KidsLink Downrange Connects Military Children to Their Deployed Parents Through Handmade Greeting Cards
On May 18, 2009, over 2,150 KidsLink Card Kits created by over 150 MOPS groups were delivered to Fort Hood, Texas. To receive announcements about future KidsLink Downrange projects, detailing about how you might get involved, sign up on Facebook or on the Community Forums.
The Need To Connect Military Families Is Great, Especially At Fort Hood!
The Army operates the largest and most diverse active duty armored military post in the United States at Fort Hood in Central Texas. One out of every 10 active duty soldiers in the army is assigned to Fort Hood. More than 52,000 soldiers are currently assigned to there along with 70,000+ of their family members. There are seven elementary schools at Fort Hood for all the kids that live on base or nearby…
In a recent speech, Lt. Gen. Ray Odierno, commander, III Corps and Fort Hood, pointed out the post will reach a point at which more than 70 percent of Fort Hood’s soldiers will be absent from Central Texas. When Fort Hood’s soldier population reaches that point, it will be the first time in the installation’s history when nearly everyone is in a state of transition. With so many soldiers going, and so many soldiers returning and arriving for the first time, it is quite possible the army families left in the wake of all of this movement will experience feelings ranging from concern to confusion to loneliness to fear.
Kids at Fort Hood
Thousands of children ages 12 and under are having to say goodbye to a parent in the Fort Hood military community in 2009. Military personnel who are downrange love getting mail from home, and they especially love personal notes from their children. It is a joy and encouragement amidst the long days, homesickness, and hard work.
Card Kits - KidsLink Downrange
Because of these large numbers of families affected by deploying military, there will be more needs in the future for you to help create Card Kits.
In this way, military children who are separated from a parent can still have the vital interaction they need with their parent as they grow and develop. Volunteers will be needed to coordinate these MOPS groups who are willing to create cards and also be responsible to pray for the children and their families.
The Next KidsLink Card Kit Project will take place in Winter 2009.
