In many ways, Moranda Hern and Kaylei Deakin are regular American teens. But, when these two California girls posted a video on YouTube, they showed wisdom and insight far beyond their years. Their video came as a response to www.dosomething.org, which challenges teens to use “the power of online to get teens to do good stuff offline.” (To see their video, click here)

Moranda and Kaylei, who met at a conference for young women sponsored by TV news personality Maria Shriver, decided to do something BIG:  They are trying to organize the first major get-together for the children, specifically daughters, of troops who have gone to war.... Read more here

Military families know too well the stress of having a family member deployed. Children especially are affected. Military spouses have been speaking up about the challenges faced by families of servicemembers, even talking with Defense Secretary Robert Gates.

Last week, Gates was recognized by the National Military Family Association for his work to improve support for military family members. Recent changes include modifying the GI Bill to allow servicemembers to transfer benefits to other family members–an idea that Gates first heard about from a spouse at Fort Hood, Texas.

Other changes include the Military Spouse Career Advancement initiative, which allows military spouses to get professional training, licenses or certificates needed to move into portable, high-growth careers, such as health care and technology. To learn how to apply for this benefit, click here. Already, many spouses have taken advantage of this benefit to enroll in courses this summer.... Read more here

Kids: What’s a great way your Dad has taken care of you while he was deployed?

Dads: What have you done to care for your kids while you were deployed?
... Read more here

My teenage sense of self was crying out for a boost when my brother was invited to go on a weekend hunting trip and I was not. My pain spilled over into sadness, disgust, and clamor.

When my parents inquired as to the trouble, I explained how I felt, and before long something powerful happened. My Dad changed his plans and took me, me alone, to Loon Lake on a day-long fishing trip.

Please understand that my Dad was a busy pastor of a growing church. Saturdays are not normally good days for pastors to be out and about, because so much has to be ready for the big day on Sunday. But my Dad sacrificially gave his time, energy, and plans to care for his son on that drizzly Saturday so long ago.... Read more here

May is the month of Mother’s Day and whether or not you are a mother, you certainly had one! I would like to reflect on women’s service to our nation, both through their spouses and children and in their own service. From ancient times women have sent war fighters off to conflict, supported them, fed them, nursed them, comforted them, prayed for them, and welcomed them home. It’s no different today. What amazing work they do! How much our warriors need to know that those at home care for them, and that the care will continue when they return home. And for some, mothers also are the warriors. Yes, in today’s military just under 15% of our active duty servicemembers are female, and 17.6% of our reserve/Guard personnel are female (according to the 2007 Demographics: Profile of the Military Community). Many female military members also are mothers. Understandably, for many, mothering and military service do not mix. ... Read more here