#USA #Our Military Kids #Oakton #military children #USAA Foundation

Empowering Military Families Through Activities

In a significant endeavor to support military families, Our Military Kids has teamed up with the USAA Foundation to provide funding for over 800 activities aimed at children and teenagers of deployed military personnel. This initiative, which occurred in 2025, has been instrumental in maintaining stability and connection for families during challenging times such as deployments and care for combat-related injuries.

A Testament to Long-standing Commitment

The USAA Foundation's support is crucial, marking a significant total of more than 4,000 activity awards that have been granted since 2006. Our Military Kids, a nonprofit organization, primarily focuses on providing opportunities for children aged 1-18, specifically for those whose parents are in the National Guard, Reserve, or are Veterans receiving care due to injuries incurred during service.

Since its inception in 2004, the organization has distributed around 100,000 activity awards, which amounts to an impressive total of $36 million directed towards enhancing the lives of young military children. By focusing on activities that promote consistency, community, and stress relief, Our Military Kids contributes to the overall well-being of military and Veteran families across the nation.

Impact of Activities on Family Wellbeing

Recent surveys conducted by Our Military Kids have revealed compelling statistics: 96% of families reported improved overall well-being, and 88% noted a positive impact on their service member or Veteran's morale after engaging in the program. For instance, a National Guard service member shared how the support from Our Military Kids allowed their child to partake in swim lessons, which not only provided essential life skills but also served as a joyful and healthy outlet during a tough family period.

The ability for children to continue learning and staying active without financial strain cannot be overstated, especially for military families under duress. This financial relief extends beyond just the children, positively affecting the entire family's mental and emotional health.

A Strategic Partnership for Future Growth

Kara Dallman, the Executive Director of Our Military Kids, emphasized the importance of donations from the USAA Foundation, which have allowed them to broaden their reach. “Our Military Kids activity awards not only support children but also bolster the well-being of entire families,” she stated. The partnership facilitates financial relief, ensuring more children are given the opportunity to access activities that instill a sense of normalcy during tumultuous times like deployments or injury recovery.

Jenna Saucedo-Herrera, the Head of Corporate Impact at USAA, echoed this sentiment, highlighting their commitement to helping service members, Veterans, and their families thrive. She noted that the organization's unique ability to scale its efforts results in tailored experiences that significantly benefit each child involved.

Conclusion: The Importance of Support

The work being done by Our Military Kids is a reminder of the vital role that community support plays in the lives of military families. As they continue to expand their reach and impact, every activity funded represents a step toward improving the overall quality of life for military children. The partnership between Our Military Kids and the USAA Foundation stands as a testament to the power of collective commitment to foster resilience and growth among the country’s young heroes who face unique challenges due to their parents' service.

For more information and to apply for activity awards, visit ourmilitarykids.org.