The Need

Imagine being 7-years old. You’re just learning about life and are reliant upon your parents or guardians for everything. Imagine if one (or both) of those guardians disappeared overnight. What would that feel like? You’d likely be confused, scared, uncertain, sad, maybe even angry.

Just since 2001, more than 2 million children have gone through this very thing at least once. Many of them have gone through it multiple times.

The struggle that military families go through is very real, and they need our support.

We invite you to put yourself in a military child’s shoes. As they silently shoulder the burden of fear and uncertainty. As they watch their mother cry herself to sleep at night. As they struggle with making friends because they move every 2 years. And as they experience exciting milestones in life, without the presence of their deployed parent or guardian.

If this touched your heart – make a decision now to help support these families. We are not a large charity with millions of dollars and a big team. We are small by design. But we need your support so we can continue our grassroots, hands-on approach to offering comfort, education, training and support to the people who need it most: our military families. 

For as little as $25, we know how to make a difference in the life of a military family. Will you help us?

Carol Watanabe
Executive Director
Board President

Cheri Otzenberger
Board Secretary

Ray Amanat
Fitness Program Director

Michael Smith
Volunteer Photographer
Board Member

Little Patriots Embraced just absolutely blew me away. You were incredible and I cannot THANK YOU ENOUGH for everything you did to help make the Fall Fest a wonderful event!
-Keri Anne Smialek, Family and Morale, Ft. Leonard Wood

The families I spoke to were just blown away by your generosity and true care for our kids who do face unique challenges as children of active duty service members. My 4-year old still sleeps with his LPE teddy bear! We are so grateful that you all were willing to bring your entire team to Ft. Campbell. 
-Lori Sylvia, Senior FRG Adviser, Ft. Campbell

Thank you so much for your concern and care of our military community. Your organization does a tremendous job!
-Sandra K.

I am so grateful for the smiles I’m seeing on my Little Patriots right now because of the bears you sent them. Thank you!
-Alli

The kids received the two lil’ bears today! My son (who has autism spectrum) said it means so much that someone cares about “us military kids”. He feels like because we are National Guard on our 5th deployment no one understands him. So receiving something that’s tangible means a lot. THANK YOU very much!
-Marcy

Thank you for making them feel like others appreciate their sacrifices…that alone is priceless.
-The Steinbeck Family

Thank you so very much, my son loves his bear! This is an amazing program thank you for all you do.
-Dana H.

Thank you so much! My kids received their package with their bear last night and my oldest, who’s 6, was so happy he cried. This is our 1st deployment & it hasn’t been easy. Again thank you!
-Katherine

LPE is seeking volunteers in our Kirkwood, Missouri office. 
The following volunteer positions are currently open:

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Must be over 18 years of age.

Duties: sorting through daily emails, answering the phone, and assisting with any current events or programs, including shipping out our Deployment packages. 

Office Hours: 9:30-4:30 Monday - Friday. 

Seeking a commitment of 2-3 days a week. 

FUNDRAISING COORDINATOR

We are seeking a volunteer who has corporate as well as other fundraising experience, to help us with our fundraising efforts.

For more information contact Carol at (314) 821-5801. 

REQUIREMENTS:

• Male or female 15-20 years old.
• Agree and promise to represent LPE in a positive manner in your community and wherever you travel throughout the USA.
• Must commit to occasional travel with our LPE Military Youth Tour. All expenses paid. 
• Be attending school, and currently (and over the last year) maintain a B or higher grade point average. 
• Parents written permission required to become a Young Ambassador, and to travel with LPE. 
• Assist with our LPE programs on Military bases, includes reading to children, assisting with art projects, and assisting where needed in our Military Kids Fit For Life program. 
• Agree to an in-person, live video or phone interview where LPE will determine your ability to assist in our Young Ambassador program.