Program helps kids of military parents

Operation: Military Kids is for children whose parents are in Iraq, for instance.
By D.A. WILKINSON
VINDICATOR SALEM BUREAU
SALEM -- Salem-area pupils used Halloween to support other children who face real fear.
The pupils at St. Paul School on Friday completed their part in a program to support Ohio children who have a parent or parents serving abroad in the military who may be in harm's way.
Operation: Military Kids is a national program run in Ohio by the Cooperative Extension 4-H program.
The extension service said that as the "parent switches from a civilian to a solider after only one phone call, the children of the soldier go from being kids to being military kids."
Displaying gratitude
The 140 kids at the school helped to assemble 80 "Hero Packs" during their Halloween party to help and thank reservists' children. The extension service provided 80 backpacks with the Operation: Military Kids label and the word "Hero."
Katherine Righetti is the mother of two children at the school and volunteers there. She helped to organize the local program and is aware of the problem.
"My brother [David Vance] is in Iraq," said Righetti. Still at home in Dayton is his son, Christopher, a fourth-grader.
Children today are well aware of the troubles overseas because of live television, and often discuss those problems, she said.
St. Paul pupils spent this week writing letters that went into every backpack.
"It's kids helping kids who are at risk," Righetti said. "Just provide the opportunity and they will do the job."
The letters were addressed to "Dear Child" by students who only used their first name.
A sampling
Drake, from St. Paul, wrote, "I thank you for supporting our country. I really appreciate all of the services and sacrifices that you are making while your parent is gone. I made this Hero Pack for you because you are one of my Heroes. You and your parents are heroes for making such a big contribution to our country."
The backpacks include writing paper and pencils. Jonathan from the school, wrote, "I hope you can use the items in this care package to keep in contact with your parents while they are away."
Brianna, wrote, "I want to thank you for being brave. You are in our prayers. ... You are a hero because you are very brave to let your parents go to the war."
Righetti said that the letters were the most empathetic. But another personal touch was added to the packs by the Salem pupils who decorated small pillows the military kids can hug for security.
Political and religious messages were not allowed. Righetti said the youngsters were told to "decorate them the way you would do it if you wanted comfort."
Righetti said that for pupils, it was a case of "how you can have fun while still supporting your country."
Each child had to pay $3 for gifts that went into the packs. Area groups and merchants also provided items that include flashlights, photo albums, disposable cameras, plastic bracelets with inspirational messages, hand puppets and coupons for sweets.
wilkinson@vindy.com