Wisconsin Operation Military Kids
Operation Purple 
 Volunteers Help at Wisonsin National Guard Youth Camp
 Driving into Volk Field in Camp Douglas, WI, Ashley and Nicole
Cray, Samantha and Connie Jackson, and Alyssa Adrian had no clue what
to expect. They knew they were there as volunteers to help with the
Wisconsin National Guard Youth Camp. The theme throughout the camp was
"A Mission of Discovery, Friendship and Teamwork".This camp is for
children ages 8 -
17
years who have family members, neighbors and friends in the military.
Upon entering Volk Field, they drove up to a group of
people wearing very bright, colorful shirts. The camp was divided
by age groups and then into smaller squadrons. Each squadron had
a drill sergeant, medic, security personnel and a couple of counselors.
They were pointed in the direction of their barracks where they
would be sleeping. "I was too excited to sleep," says Nicole. On Saturday,
they were able to ride in a 5-ton truck, which is used to haul
military personnel.
 They also got to look inside the cock pit of an F-16 Fighting
Falcon Fighter Jet, talk to the pilots and get an up-close look
at other military equipment.
Air Force 2 actually landed while the girls were there as the
president was to be visiting MN's recent bridge collapse devastation
later that day and this was to be his spare plane. Their job at
camp was to help with the
11-13
year old group. There were around 100 kids in this age group and
close to 270 kids all together at camp. They helped them tie-dye,
make a journal, make Friendship bracelets, and make other crafts.
"It was a lot of fun,"
said Sam. "Overall, it was as great experience and I can't wait until
next year" stated Alyssa. "It was a nice glimpse into the military
life, breakfast at 6 a.m.!" remarked Ashley.
Ashley, Sam, Nicole, Alyssa, and Connie are all a part of a state
team whose goal is to create community support networks for military
youth when their parents are deployed.
If anyone would like to become a part of this wonderful team,
please contact Connie Jackson at 608-822-6028 or Cathy McPhail
at 608-723-2125 at the UW-Extension Office in Lancaster.
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