For Immediate Distribution
Contact:
Michelle Joyner
703-931-6632
publicrelations@nmfa.org
http://www.nmfa.org/
ALEXANDRIA, VA October 28, 2008 — Last Wednesday, The National Military Family Association (NMFA) hosted its second Youth Summit: “Research, Policy, Action.” The Summit gathered 18 experts from different fields that were featured in a series of panel discussions.
With the goal of sharing resources and moving forward to aggressively address the issues facing military children, NMFA brought together leaders from the military and civilian community, OSD and DoD, and non-profit and civic groups alike.
Click here for a complete list of panelists.
Research
The morning began with a panel comprised of experts in research, who all echoed the need for longitudinal research to determine the longer ranging effects of deployment on families and children. “It’s not a military issue, it’s a national issue,” emphasized Dr. Stephen Cozza, Associate Director, Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Uniformed Services University.
As a part of the research panel, Dr. Anita Chandra, Associate Behavioral Scientist, RAND Corporation, presented the findings from “Understanding the Impact of Deployment on Children from Military Families,” a RAND pilot study funded by NMFA. The study allowed for a glimpse into the impact of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom on children and families. A copy of the findings can be accessed online at www.nmfa.org/randreport.
Policy
Military families are a priority, no matter what the political or economic atmosphere is, a panel of Congressional staff members reiterated. These panelists gave summit participants valuable information on how to make progress in changing or developing policy. “I don’t expect there to be any decline in interest in taking care of military families,” said Andrew Person, Office of U.S. Senator Max Baucus (D-MT). During the question and answer session, summit attendees discussed policy triumphs like the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children, and ways to make future policy as effective as possible.
Action
The NMFA Summit brought together representatives from each of the Services to discuss their child and youth programs. Most of the Services are working on programs “outside the gates” to reach the reserve component as well as active duty members. “We want to give the same level of service to all of our service members,” said Chuck Clymer of Navy Child and Youth Programs.
Representatives from five organizations that have taken action to support military children spoke to attendees about their programs. Audience members heard from organizations that are helping military children of all ages, from babies born while their service member parent is deployed to high school students that face transferring schools and credits. It was a gratifying end to the day as the panelists shared their successes and future plans with the audience.
NMFA has also taken action on the issues that face military youth. The summit was an opportunity to unveil the new “10 Things Military Teens Want You To Know” toolkits. The toolkits are geared toward adults who work with teens—teachers, coaches, and church leaders. Each toolkit features 10 cards with tips and resources on topics such as war, community, transition, and belonging. The toolkits will be available to order from the NMFA website in early November.
NMFA thanks TriWest Heathcare Alliance for supporting the Youth Summit and sponsoring the toolkits.
About NMFA
The National Military Family Association, the only nonprofit organization that represents families of all ranks and services, prepares spouses, children, and parents to better deal with the unique challenges of military life. The Association protects benefits vital to all families, including those of the deployed, wounded, and fallen. For nearly 40 years, its staff and volunteers, comprised mostly of military family members, have built a reputation as the leading experts on military family issues. For more information, visit http://www.nmfa.org/.
