Project Flaunt Hub: Free resource for military children, families and caregivers

Editor's note: The sharing of any non-VA information does not constitute an endorsement of products and services on the part of VA. Veterans should verify the information with the organization offering.

There are approximately 1.6 million United States military children worldwide who are the sons and daughters of Veteran and active-duty service members. The important "duty first" mindset is a critical component of a military family. However, setting aside time as a family to share and discuss the social-emotional needs of their children is an important step in developing acceptance, empathy and belonging. Each family member and caregiver are on their own unique roads of growth and maturity, and many have differences, both visible and invisible.

That is why "Don't Hide It, Flaunt It ^Ⓡ," the 501(c)(3) non-profit I started, has developed a free, new resource for military families and caregivers called The Project Flaunt Hub. Participants will have the opportunity to discover the benefits of sharing their visible or invisible differences and learn that what makes you you can be something to celebrate.

Many years ago, my Uncle David was assigned to the 75th Infantry Division in Europe and fought in the Battle of the Bulge. His infantry unit was known as the "Baby Division," a diverse group of young men from all over the U.S., made up of some of the youngest serving in World War II. While David returned with minor injuries, so many of the courageous individuals in his unit did not. Many of his comrades had been wounded and physically disfigured, having had a difficult readjustment when returning home to loved ones.

For those who were fortunate enough to come home, reunions of the unit were cherished. Being with his pals from the Baby Division always recharged David in a way that was palpable. No matter how far apart they lived from one another, they were forever embossed in his heart as his family. When I was born with one finger on each hand and one toe on each foot (a genetic condition I would later pass on to two of my three children), David witnessed the way my parents were empowering me at home, preparing me to face the inevitable curiosity, judgment, stares and scrutiny for being perceived as different. My mother and father's passionate commitment to me newly motivated David to help his brothers from his unit learn to accept themselves unconditionally.

The Project Flaunt Hub is an online platform of videos, interactive programs and activities. It is designed to empower children, their families and/or caregivers to accept themselves and, in doing so, to embrace others.

Who is eligible?

Project Flaunt Hub is open to all families, and is specifically tailored to meet the needs of children with military connections and their families and caregivers. Whether you are an active duty service member, a Veteran, a spouse or a caregiver, the Project Flaunt Hub welcomes all.

How do you participate in the Project Flaunt Hub?

Participating in the Project Flaunt Hub is simple and straightforward. Visit the website at projectlfaunthub.com and follow along with our friend, Parker the Peacock, as he guides participants through each engaging video and activity.

What to expect inside the Project Flaunt Hub?

On the platform, participants can choose the "Military" pathway. There are also envelopes to open on the Project Flaunt Hub that provide further guidance and insights about the activities you'll be experiencing with your family, caregivers and children.

You will be able to complete the program online or, alternatively, can print out the materials together. The final "Project Flaunt" activity gives everyone the chance to be creative and flaunt their own difference proudly while enlightening your family members/caregivers.

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