The Deb and Jeff Hansen Foundation’s Henry’s Heroes program supported 1,480 of Iowa’s military-connected youth with ‘Proud Military Kid’ t-shirts for the Month of the Military Child.
(West Des Moines, Iowa) – The Deb and Jeff Hansen Foundation and Iowa Select Farms honored 1,480 Iowa military-connected youth with “Proud Military Kid” T-shirts in recognition and celebration of the Month of the Military Child.
The shirts were distributed through the Foundation’s Henry’s Heroes program, an initiative that evolves each year to celebrate and support Iowa youth. This year’s initiative connects the program’s focus on Iowa youth with another pillar of the nonprofit—supporting the military community.
“The Deb and Jeff Hansen Foundation is committed to supporting Iowa’s military community,” said Laura Noehren, Foundation Program Manager. “It’s especially meaningful to align that mission with this year’s Henry’s Heroes initiative. Providing ‘Proud Military Kid’ shirts to 1,480 Iowa youth is one way we can recognize their important role in military families.”
April is recognized nationally as the Month of the Military Child, a time dedicated to honoring the important role military children play in supporting their families and communities. Throughout the month, organizations and communities highlight the resilience and contributions of military-connected youth.
Americans participate in Purple Up! Day by wearing purple to show support and appreciation for military children from all branches of service. This year, Purple Up! Day will be celebrated on Friday, April 10. Through this year’s Henry’s Heroes initiative, the Deb and Jeff Hansen Foundation is proud to help Iowa’s military kids take part in this nationwide recognition.
“Military children show incredible resilience as they navigate the unique challenges that come with having a parent or family member serving in the military,” said Erin Coogler, Iowa National Guard Child and Youth Program Coordinator. “They often make sacrifices of their own and demonstrate strength, adaptability, and support for their families during difficult times. Recognizing military children helps ensure their experiences are valued and reminds them that their sacrifices and contributions do not go unnoticed.”
This project is just one way the Deb and Jeff Hansen Foundation supports Iowa’s military community. Other initiatives include Pork for Patriots, which provides pork loins and supplies for Veterans Day events; My Veteran Hero, a program recognizing Iowa veterans with custom hats; and the Pork Care Package program, which distributes more than 17,000 pork coupon books to Iowa’s active military members each year. To learn more, visit iowaselect.com/foundation.
