Support veterans, don't forget about their children too

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - A recent article from the Indiana Youth Institute (IYI) highlights the challenges for military children in Indiana.

Bill Stanczykiewicz, President and CEO of IYI, stopped by News 18 Daybreak to discuss the topic further. With Veterans Day just around the corner, it's important not to forget the families of armed service members.

In the IYI article, it states 44 percent of active duty military members are parents. In Indiana, more than 18,000 children have a parent in the military.

Stanczykiewicz said Indiana is unique in the fact that military children are spread out across the state, instead of concentrated around a military base like for example, at Ft. Benning, Ga. In communities where an active military base is located, the community tends to be more knowledgeable of the military lifestyle and what children and families are going through.

The article goes into more detail, citing the Military Family Research Institute (MFRI) at Purdue University:

"Military children who are geographically isolated feel that people don't understand, and that sometimes can be really lonely," said Kathy Broniarczyk, director of outreach for MFRI. "They hear comments like, 'Oh, isn't that cool. Your dad gets to carry a gun and shoot people.' Well, if my dad is shooting at people, then someone is probably shooting at him. That type of thing can be unsettling for military youth."

Stanczykiewicz said activities developed by Operation Military Kids can help schools and youth organizations help military youth.

You can learn more about the Indiana Youth Institute via the organization's website. On the IYI website, you can also read the entire article on "Military Kids" in the IYI Monthly Column .