Remember the military child! My own memories as a child of a US Navy veteran shows that we can make a difference by including the military families, especially children, in our thoughts. Children of veterans who are deployed for long periods of time often suffer from the emotional challenges that war and parental separation bring home. One parent cares for the children for long periods while spouses are deployed. Kids often feel isolated and different from their peers. And they do feel the emotional numbness that comes from the symptoms of PTSD. They also see anger and live in a toxic home culture. We can help military children feel connected by getting them engaged events and activities with peer groups and adult mentors. After-school programs similar to www.neighborsforkids.org in Depoe Bay, Oregon along with special events like The Sierra Club and Children of Veterans… will go along way to make military families and children feel more connected to the community while parents are deployed and in life after war… It would have made a huge difference for me and my siblings during the 40’s and 50’s if we had felt more connected and a part of our community and schools we attended. It was a strange and lonely time growing up as a military child and the baggage can stick around for a life time. Take the extra time to pay attention to the military children and families near you that need our support…
Steve Sparks
Author
Reconciliation: A Son’s Story
The Sierra Club and Children of Veterans…
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