MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Mississippi’s 4-H program was among the 4-H groups recently recognized by the Department of Defense for “exceptional service” to children, youth and families of military personnel around the world.

Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld signed a certificate of commendation to the national 4-H Youth Development Program and a framed copy was delivered to Martha Ray Sartor, 4-H specialist with Mississippi State University’s Extension Service. Sartor oversees Mississippi’s 4-H Military Project.

“Beginning in 2004, Mississippi 4-H began a formal partnership with the National Guard and Reserves to reach out to youth of deployed soldiers,” Sartor said. “As a result of this relationship, these military youth are becoming actively involved in 4-H Clubs.”

Mississippi 4-H also has established 4-H Clubs at Keesler and Columbus Air Force Bases. Their leaders are active in the state 4-H Volunteer Leaders Association and their military youth participate in all phases of the 4-H program including Health Rocks, District Project Achievement Day, Club Congress and the 4-H leadership team.

“Our Extension personnel are recruiting families into 4-H by participating in National Guard deployment briefings and reunion events,” Sartor said. “All of this became possible because of our Operation: Military Kid Team, composed of individuals from the military, Boys and Girls Clubs, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion and the state Department of Education.”

The Department of Defense certificate commends the 4-H youth development professionals for providing “exceptional training and technical assistance in establishing clubs and other programs on military bases worldwide.”

For more information on 4-H programs or on the military project, contact a local county Extension office.