Senator Moran stops by Operation Purple Camp

By Jesse Murphy jesse@emporia.com
Jul 6, 2015
Jul 6, 2015
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This is a special week at Camp Wood YMCA as they are hosting children that are part of Operation Purple Camp.

The camp is meant for children of military parents who are deployed, with given scholarships to attend through a partnership between the camp, the National Military Family Association and the Wounded Warriors Project.

Ann Hamilton, volunteer services coordinator with the Military Family Association, said that they were able to offer the free camp with the first-year pairing with the Wounded Warriors project.

“It’s a week for military kids to connect,” Hamilton said. “It’s really important for military kids to know that they’re not alone. If you’re a Guard or Reserve child, sometimes you feel extra isolated because you’re the only child in your school or your grade that has a military parent who is deployed. It’s great for them to come to a camp like this and realize that there are other children having the same experience.”

United States Senator Jerry Moran stopped by the camp on Monday to spend some time with the children.

“In part I’m here to say thanks to a group of people who are committed to a great cause, the kids whose mom’s and dad’s serve us in the military,” Moran said. “And particularly after this July 4 weekend, it’s great to see Americans caring for children of those who serve in the military.”

Operation Purple Camp is currently in 29 different camps throughout 24 states, and will serve roughly 2,600 youth this summer.

More on this story in tomorrow’s Gazette.