Wee Pray - Pray With Me
The easy-to-use app allows you to attach photos and record prayers or special messages
for your child to play when the deployed parent cannot be with them. The app allows the
away-from-home person (be it Daddy in Iraq or Nana in another state) to reinforce their
special relationship with the at-home-child and helps the at-home-parent maintain and
support daily routines, like prayer time. This app for iPhone, iPad and iTouch accepts updated
voice messages and photos that can be emailed via the app when internet access is available.
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E-cards for Mother's Day, Father's Day
Send your deployed Mom or Dad an e-card for Mother's Day or Father's Day. Link also
includes other themed e-cards.
KidsLink Downrange
KidsLink Downrange is a project where MOPS groups all around the USA help military kids
connect to their deployed parents by creating Card Kits the kids can use to keep in touch
with their mom or dad.
Troops in Touch TM Cards - Pre-printed interactive activity postcards by Create My Gift
The child receives each card from deployed parent (like a little gift) to color, connect the dots or maze. Then the child completes the "art", puts it in an envelope and sends it back to the parent, furthering communication by sharing the accomplishment --one card at a time.
Troops In Touch cards are 5 1/2 by 4 1/4 inches, ready to address and with space for the deployed parent to write a short note. Packaged in resealable plastic bags in sets of 10, they include an assortment of general designs as well as those for holidays & celebrations. You choose boy or girl sets. New sets are available throughout the year with changing seasons, holidays and general subjects.
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Countdown calendar (Her War, Her Voice)
I have found this calendar a great way for my young children to count down the return of their Papa. It can be done in many creative ways. This is a picture of the most basic...
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This is a grassroots effort to show our support for the troops and their families. We tried to think of something we could send Dad or Mom that they could easily send back to their kids. This is something easy to ship and something the kids can hang on to until Dad or Mom gets back home.
Military brat dog tags and military brat coins available in each branch of service. Crest of the military wife is also available for purchase.
Sells plush uniformed teddy bears, army brat dog tags, "My Dad Fights for our Freedom" coin.
Sells We Serve Too! (Be Strong and Courageous!) dog tags and We Serve Too! (We just make the best of it) dog tags.
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Fabric Family
Fabric Family was developed during the wildly successful Flat Daddies phenomena. Fabric Families were created as a way for children and loved ones to give deployed service members a unique, inexpensive, and versatile life-size family photo. A big familiar image, which they can keep with them at all times and hang wherever they are, to make their space feel closer to home.
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Flat Brat TM
Flat Brat TM was developed as a joint effort by Benita Koeman and Beth Allen to bring another colorable project to military kids to help them through deployments. Beth is a military supporter and the creator of Troops In Touch interactive postcards and Benita is a military wife, founder of Operation We Are Here, and creator of Brat Town Bugle: A Publication of Non-Recruits in Big Boots.
They developed Flat Brat TM to be gender and race neutral, and specific to military children (aka military brats), something that would help bridge the gap between the deployed parent and military child.
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Flat Daddies, Flat Mommies
Flat Daddies and Flat Mommies are life-sized printed posters (waist and up) of parents who are actively serving overseas in the military. Flat Daddies were created as a way to help younger children and families stay connected to their loved ones serving extended periods of time away from home. To make your own Flat Daddy or Flat Mommy, visit www.imalreadyhome.com.
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Hero Helpers - Lifesize Cardboard Cutout of your Military Service Member
LifeSizeCustomCutouts.com have launched a special program for military families with a loved one currently deployed on active duty. As a special way to thank our armed forces, we would like to announce the arrival of Hero Helpers.
Hero Helpers are life size cardboard cutouts made from any picture you send in. We know how hard it is having a loved one be away for prolonged periods of time, and wanted a way to show our appreciation for their sacrifice.
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Hero Packs (Operation: Military Kids)
Hero Packs serve as a tangible expression of support for Military Families from their communities and OMK Partners. Hero Packs are filled by non-military youth and community organizations with mementos and items designed to help keep military kids connected with their deployed parent. They are a way to hand-deliver a salute to military children and youth for their strength and sacrifices while parents are deployed. A Hero Pack project involves local non-military youth groups and/or community organizations in a valuable community service effort that demonstrates thanks and support from their peers in the community.
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Homecoming Box - We Serve Too
The Homecoming Box concept was developed by Kathleen Edick and Paula Johnson (authors of We Serve Too!, We Serve Too! 2 and The Homecoming Box child deployment and reunion books). It has three purposes:
- The deployed parent knows you are collecting memories on their behalf
- The spouse and children have an ongoing project that causes them to think about their loved one in every situation
- Another benefit is that when a child wants the deployed parent there, and is not consoled by words, the search for the best possible symbol for the box allows the child to actively do something to preserve the memory.
The website has downloadable instructions to create your own Homecoming Box. Also has accompanying instructions to create your own Tear Bottle.
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Real time activities with deployed parent
MyChildMyMilitary.com allows you to read interactive books, play games and do activities with your child in real time from anywhere in the world. The site allows users to see and hear one another while they read books, play games and do art activities together -- all in real time. Free for military families.
Sesame Street Family Connections
The Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury (DCoE) in collaboration with Sesame Street Workshop recently unveiled the "Sesame Street Family Connections" website. This interactive website -- similar to the social networking site Facebook -- allows Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and their families to stay connected in a safe and nurturing environment surrounded by their favorite Sesame Street friends.
It's a private place where only the family and friends you invite can post messages, create and share artwork, upload photos and record videos.
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My Daddy is in the Army
My Daddy is in the Army free iron on transfer for children’s shirts. Make your own shirts using this free printable iron-on transfer.
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Deployment Kids
This website has journaling ideas to get kids started in journaling about their parent's deployment.
Deployment Journals
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Jocelyn Green
Jocelyn Green, military wife and author of Faith Deployed has some great ideas military parents have submitted that helped their children cope with deployment.
Sarah Smiley
A great collection of reader-submitted tips and ideas about dealing with deployments and military life for families of the armed services.
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Kissing Pillows (I Love You) - USA
These hand-stitched little pillows are designed to be used as a keepsake for the children and loved ones left behind by the Soldiers departing for service of the United States of America. The Soldier should kiss the pillow and give one to each of his or her loved ones to hold onto until he or she returns form war. The pillows also can be given to those who are being deployed and know that they are filled with hugs and kisses from their loved ones and from those of us who care and made them for each Soldier. We hope the pillows will be a comfort during the lonely times for both the Soldier and the families. The Evergreen Chapter of the Embroiderers' Guild of America.Inc. has lovingly stitched numerous of these pillows with gratitude for your service to our country.
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Mentoring by big brother/big sister, foster grandparenting
Council of Dads
Bestselling author Bruce Feilerwas a young father when he was diagnosed with cancer. Worried about his daughters, he asked six men to form a “Council of Dads” to help guide them through their lives. This site is designed to help you do the same, whether you're sick or well, male or female. Reach out to your friends. You'll be glad you did!
Foster Grandparent Program
An intergenerational initiative that gives foster grandparent volunteers the opportunity to share a lifetime of experience with today's children and youth while remaining active in the community.
Operation Bigs - Military mentoring (San Diego, CA)
Children with a parent in the military, including a deployed parent, face unique challenges that may include separation and loss in addition to the stresses of military life. To help provide the additional support these children need, Big Brothers Big Sisters has established a program called the Military Mentoring Program. It joins children of parents in the military with Bigs who are in the military, retired or civilian.
San Diego is home to 800,000 active and retired military personnel and their dependents, the largest population in the US. In an effort to serve this population more effectively, Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Diego County designed the Operation Bigs program, which provides mentors to children of military families through Big Brothers Big Sisters' School/Site-Based program.
San Diego is home to 800,000 active and retired military personnel and their dependents, the largest population in the US. In an effort to serve this population more effectively, Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Diego County designed the Operation Bigs program, which provides mentors to children of military families through Big Brothers Big Sisters' School/Site-Based program.
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Brat Town Bugle: A Publication of Non-Recruits in Big Boots
Brat Town Bugle is a free, downloadable newspaper to help bridge the gap between home front kids and their geographically separated parent. 40+ pages to choose from!
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American Hero Hugs
Our HeroLight is a perfect way for your HERO to shine as a beacon in the night for your little one. AmericanHeroHugs night lights are handmade and edged with coordinating red or blue ribbon and personalized with a picture you upload* of your HERO.
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Kids Thank A Vet
There are many patriotic crafts that are fun and easy to do. Here are some suggestions that can be done for special holidays or whenever you feel patriotic.
Making Friends - Camouflage Friends
Camouflage Paper Doll "Friends"
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Operation Kid Comfort
ASYMCA’s (Armed Services YMCA) Operation Kid Comfort is designed to address the emotional stress that children of military personnel suffer during a parent’s absence from home. Operation Kid Comfort provide free quilts for children six and under and pillows for children age seven and up. ASYMCA volunteers collect photographs from military families to make “photo-transfer” quilts that feature images of the deployed family member. Photographs of the deployed parent are scanned into a computer, printed, and placed onto the fabric. The quilt is then given to the child to play with, sleep with, or use to comfort them from the grief of missing their deployed parent.
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American Hero Hugs Pillow (American Hero Hugs)
Cuddle with your AmericanHeroHugs pillow today! Perfect for tucking in a backpack for an overnight visit or just snuggling with.
This adoreable handmade pillow is 8"x8", 100% cotton photo pillow and personalized with a picture you upload of your HERO. Each pillow has a red, white and blue ribbon handle to make it easy for you child to hold and carry around. Each pillow comes with our logo dogtag and AmericanHeroHugs poem.
Remember Me Pillow (All Ribboned Out)
In March 2008 my husband headed off on his fourth deployment. In the past they've been relatively short 3-4 months. This deployment, however, was set to last 7 months. As my husband left and I worked on curtains for my teenage girls' room I thought about making them matching pillows. As I thought some more I wondered about putting their Dad's picture on the pillows so that he would be close to them during the deployment. From that idea I made each of my children a "pillow" with their Dad's picture on it. In order to personalize them for each of the children I backed them with a material of their choosing and added a matching ribbon. From there the Remember Me Pillows were born.
My hope is that each Remember Me Pillow brings as much comfort to the child (or spouse, parent, niece, nephew, girlfriend) that receives them as my children got from them during his last deployment.
Each Remember Me Pillow is about 12 inches high and 4-5 inches wide depending on the photo sent. I will personalize each "pillow" with a fabric backing of your choice. I have many, many fabrics to choose from. On the bottom of your pillow I will add a ribbon to match the fabric backing. This is great to use as a handle to carry it around or for those little ones who love the "tag" on things.
Sweet Dreams Picture Pillow
The Sweet Dream Picture Pillows are available to the children of any family whose father or mother is on active duty and will be absent from their family for at least three months. All pillows are provided at no charge! We do ask for a contribution to pay for shipping and handling after you order your pillow.
Hero Pillow Case (American Hero Hugs)
Sleep soundly with your HERO tonight! White, 100% Long Grain Egyptian Cotton, standard pillow case personalized with our AmericanHeroHugs poem and a picture you upload* of your HERO.
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A Story Before Bed
Record yourself reading a story to your children! A Story Before Bed is giving away 250,000 FREE RECORDINGS to parents (aunts, uncles, etc.) in the U.S. Armed forces who are deploying or already deployed away from their children for any amount of time.
Readeo - See, hear and read with each other even when you're far away!
Ages 0-8
Ages 0-8Readeo was founded in 2009 by CEO Coby Neuenschwander while living in Chicago with his son Oliver. Because of the distance between Oliver and his grandparents, they were having trouble establishing a meaningful relationship. Visits only happened a couple of times per year, phone calls were inadequate, and video chat alone didn’t hold Oliver’s attention. Reading together became the vehicle for establishing and strengthening the relationship between grandparent and grandchild.
Today, Readeo is a patent-pending product that combines the best children’s books with high-quality video chat to create a shared reading experience called BookChatTM where people can see, hear, read and interact with grandchildren, nephews, nieces, and others—just as you would if you were in the same room. Readeo allows families to connect and interact in a meaningful way—even when they may be far apart.
United through Reading
The United Through Reading® Military Program helps ease the stress of separation for military families by having deployed parents read children’s books aloud via DVD for their child to watch at home.
This powerful program is available to all deploying military units and at select USO locations. It provides parents a chance to make powerful and lasting connections with their children and parent from afar.
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A Heart Apart (by Melissa Seligman, Christina Piper)
website (ages 4-8)
Too often, the focus is on the uniform. On the one serving. But what of the countless children who have served silently, over and over again, through sustained deployments? Where are their news stories and accounts of bravery? What about medals for their sacrifice? Their time spent, waiting?
Our book is different in that it encourages children to create and share their own unique stories, upload their own photos then share it with their deployed parent overseas.
Each deployment is different. And each military child is special. Taking the time to celebrate each child’s uniqueness is essential in helping our war children on the road to healing and recovery. Each picture uploaded is a window into their hearts, and if a picture is worth a thousand words, these children have volumes to tell.
These children serve bravely and repeatedly. They deserve the opportunity to share their story, honor their struggle, and salute their victory. Every hero should be celebrated. And we have written A Heart Apart to celebrate and honor the very warriors we admire most: our own children. Free copy for service member with each purchase. Also available - free downloadable activity sheets to complement the book.
Over There Activity Book (Daddy version, Mommy version)
Here is an opportunity to create your own Over There children's book! Download the PDF (either the mommy version or the daddy version, depending on which parent is deployed), print it out, and attach photos that represent the spirit of the text. If you and your child are feeling extra creative, you can even draw your own illustrations. Do whatever feels right to capture your family's unique deployment story. After completing the book, keep it on hand and read it to your child as often as each of you would like.
Tikatok
Creating a book with Tikatok is a simple and fun way for you and your child to express imagination and creativity.
1. Write your story.
2. Add pictures.
3. Order your book (hard cover, soft cover, or e-book download)
You're Never Far Away (by Jan Krystkowiak)
Where in the World Books, created by children’s author Jan Krystkowiak, are personalized children’s books that incorporate the child’s name into the story and photos with state of the art print technology.
You’re Never far Away is a book customized for the deployed Servicemen and written with deployment in mind.
This is a personalized photo book for a child who knows someone in the military. The child's name is in the story and cleverly implemented into the photos. Children feel the story is written only about them. See the look on their faces as they see their name in a cereal bowl, in fireworks, and much more. 26 pages with your child's name in the story over 24 times, plus your child's name on the cover!
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Dayspring
Recordable Storybooks from DaySpring feature exclusive voice-capture technology that enables a person to record each page of a book and have it played back over and over as the recipient turns the pages. The recording will not be lost, even when the batteries need to be replaced.
The original books were designed for an adult to read to a child. Subsequent titles also are perfect for adults and children to record together or for children to record for a grandparent.
Recordable Storybooks are available at Christian retail stores nationwide. Use the store locator on DaySpring.com to find your nearest Christian retail store.
Hallmark
Hallmark’s new Recordable Storybooks allow someone like a parent or grandparent to “read” a book to a child, even when they cannot be present. The Recordable Storybook features voice capture technology, recording the reader’s voice, which is captured within the book. When a child turns a page, the book automatically plays the text on that page in the reader’s voice. Hallmark Recordable Storybooks are great alternatives for out-of-town grandparents, parents in the military, or parents who travel on business who still want to “read” to their kids from across the miles. Some titles include: The Night Before Christmas, All the Ways I Love You, and Bright and Beautiful.
Hallmark also sells Conversations To Keep TM - recordable interviews. This fun, together-time activity
is filled with open-ended questions that spark imaginative answers only kids can give. Titles include: Dad & Me, Mom & Me, Grandma & Me.
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Talkatoo
Welcome, oh fab little button recorder. Designed for kids (yet hip for parents), it comes as a necklace or as a clip-on charm for backpacks, lunchboxes, purses or even belt loops. Just press the little button to record a message, then the big one to hear it back (repeat as desired). Fun to wear, fun to share. From silly to sentimental, it's perfect for whenever you're apart. 30 seconds of recording time. Lockout switch protects messages.
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American Hero Hugs Bear
Hug your HERO bear! The AmericanHeroHugs Teddy Bear is snuggly 15 inches tall. Teddy comes with a white t-shirt personalized with the AmericaHeroHugs logo and a picture you upload* of your HERO.
Battalion Buddies
http://opgrat.wordpress.com/2011/05/09/battalion-buddies-supporting-the-children-of-deployed-troops/
Having already shipped more than 600,000 care packages to service men and women deployed in combat zones, Operation Gratitude is pleased to announce the launch of “Battalion Buddies” — a new program designed to serve and encourage the young children of deploying troops.
In cooperation with Family Readiness Officers and battalion leaders nationwide, Operation Gratitude will begin providing special stuffed toys – known as Battalion Buddies – to the sons and daughters of U.S. military personnel as their units prepare to deploy.
U.S. Military: We are happy to send the Battalion Buddies to all the children of a deploying or deployed unit upon request from the rear detachment and/or family readiness officer. Please have the command contact us at BattalionBuddy@gmail.com so we can make arrangements directly with them for a shipment. (At this time, we do not have the resources to send the Buddies to individual children.)
Bear Forces of America
U.S. Air Force Bears, U.S. Army Bears, U.S. Coast Guard Bears, U.S. Marine Corps Bears, U.S. Navy Bears, plus accessories. Size/styles include large, mini, plush and even a gorilla mini bear.
Blanket Battle Buddy (Her War, Her Voice)
Tee shirt blankets - I cut up one of my husband’s shirts and one of his uniform jackets. I used fabric and pockets from the uniform to create special places for them to insert photos, letters, or special secrets to their daddy. The fabric crawled. I ran out of thread three times. The ACU uniform was frustrating. The sewing was far from my best. Jagged stitches. Completely less than perfect. But, the absolute delight and snuggled babes made it worth every ounce of my time. Now, I want to cut up all his shirts to make more!! Directions included to make your own Blanket Battle Buddy.
Build-A-Bear Workshop
At Build-A-Bear Workshop®, our mission is to bring the Teddy Bear to life. An American icon, the Teddy Bear brings to mind warm thoughts about our childhood, about friendship, about trust and comfort, and also about love. Can customize with voice recordings and military gear.
Chantilly Lane
Sells singing American Heroes bears.
Cuddletunes Bears
The Cuddlebear keeps military families connected and close - even through deployments around the world. We understand the amazing sacrifice Military families make to serve and protect our country. Time away and moves across the country can make it a challenge to stay close to those you love. Cuddletunes gives your family a way to send loving messages, read stories and even sing kids to sleep anytime, from anywhere through our durable, soft teddy bear.
It's easy - create a Cuddletunes account online to make your own beautiful and very personalized "soundtrack". Your favorite small child can use the bear to fall asleep to every night - or play with and learn from during the day! New songs and recordings can be quickly and easily added to the bear any time.
The bear is a plush and snuggly 9.5 inches tall, with a specialized MP3 player and speaker built inside. It holds hours of content and has a soft, durable exterior. Buttons sewn into the feet make it easy for even the youngest children to find their favorite "tracks".
Daddy Dolls
Daddy Dolls was started by military spouses that found that children needed tangible things to hold during a deployment.They will print your soldier's picture on a doll, pillow case, teddy bear's shirt, dog tags, etc., and send it to you.
Huggee Miss You Doll
Sells digi-camouflage doll with recordable or non-recordable options for children of deployed parents.
Im With You Doll
When you can’t be there in person, give them the next best thing. A plush, squeezable, lovable fleece doll with YOUR FACE! Whether you’re a deploying soldier, a far-away grandparent, or just down the hall, leave an Im With You Doll in your place. They’ll sleep better, and so will you! Send us your face photo, and we’ll make an Im With You Doll for when you:
- Are missing a deployed soldier
- Live far from your children’s grandparents
- Travel and can’t see your kids every day
- Miss the love of your life
Freeze anyone in time! Send us your face photo so we can create an Im You Doll to comfort you.
Iva GotYa TM, by Noellas Gifts
Children of deployed soldiers can take this very special keepsake with them everywhere. Each ‘Iva GotYa’ has a clip and gift tag attached, with To and From fields for personalization. The tag reads: “When I can’t be there… Just give Iva a squeeze, it’s a hug from me; hear me say, you’re okay, and always know… Iva GotYa”.
It is a cute way for soldiers, parents, grandparents, and friends to remind the children left behind that they love them. The more they receive, the more they see everyday how much we care.
Designs available for boys and girls, young and old, including camouflage. For ages 5+, including 50+! Shipping via USPS Priority Mail; APO/FPO addresses welcome.
My Huggy
MyHuggy gives you 20 minutes of recording time to share your thoughts, feelings, wisdom, values, advice, and the love you have for them, in your words. MyHuggy lets your personality shine through. With MyHuggy, nothing has to be left unspoken.Let them get to know you more, let them feel your love and support, let them hear your words of encouragement when they are sad, lonely, or discouraged. Let them hear their favorite story or that special song you sing over, and over, and over again. You can even record something fun and silly, just to bring a smile to their face. Let them know you love them, let them know no matter what you are always there for them. Whenever they want or need you, they just hug MyHuggy, and feel your love and presence.
Operation Give a Hug
Operation Give a Hug is a non-profit, all-volunteer program to help comfort military children by giving them special dolls, often referred to by children as their daddy or mommy doll. Each doll provides a place to put the photo of the deployed parent and gives a child a tangible way of relating to that parent.
Operation Hug a Hero
Give a little homeland security. The mission of Operation Hug-A-Hero® (OHAH) is to help comfort the children of our American Heroes working valiantly in support of our nation’s homeland security by providing them with a free Hug-A-Hero® doll. The vision of Operation Hug-A-Hero is to provide a Hug-A-Hero doll to every child, regardless of need, of a deploying or fallen military service member and those who support our nation’s homeland security efforts in a proactive and timely manner.
Troop Paws
Thank you in advance for your support of our brave military personnel. We are so excited to offer you this one of a kind, completely authentic dog that comes complete with a pocket to put a photo of your loved one in. Whether it’s for you, a family member, a friend or a stranger, it makes the perfect gift.
Uniform Accessories Unlimited
Sells plush uniformed teddy bears, army brat dog tags, "My Dad Fights for our Freedom" coin.
US Deployment Dolls (available spring 2012)
US Deployment Dolls is is a family business that has created special dolls for our military children for a lifetime of keepsakes. Our dolls are specially customized for anyone facing challenging separation from their loved ones. These Deployment Dolls will ease anxiety our children are faced with with when mommy or daddy are temporarily away or deployed overseas. Each doll is customized with their loved ones face, matching combat duty outfit, custom nametags, and a 20 second heart voice recorder to bring our little ones strength, courage and comfort. Our dolls are perfect for big people too. Mom missing her young son or daughter at war, wife or girlfriend to cuddle with, most perfect for our Fallen Warrior families so we never forget.
Vermont Teddy Bear
Sells a 15" camoflauge teddy bear, desert camo with t-shirt bear and military bear.
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We Serve Too
The Tear Bottle concept was developed by Kathleen Edick and Paula Johnson (authors of We Serve Too! and We Serve Too! 2 and The Homecoming Box child deployment and reunion books) to accompany The Homecoming Box. How does the Tear Bottle work? Take one "tear", write or draw a representation of the event that brought the tears to the surface on your special strip of paper or ribbon. Drop the tear and the description into the bottle....
The website has downloadable instructions to create your own Tear Bottle. Also has accompanying instructions to create your own Homecoming Box.
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The Big Picture (Mail yourself to Daddy or Mommy)
Here is a wonderful idea for kids - trace around them so they can send themselves to their Dad or Mom. Details in this blog post by Camo-N-Kids, the creators of the We Serve Too! books.
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Click on the topics below for more information to learn more about these resources:
Other helpful links:
Free resources developed by Operation We Are Here and Troops in Touch TM:
Copyright Benita Koeman 2008 - 2011
Military children and teens
Deployment (or military separation) resources
Free coloring pages developed by Troops in Touch TM:
resources
Organizations that support:
Resources for:
Resources for:
Encouragement:
Military life:
Free downloads for kids:
