History of MKU

Below is a brief history of Military Kids Unite. It is written by Connor Carr, a former Dana Middle School 6th grade student whose dad was deployed in the 2009-2010 school year. Connor had a desire to help others. He knew that life wasn't easy when his dad was on deployment. When Connor decided to helps others he also found that the support was beneficial for him. Connor is now a college student. What he did for others continues to leave a mark in this community. - Mr. Rosenberg

Military Kids Unite Club (MKU):

Helping Military Kids

2009-2010

My name is Connor Carr, I am 13 years old and the proud son of Colonel Kevin Carr. When I heard that my Dad was going to deploy to Iraq, a mixture of feelings went through my head. I was mostly scared, mad and very sad. My Dad is the best Dad a kid could ever have. He helps me with math, baseball practice, and he always makes me feel good about myself. I thought to myself, “How am I going to make it while he is gone for a year?” I knew I wasn’t the only kid with a dad, mom, sister, brother, or family member that was going to deploy or was already deployed. I decided that it would be nice to start a club for kids who are going through the same thing as me. I wanted the club to be a place where kids can come and talk about their feelings and help each other through good and bad times. I took my idea to my ASB teacher and the principal of my school and they loved it.

On January 21st of this year, MKU, Military Kids Unite, held its first meeting at my middle school, Dana Middle School in San Diego. About 25 students came to enjoy pizza, cupcakes and to talk about the goals of the club moving forward. As an ice breaker, we used a question ball to get to know each other. Our meetings since then have included sharing feelings about our parents being deployed, coping strategies, and card making. For our last meeting, we had one of our member’s parents, OS2 Griffin, who just returned from a Navy deployment, come and speak to us. This was really cool because she asked to come and speak at our meeting because her son had talked to her about how the club had helped him while she was gone. The students enjoyed this. For our meeting in May, my Mom is bringing in small flags for everyone. We’re going to attach pictures of our military family member and a small paragraph about why we are proud of them. We are going to put all the flags, which will be about 25, on display in a planter of red, white, and blue flowers for open house, so the other students and their families can honor them as well.

Kids come up to me and thank me for starting the MKU. It feels really good because I know I’m not only helping myself, but helping other kids like me. I will be moving to a new school next year and I’m working to start the MKU at my new school, and maybe someday, in all the schools in San Diego!

Thanks for taking the time to read my story.

From, Connor Carr

Founder/Creator of Military Kids Unite 2009-2010

Dana Middle School and proud son of Colonel Carr