Our Military Kids has much to be thankful for as it looks back at 2016. Beyond conducting another very positive annual survey of grant families and its first-ever longitudinal survey, OMK has awarded nearly 4,000 grants – empowering children of deployed Guard and Reserve and children of wounded warriors to conquer their challenges and face brighter futures.

“We did have our challenges this year,” said OMK’s Executive Director Linda Davidson, “For the first time in 12 years, we had to cut our grant amounts. But we’re hopeful. Applications for the program are high, so we’re gearing up to work hard for our kids in the new year. We’ve had wonderful donors and incredible volunteers, young and old.”

Founded in 2004, OMK supports children of deployed National Guard and Reserve service members, as well as children of wounded warriors from all service branches. Grants pay fees for activities, which counteract stress, raise self-esteem and enhance military family bonding.

The organization maintains its 4-star Charity Navigator Rating, and it continues to be a good steward of our donors’ investment.

This year, OMK has been guided by a dedicated Board of Directors, led by Chairman G. Kim Wincup. The board’s membership was enhanced in 2016 by the addition of Barry Miller, an independent management consultant; Laurelle Sheedy McCreedy, from The Lab School of Washington; and Benjamin Mednick, President of East Coast Tile Imports, Inc.

Looking ahead to 2017, OMK is planning another first-ever event, a symposium focusing on children of wounded warriors. These children are often raised in the shadows, while their parents struggle with painful therapies, frequent hospital appointments, financial strain, and other problems brought on by severe injuries.

To learn how you can support Our Military Kids as it looks toward the new year, visit www. OurMilitaryKids.org.

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About Our Military Kids

Our Military Kids was founded in 2004 with a pilot program focused on a National Guard unit from Winchester, Va. The successful pilot program was expanded, first to help all deployed Reserve and National Guard families living throughout Virginia, and then to families living in Maryland and the District of Columbia.

In 2006, OMK became a national program. In 2008, it was expanded to include children of wounded warriors of all branches and components of the military. With the help of generous donors and volunteers, we have empowered more than 44,000 children. For more information, please visit OurMilitaryKids.org, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.