”This has been the best day of my life!” stated seven-year-old Seth about his adventure on the USS Kidd with other military kids from across Louisiana. Jamie Brian, LSU AgCenter 4-H OMK intern, said bringing military families together is what the Operation: Military Kids (OMK) program is all about. OMK through the LSU AgCenter 4-H Youth Development office hosted Labor Day weekend activities designed to support military children and families. Tanya Giroir, Louisiana 4-H military liaison, stated this camping experience is just one of many activities supported by the OMK grant program throughout Louisiana.

Thirty-five military family members boarded the USS Kidd, the World War II destroyer moored in Baton Rouge. The adventure included sleeping aboard the ship and learning about military life on the destroyer. Families slept on bunks just like the sailors would have, with one major difference… air conditioning!

The OMK families also participated in the BR Freedom Walk to remember and honor those brave soldiers who lost their lives on September 11 and all other veterans who have fought for our country. One military dad commented that "meeting people who appreciate what we do helps us to know that others do care and support our efforts." Many agreed that we should never forget that innocent people lost their lives heading to work, dropping off children, living their day-to-day life through an act of terrorism in America. But let us also remember that there are servicemembers protecting Americans still today.

The Louisiana Arts and Science Museum (LASC) was the final leg of the journey where the children could participate in hands-on learning activities and learn more about the Egyptian mummy. Donald, age 8, stated, “Thanks! I had a blast and made new friends. My favorite was the dinosaur movie -- this huge dinosaur just leaped out of the water -- it was so cool.”

“Military families being together, sharing their stories, making new friends and sharing a laugh or two make our camps successful,” says Brian. Thanks to all who participated for making the event such a big success!

For more information about Operation: Military Kids programs, upcoming events and activities or for information helpful to military families and children, visit the Web sites www.operationmilitarykids.org and www.lsuagcenter.com or contact the LSU AgCenter 4-H Youth Development office, Louisiana OMK project coordinator Kathleen Schexnayder or Louisiana State Military Liaison Tanya A. Giroir.