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Joint Chiefs Chairman Visits Military Children at National Military Family Association's Operation Purple(R) Camp

Posted on: Thursday, 13 August 2009, 13:59 CDT

SAN DIEGO, Aug. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Military children at the National Military Family Association's Operation Purple(R) camp got quite a surprise yesterday when their camp director introduced them to the 'top dog' in the military. Admiral Mike Mullen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and his wife Deborah paid a special visit to the camp at Naval Base San Diego to visit with military children and see what a day was like at Operation Purple camp.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090813/CG61368)

The Chairman addressed the children with words of encouragement and appreciation. "I want to leave you with this one message," Mullen said. "How proud we are of each and every one of you. Thank you for your service and your sacrifice." The Chairman emphasized his appreciation for the good job military parents are doing to help keep the world safe. He encouraged kids to keep up their hard work while their parents are deployed or returning from deployment. "Just like your parents, you make a difference."

After happy shouts from the kids confirmed they were having fun rock climbing, surfing, and hiking, Mullen related the importance of experiences like Operation Purple camp. "Common bonds and common experiences help us when our parents go away," he told the kids. An important shared experience at this camp is the Wall of Honor. Everyone watched as children got up on stage, showed a photo, and told a little bit about their service member parent. Colorful and touching photos covered every inch of the display as each child got the opportunity to express their pride for their military parents.

"Having the Chairman and his wife take time out of their schedule to visit Operation Purple camp shows that programs like these are necessary," said Mary Scott, National Military Family Association Chairman of the Board. "That verification allows us to complete our vital mission--to take care of military families. We are so appreciative that the Mullens could visit camp and let these children know just how important they are."

The Operation Purple program began in 2004 and has since grown to more than 80 weeks of camp in 37 states. Thanks to a partnership with the Sierra Club and the Sierra Club Foundation, more than 20,000 military children have attended a free week of Operation Purple camp. The goal of the camps is simple--let our Nation's youngest heroes know that "Kids Serve Too!"

About the National Military Family Association

Military families serve our country with pride, honor, and quiet dedication. The National Military Family Association is the leading nonprofit organization committed to strengthening and protecting the families of the men and women currently serving, retired, wounded or fallen. We provide families of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Commissioned Corps of the USPHS and NOAA with information, work to get them the benefits they deserve, and offer programs that improve their lives. Our 40 years of service and accomplishments have made us a trusted resource for military families and the Nation's leaders. To learn more, visit http://www.militaryfamily.org/.

About Sierra Club(TM)

The Sierra Club's mission is to explore, enjoy and protect the planet. The Sierra Club's members and supporters are more than 1.3 million of your friends and neighbors. Inspired by nature, we work together to protect our communities and the planet. The Sierra Club is America's oldest, largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization. We are committed to connecting military families with the healing powers of our natural heritage. Visit www.sierraclub.org/military for more information.

Contact: Bailey Toombs, +1-703-931-6632, for National Military Family Association

SOURCE National Military Family Association

Source: PR Newswire

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