Supporting Military Families Through Education
In Anchorage, Alaska, hundreds of military children had the opportunity to begin their school year with a sense of excitement and support during an annual event organized by the nonprofit organization Operation Homefront. This initiative, which took place on Friday, aimed to assist military families in preparing for the upcoming school year.
The event was held at the parking lot of a Walmart store located at Debarr, where families from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER) received backpacks filled with essential school supplies for students in grades K through 12. In addition to the supplies, each backpack contained a $25 gift card, which was generously donated by Walmart. The items were carefully selected to ensure that military children had everything they needed to start the academic year on the right foot.
Kelli Fagan, the Regional Director for Operation Homefront, emphasized the importance of the event in supporting military families both financially and emotionally. She explained that military families often face unique challenges due to frequent relocations.
“Military families generally move every two to three years and they are moving to places they’ve probably never been before, sometimes as far away as Alaska, sometimes internationally,” Fagan said. “So, they are building a new community, they’re trying to figure out, ‘Where do I go to buy school supplies? Where do I go to school?’ So those kids just feel a lot of uncertainty. Operation Homefront helps build that community for them and also provides them with some of the support they need.”
Bridget Gordon, a mother of four, attended the event with her family. Her husband is currently serving in the Army, and the family has moved four times since his service began. They are preparing to move again soon, and she expressed gratitude for the support provided by Operation Homefront.
“Getting stuff together and having it organized and ready and then the gift cards where I can put them online and do pickups, it makes life so much easier,” Gordon said. She highlighted how the event helped reduce the stress of preparing for a new location by providing essential supplies and resources.
Fagan noted that one of the most rewarding aspects of the event is witnessing the joy and excitement of the children as they select their backpacks. The colorful packs, filled with school supplies, stickers, and other fun items, bring smiles to the faces of the children.
“The smiles on their faces when they come and see that we are thanking them for serving. And that it’s not just the service member, but we really value those kids too and the sacrifices they make is really what it’s all about,” Fagan said.
This annual event not only provides practical support but also fosters a sense of community and appreciation for the sacrifices made by military families. By offering resources and encouragement, Operation Homefront plays a vital role in helping these families navigate the challenges of frequent moves and maintain a sense of stability and normalcy for their children.
Through partnerships with local businesses like Walmart, the organization continues to make a meaningful impact on the lives of military families across the country. The event serves as a reminder that the support of the community is essential in ensuring that military children have the tools and confidence they need to succeed in school and beyond.
