My Walk for Autism

If you don't know, our son has autism.  At 18 months, I took him to the doctor's office and while he was examining my other twin, I knew that my son wasn't making any of the developmental markers that he should be.  It started what would be a long process to have our family be included in what the military considers "Exceptional Family Member Program".  I have come to love that moniker.  It exemplifies how I view my son.  He is exceptionally gifted in certain areas, such as his disposition.  He is rarely unkind to anyone, unless they take his Toby the Tank Engine train; it's a Thomas thing.  He has an exceptional ability to remember his letters and numbers, and he has an exceptional view of the world.  He is very quiet, and I think that it might be that he doesn't feel the need to comment on the world quite like my daughter does, his twin.  She might just talk enough for the both of them.  They are almost 4 now, and we don't compare their milestones.  My girl makes progress in different ways, like learning when to be silent and my son in when to speak up.

There is a walk taking place here in San Antonio that is close to my heart.  We will be joining forces as Joint Base San Antonio to walk together to bring light to members that share in the common goal of bringing more services to autistic children, and all Exceptional Family Members here in JBSA.  Family members, friends and colleagues can all register using the same criteria.   Find out more information at www.walkforautismsa.com

2011 Operation Purple® Camp to be in Texas and other states...

The National Military Family Association is excited to announce the states that will have 2011 Operation Purple summer camps. This free summer camp program was developed by the Association to support military children dealing with the stress of war. The eighth summer of Operation Purple camps will host children for 40 weeks of camp in 25 states as well as in Okinawa.

States: Alabama, Alaska, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Indiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Minnesota, Mississippi, North Carolina, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia

Overseas: Okinawa

Information about the camp program and eligibility is available online atwww.militaryfamily.org/op. Specific camp locations, dates, and contact information will be available when registration opens on March 31, 2011. Until then, interested families can sign up to receive email notices and announcements on the website.

Camps are free to all participants thanks to support from Goldman Sachs Gives, the Sierra Club, and the Sierra Club Foundation.

Return to Full Issue