Children in Crisis show their appreciation for troops

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Krystal M. Garrett
  • 1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. --  Dozens of children from Families Count prepare care packages for deployed troops at the Children in Crisis clubhouse in Fort Walton Beach, Fla., April 23, 2013.

"The children pick a different community service project each semester," said Courtney Ruiz, Families Count intern case manager from Children in Crisis. "This semester they really wanted to do something for the troops stationed at Hurlburt Field that are currently overseas."

The group of middle school-aged children ranging from ages 12 to 15, baked cookies and brownies, made cards and bandanas with the Soldier's Prayer on them to go in care packages for delivery to troops.

"The children receive services from the community, so it's important that we give back," said Mary Anne, Families Count intern case manager from Children in Crisis.

The children also visited Hurlburt to deliver the care packages to Lt. Col Stanley Arant, acting commander of the 319th Special Operations Squadron.

"These care packages will be distributed amongst our 4 geo-graphically separated locations and will boost the squadron's morale and serve as a reminder that we are serving a greater cause than ourselves, and that even the youngest members of our nation recognize that," said Arant.