Oklahoma State University Service-Learning Volunteer Center

OMK ready to ‘Purple Up’ to support military families

By Trisha Gedon

STILLWATER, Okla. – While most people associate the color green with the Oklahoma 4-H program, the color purple will be the focus on April 13.

April marks the nation’s “Month of the Military Child,” and April 13 has been designated as “Purple Up! For Military Kids” day.

Pat McNally, director of the Oklahoma 4-H Operation: Military Kids (OMK), and Extension specialist in the State 4-H Office, said this is a great time to honor youth around the country who are impacted by military deployment. OMK, which was initiated in 2005, is part of the Oklahoma 4-H Youth Development Program, which is part of the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service.

“OMK is joining forces with all other Operation: Military Kids programs across the country to raise awareness and show support for these children and their families and let them know how much we appreciate the sacrifices they make when their family members are deployed,” McNally said. “Through this effort we encourage groups, organizations and individuals all across Oklahoma to wear purple as a visible way to support and thank military families. A sea of purple in every Oklahoma community would provide a wonderful visual for the thousands of military families.”

Purple is the color that symbolizes all branches of the military and combines Army green, Coast Guard blue, Air Force blue, Marine red and Navy blue.

“Sometimes these children may feel like they’re alone and no one understands what they are going through. We’re hoping that various organizations, including 4-H clubs, will host events in their communities that focus on military youth,” she said. “We’d like for communities that participate to send us photos to post on the Oklahoma 4-H OMK website.”

Please email photos to Carol Vandiver at carol.vandiver@okstate.edu.

“We’re really excited about this opportunity to show support to our military families. Citizenship has long been a part of the Oklahoma 4-H program and this is yet another opportunity for our club members to get involved and help those in their communities,” McNally said.

OMK is a partnership with Oklahoma 4-H, Army Child, Youth School Services, National 4-H Headquarters/U.S. Department of Agriculture and Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension.
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Oklahoma State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, State and Local Governments Cooperating: The Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, or status as a veteran, and is an equal opportunity employer.

Trisha Gedon
Communications Specialist
Agricultural Communications Services
Oklahoma State University
136 Agriculture North
Stillwater, OK 74078
405-744-3625 (phone)
405-744-5739 (fax)
trisha.gedon@okstate.edu