4-Hers prepare ‘hero packs’ for soldiers’ kids

4-H members assemble “hero packs” for children of Delaware’s deployed service personnel.

3:41 p.m., Oct. 6, 2005--Two dozen 4-H teenagers got together Oct. 5 at UD’s Paradee Center in Dover to assemble 600 hero packs for the children of Delaware’s deployed service personnel. The special activity was held during National 4-H Week to support the Military 4-H Partnership.

Named to signify that each soldier is a hero, the hero packs include a disposable camera, stuffed teddy bear, stationery and other gifts. The backpacks are being distributed to children of deployed military personnel at different locations and special events this fall to thank them for sharing their parents with all of America.

Since 1995, National 4-H at the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Department of Defense have partnered with Land-Grant universities to develop programs and resources to benefit U.S. military youth and families around the world. The partnerships began on Army installations and included the Air Force in 2003 and, more recently, the National Guard and Reserves. The Delaware Military 4-H Partnership began earlier this year.

Delaware 4-H programs have been developed in partnership with Dover Air Force Base and throughout the state with the National Guard and Reserves. Recent events include 4-H projects and programs at Dover Air Force Base, a weekend leadership retreat for teens at the Bethany Beach Guard Camp and 4-H day camps throughout the state for younger children of deployed military personnel.

For more information about the Military 4-H Partnership, call (302) 831-2509 or send e-mail to [de4h@udel.edu].

Photo by Kathy F. Atkinson

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