Little Troopers

As I researched and wrote Dear Mr Snippet, I not only learnt what it was like for my grandparents to live through WW2, but also some of the effects on their children during periods of separation.  Curious, I started to explore what military children’s lived experience is like now and what support is available to them.   I was privileged to have the opportunity to meet with members of a military family, and a serving Padre, and during discussions it became apparent that many parallels can be drawn between the themes in John and Rita’s story and those of similar families today.  Whilst they may have amazing opportunities these can compete with unique challenges, and times of uncertainty and change for them.  

I began to wonder if I could use John and Rita’s story and their voices from the past to cast light on this.  That is when I found the wonderful charity Little Troopers who, through a child centred approach aims to support military children both at home and in school, finding ways to nurture the parent and child relationship, connect children through shared experiences and be a place for these children to turn to wherever they are living in the world and whenever they need it.  The letters were a gift to me, but I believe this gift is to be shared and if possible, and in celebrating my grandparent’s story, used to make a difference and benefit others. 

I am thrilled and so very proud to have the opportunity to be collaborating with Little Troopers.  It is my greatest hope that as readers enjoy the story, they will also grow to understand some of the ways that we all can support military children and in so doing create, unbeknownst to my grandparents, a meaningful legacy.