team.
"It’s been wonderful working with Target and Barnes & Noble to help bring holiday cheer to these families who are sacrificing so much for our country," said Mary Carolyn Voght of Our Military Kids. Her sentiments were echoed by Linda Davidson, Co-founder and Executive Director of Our Military Kids, who remarked, "Our Military Kids’ mission throughout the year is to provide grants to children of deployed National Guard and Reserve service members and to children of all the severely injured. It just seemed appropriate that our organization work together with some of our corporate partners to provide a little special recognition to these deserving kids during this special time of year."
Target has been a particularly strong supporter of Our Military Kids, responding several times to the organization’s calls for help with special opportunities to recognize military children such as with this event. Additionally, Target has provided financial support for the Our Military Kids grant program each of the last three years. In 2008, Target contributed $75,000 to the organization which will provide grants to nearly 200 children to participate in a fine arts program while their parents are serving in Iraq or Afghanistan.
For more information on Our Military Kids go to www.ourmilitarykids.org or call 703-734-6654.
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.
