(Very important disclaimer: only because there's a possibility I will be asked if I have read the book. I don't want to hide anything, I am unashamed to speak on this matter having not even read the book yet. Maybe you're thinking that is ignorant, if so understand I am not trying to be ignorant I just refuse to monetarily benefit this book and I really don't respect it enough to go seek it out in a library. However, I have put generous effort in researching this book behind the scenes and gathering multiple views etc. If this bothers you, you go read the book and then tell me about it, lend it to me even. I would have no problem with that. My family and many of my friends have just decided not to buy this book, I hope you understand!)
Another disclaimer- I began researching this book a few weeks ago. There was an official site for the book. Thelittlechamps.org. The official link was http://www.harmonyhearth.com/CHAMPS.html (Official website "TheLittleChamps.org") Was. It no longer exists. Might have something to do with USAA's forum board's furious posts from long-time customers, or could be tied to the reason why the youtube song disabled comments for the video. This is the only site available for this book now. Tells a slightly different story for this project that they have started, the learning aspect is much more prevalent than the judge-y angle they had on the site. I don't know, decide for yourself.
Let me make a public service announcement to the Fink's, once something is on the internet it cannot be erased, and you cannot rewind and pretend like sentences weren't on your page, and interviews did not happen. If you want to continue to stand behind your book, do so with your webpage back on web, so the public can see what you intended for this book to do and be. This photo taken off of Amazon.com where the book can be purchased shows the website that used to be available on the back cover.
The cover-up the backpedaling.. backtracking speech.
Finksss.....cmon. We see right through you and your public official statements.
Admit, you were out of your league... we understand. It's hard to go up against a brat.
It would suffice to say, my parents should have named me Brat.
(I will be capitalizing Brat for this post, and all further posts to address the military child)
If you knew me on a personal level, you would agree.
Does anyone recall my blogpost about my Military Brat Award, given to me at my Dad's retirement ceremony? I said I was proud of it, right?
On Thearmysdaughter Facebook page, in the about section, it reads, "I'm the Army's Daughter, an Army Brat blogger whose heart bleeds red, white, and blue". I define myself as a Brat, thereby making it okay for the general public to refer to me in that way. Truthfully, I prefer to be called a Brat by other Brats, or people within the community because they know the extent and history of what it means. I think the public uses it as an opportunity to call me a brat (the negative connotation), which I usually deserve, but inside the community it is an endearing complimentary term. Naturally, I would prefer the complimentary version. As a seasoned brat, I can differentiate between the two uses, and I know when I am being offended or complimented.
This introduction leads me into the controversial topic surrounding the children's book, "The Little C.H.A.M.P.s - Child Heros Attached to Military Personnel" written by Jennifer and Debbie Fink, illustrated by former service member Walter Blackwell. On paper, the Fink women appear impressive, college degrees, Jennifer volunteers at the Vet Hospital etc. and that's lovely, yes.. serving those who serve you. Wonderful balance. Again on paper, they sound good, but I would never say they are qualified enough to produce a book about military children. Not in this lifetime at least. And probably not on this planet.
The following paragraphs are located on the About the Author section available on Amazon.com .
The "About the Author" section ends with the last sentence of Walter Blackwell's blurb.
The review section on Amazon.com includes a positive plug endorsing their product. The book has recieved one star on their rating system. Comments about the book are generally negative. 359 comments are posted on the Amazon page for this book, with several subcomments in response.
On November 5, 2014, Nancy Newton wrote, "the american definition of BRAT it means Bold, Respectful, adaptive and tolerant".
On November 6, 2014, C.M. Johnson titled his post, "What a nincompoop!!!" and then included this solilquoy in his comment, "Brats to the bone!"
On November 5, 2014, dj titled his post, "BRATS ARE MILITARY KIDS, Champs is about the author", then within the post made this remark that I liked, "Who came up with Champs? Never heard of it and it does not describe any of my BRAT experiences."
I looked to Wikipedia to help me define the term "Military Brat", it is difficult to explain something that always was.
Overall, I really like this particular sentence, "one of America's oldest and yet least well-known and invisible subcultures." I'm pleased to know that this sentence was said, and then quoted on Wikipedia. Which is why I have a huge frustration towards the mother daughter authors of this book, they clearly indicate that the proceeds of this book, wait.. a 'portion' of the proceeds of this book go toward the many supporters( supporters refers to the myriad of corporations or organizations that have teamed up in distribution) of the book, only if bought directly from Harmony Hearth. I have to assume that these two individuals are capitalizing on the military dependents, my frustration stems from the idea that they are not even a part of that community. They have to be personally collecting from the revenue of this production. They are possibly collecting profit while offending the community they are gaining profit off of. Because the community, the military Brat culture, is offended. This is a manipulation that I don't want to be subject to, they have paired it with a Public Health and Education Initiative, a variety of sponsors including endorsements from psychiatrists, and they've even tacked a catchy song to the project. I'm shuddering, this doesn't sit right with me. Deeming the term military Brat, as politically incorrect just doesn't seem like the fight the military Brats need. It may appear that they are on our side, but it doesn't feel that way. Reintroducing us to the public as C.H.A.M.P.s may drum up some attention, as many politically correct subjects do, but it doesn't feel honest, champs is not what we are. Calling us something brand new doesn't make us feel any less invisible.
There's a certain air of grit that accompanies the word Brat, it suggests resilience, and stubbornness. All important attributes in the life of any military dependent. How would it sound if a military wife said, " I have five 'little champs', opposed to "I have five Brats". I never felt like a champion, a military kid hardly ever wins like a little champion, they fight. They fight like a brat, sometimes they fight loud, and sometimes they fight quietly. I think it's important to note that Brats aren't perfect, they roll their eyes at their parents when asked to move all the library boxes from the living room to the office for the fiftieth time that day. "What's the gosh dang point, we are moving out of this house in about fourteen months anyway." We forget that our parents exhaust their brains and backs trying to create a normal homey environment for us, even if we don't appreciate it, even if we are the work mules moving the couch fourteen times to try and help make that normal homey environment. Brats cry when their parents tell them they have to move after a month into their freshman year, "But what about homecoming, can't we leave after homecoming at least?" We can't. We whine, we cry, we drag our feet, but we do it. We get to throw our tantrums before we face another transition, but then we face that transition. Then we come out on top, just like our parents insisted we would while we were deep into our hissy fit (or conniption fit, if you're from North Carolina). And if you asked me today how sad I am over missing homecoming at Highland High School, I would keel over laughing HARD. Five, six years ago, it was tear worthy. Somehow my parents knew that it didn't matter that much, or that it eventually wouldn't matter that much. We are bratty Brats, at some points we are teenagers, and other times we are expected to act grown-up. We have our bad days. The term Brats, allows us that, the full disclosure of having a moment, where we bundle our fists, grit our teeth and just be ticked for a moment. Our lives are full of change already, don't throw another one our way for the sake of a book deal. Don't educate kids to replace Brat with Champs, educate kids that Brat can mean two different things. You'll discover that most military kids already know that.
One of my friends responded via private message to the link I posted about this book on Facebook, he said, "I'm not a hero, I didn't ever have the choice, this is life." This made me well up, he then sent me about fifteen memes ridiculing (in the name of humor) the people who are behind this initiative. Colorful language was not excluded. Summed up, he felt miffed, and questioned if maybe the whole thing was supposed to be a hilarious joke, he was like "okay Finks, who are ya'll". We aren't suggesting that they are bad people or even that they didn't have good intentions, they simply missed the boat. They can claim that they did their research, and utilized the military community to build this book but the bottom line is it's inconclusive. Personally, I'm puzzled. I'm curious what military kids they talked to? None that I talk to would be proud of how they represented us.
"We got the book to about 90% and then had the wisdom to send it out far and wide out to the military world, we sent it out to every branch of the military a whole array of professions from enlisted service men and woman to base commanders psychologist psychiatrist educators and every military connected organization that we have allied with." Just go ahead and say, it's 100% all me Mrs. Fink, giving the military kind of barely a halfhearted 10% mention that you preface with " I had the wisdom to ask them" is pointless. Claim alllllllllll that fame Ma'am, we military people don't want your measly 10% recognition.
The comment made on their site (and then made in interviews) in reference to separating from the British.
- Exact quote found on Rare.us http://rare.us/story/authors-write-a-book-to-change-the-term-military-brat-to-little-c-h-a-m-p-s/
Ugh. Patriotism is a beauty, I condone it on every level, but come on.
Did anyone else witness Kate Middleton of the British Royal family weep at Ground Zero during her latest visit to New York. The news was all over that moment, and I am grateful for that. Because yes, we love our allegiant pledge to our America the beautiful but that doesn't mean we dislike other nations. Heck, I went to school with British students, Canadian students, Italian students, people from other countries are my family, I can't really get too bugged that brat was derived as a British term. Do we need to dump on every word, thing or idea from a country besides our own, yikes... what will be left of America? Every country has borrowed or built from each other and that is a beautiful component of mankind. Can't get too hung up on the idea that Brat is a british thing, french fries are a French thing. Finks, how 'bout you try and tell America that those are outdated. (Don't, because I will be further offended, I'm nothing without the occasion Large Mcdonald's fry)
I started writing this post weeks ago, after I heard that this book was being distributed to children on the Vicenza Caserma Ederle Army Base located in Vicenza, Italy. I immediately reacted harshly. The more I researched the reaction the more I heard opinions start to echo, in a resounding "Heck No!". This is a postive thing, I believe, it's amazing how many of us Brats feel the same way concerning this. I've never been so impressed by all the people who have spoken up and publicly denounced this book. There's a fire behind their words that has shed a bright light on how it really is, and the Brats are not afraid to explain WHY we don't want anything to do with this project or the word Champ.
The Operation Champs Facebook page is riddled with comments, both for and against the literature and the charity. The whole project seems ungenuine. They've started a free babysitting service to military members and their families, the service is provided by volunteer college students. This portion of the project is something I believe in, a service for service. These babysitters show up to the homes they are sitting with The Little C.H.A.M.P.s book, armed and ready to tackle on the job of babysitting the dependants of the troops. They do not need that book. I think this arrangement was careful crafting, I think that all of this, the charity, the book, the touring dates were intended to upset the military public. I think they wanted to get attention and get people talking about the book so that everyone knew about it, and more people bought it. What's that saying, "no press is bad press"? Just like the new Beyonce music video, people in head wraps rioting (Fox news is comparing it to Fergueson and ISIS), the public and news channels are displeased with the message it's sending, but the point is, people are talking about her, and her video.
I guess you could say that I'm falling victim to the trap right now, by writing about this book.
There are many ways to serve the Military without getting attention, or praise and acclaim. The Finks seem to have made this more about them, than the people they are talking about. My hope is that they stop promoting the book, the other part of me wants to say, let's burn the books. But I believe in civil discourse and burning the books would be more spiteful than neccesary. An apology would suffice, and then I can't promise I won't gag whenever I see this book...
The official statement released on the Operation Champs website
The response is unbelievable, the USO and USAA are two corporations that supported this book, they've felt the brunt of the upset. USAA's Facebook page and official website have been posted on regarding this matter, and it's actually overwhelming in a good way. The comments I've seen have reminded me that the community truly is a family, and we fight for eachother.
This was taken off the USAA's forum page. These are posts that signify some of the responses that can be found on the web.
Additional endorsements are mentioned under the "Statement of Support".
Additional resources on this book.
https://communities.usaa.com/t5/Military-Family-Matters/BRATS-vs-quot-Little-C-H-A-M-P-S-quot/m-p/50662#M175
http://www.uso.org/little-champs-book-helps-military-families/#dsq-new-post
http://www.amazon.com/The-Little-C-H-A-M-P-S-Attached-Personnel/dp/0967887151
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=thfaLCl7AXQ
On Thearmysdaughter Facebook page, in the about section, it reads, "I'm the Army's Daughter, an Army Brat blogger whose heart bleeds red, white, and blue". I define myself as a Brat, thereby making it okay for the general public to refer to me in that way. Truthfully, I prefer to be called a Brat by other Brats, or people within the community because they know the extent and history of what it means. I think the public uses it as an opportunity to call me a brat (the negative connotation), which I usually deserve, but inside the community it is an endearing complimentary term. Naturally, I would prefer the complimentary version. As a seasoned brat, I can differentiate between the two uses, and I know when I am being offended or complimented.
This introduction leads me into the controversial topic surrounding the children's book, "The Little C.H.A.M.P.s - Child Heros Attached to Military Personnel" written by Jennifer and Debbie Fink, illustrated by former service member Walter Blackwell. On paper, the Fink women appear impressive, college degrees, Jennifer volunteers at the Vet Hospital etc. and that's lovely, yes.. serving those who serve you. Wonderful balance. Again on paper, they sound good, but I would never say they are qualified enough to produce a book about military children. Not in this lifetime at least. And probably not on this planet.
The following paragraphs are located on the About the Author section available on Amazon.com .
The "About the Author" section ends with the last sentence of Walter Blackwell's blurb.
The review section on Amazon.com includes a positive plug endorsing their product. The book has recieved one star on their rating system. Comments about the book are generally negative. 359 comments are posted on the Amazon page for this book, with several subcomments in response.
On November 5, 2014, Nancy Newton wrote, "the american definition of BRAT it means Bold, Respectful, adaptive and tolerant".
On November 6, 2014, C.M. Johnson titled his post, "What a nincompoop!!!" and then included this solilquoy in his comment, "Brats to the bone!"
On November 5, 2014, dj titled his post, "BRATS ARE MILITARY KIDS, Champs is about the author", then within the post made this remark that I liked, "Who came up with Champs? Never heard of it and it does not describe any of my BRAT experiences."
"About the Author
JENNIFER FINK
Jen studies Public Health and Military Studies at the University of Maryland; and is passionate about assisting wounded Servicemembers, Veterans, and their families. She has interned for the American Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces and for Operation Homefront. Jen received The President s Volunteer Service Award and the Red Cross Youth Volunteer of the Year Award at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. She motivates college students to give back to military families through her nonprofit Operation CHAMPS (OperationChamps.org).
DEBBIE FINK, MA
Debbie is an author, educator, and performer who has written numerous books and scripts. Her books, workshops, and performances reach readers and audiences globally. Debbie has had the honor of touring overseas with the USO for her project Operation Thanksgiving Eagle / OTE (OperationThanksgivingEagle.com), thanking Champs for the daily sacrifices they make on behalf of our freedom. She also runs the Mom of Many Hats global health initiative (MomOfManyHats.com), helping families cope with a cancer diagnosis.
WALTER BLACKWELL
Walter is a U.S. Navy Veteran and former President/CEO of the National Veterans Business Development Corporation (TVC). Career highlights include private industry, international business and nonprofit arenas. A graduate of Washington University, he has authored and illustrated children s books and one-man plays, and currently is launching a personal cloud platform start-up."
Army Brat - Air Force Brat - Marine Corp Brat
Navy Brat- Coast Guard Brat
I looked to Wikipedia to help me define the term "Military Brat", it is difficult to explain something that always was.
Overall, I really like this particular sentence, "one of America's oldest and yet least well-known and invisible subcultures." I'm pleased to know that this sentence was said, and then quoted on Wikipedia. Which is why I have a huge frustration towards the mother daughter authors of this book, they clearly indicate that the proceeds of this book, wait.. a 'portion' of the proceeds of this book go toward the many supporters( supporters refers to the myriad of corporations or organizations that have teamed up in distribution) of the book, only if bought directly from Harmony Hearth. I have to assume that these two individuals are capitalizing on the military dependents, my frustration stems from the idea that they are not even a part of that community. They have to be personally collecting from the revenue of this production. They are possibly collecting profit while offending the community they are gaining profit off of. Because the community, the military Brat culture, is offended. This is a manipulation that I don't want to be subject to, they have paired it with a Public Health and Education Initiative, a variety of sponsors including endorsements from psychiatrists, and they've even tacked a catchy song to the project. I'm shuddering, this doesn't sit right with me. Deeming the term military Brat, as politically incorrect just doesn't seem like the fight the military Brats need. It may appear that they are on our side, but it doesn't feel that way. Reintroducing us to the public as C.H.A.M.P.s may drum up some attention, as many politically correct subjects do, but it doesn't feel honest, champs is not what we are. Calling us something brand new doesn't make us feel any less invisible.
There's a certain air of grit that accompanies the word Brat, it suggests resilience, and stubbornness. All important attributes in the life of any military dependent. How would it sound if a military wife said, " I have five 'little champs', opposed to "I have five Brats". I never felt like a champion, a military kid hardly ever wins like a little champion, they fight. They fight like a brat, sometimes they fight loud, and sometimes they fight quietly. I think it's important to note that Brats aren't perfect, they roll their eyes at their parents when asked to move all the library boxes from the living room to the office for the fiftieth time that day. "What's the gosh dang point, we are moving out of this house in about fourteen months anyway." We forget that our parents exhaust their brains and backs trying to create a normal homey environment for us, even if we don't appreciate it, even if we are the work mules moving the couch fourteen times to try and help make that normal homey environment. Brats cry when their parents tell them they have to move after a month into their freshman year, "But what about homecoming, can't we leave after homecoming at least?" We can't. We whine, we cry, we drag our feet, but we do it. We get to throw our tantrums before we face another transition, but then we face that transition. Then we come out on top, just like our parents insisted we would while we were deep into our hissy fit (or conniption fit, if you're from North Carolina). And if you asked me today how sad I am over missing homecoming at Highland High School, I would keel over laughing HARD. Five, six years ago, it was tear worthy. Somehow my parents knew that it didn't matter that much, or that it eventually wouldn't matter that much. We are bratty Brats, at some points we are teenagers, and other times we are expected to act grown-up. We have our bad days. The term Brats, allows us that, the full disclosure of having a moment, where we bundle our fists, grit our teeth and just be ticked for a moment. Our lives are full of change already, don't throw another one our way for the sake of a book deal. Don't educate kids to replace Brat with Champs, educate kids that Brat can mean two different things. You'll discover that most military kids already know that.
One of my friends responded via private message to the link I posted about this book on Facebook, he said, "I'm not a hero, I didn't ever have the choice, this is life." This made me well up, he then sent me about fifteen memes ridiculing (in the name of humor) the people who are behind this initiative. Colorful language was not excluded. Summed up, he felt miffed, and questioned if maybe the whole thing was supposed to be a hilarious joke, he was like "okay Finks, who are ya'll". We aren't suggesting that they are bad people or even that they didn't have good intentions, they simply missed the boat. They can claim that they did their research, and utilized the military community to build this book but the bottom line is it's inconclusive. Personally, I'm puzzled. I'm curious what military kids they talked to? None that I talk to would be proud of how they represented us.
"We got the book to about 90% and then had the wisdom to send it out far and wide out to the military world, we sent it out to every branch of the military a whole array of professions from enlisted service men and woman to base commanders psychologist psychiatrist educators and every military connected organization that we have allied with." Just go ahead and say, it's 100% all me Mrs. Fink, giving the military kind of barely a halfhearted 10% mention that you preface with " I had the wisdom to ask them" is pointless. Claim alllllllllll that fame Ma'am, we military people don't want your measly 10% recognition.
The comment made on their site (and then made in interviews) in reference to separating from the British.
"The word “brat” actually comes from the British Empire, an acronym that stood for British Regiment Attached Traveler. Debbie Fink says it’s time to let go of tradition, though, and embrace the term she came up with — which is just coincidentally in a book she and her daughter wrote together.-wise words from the Finks.
“We declared our independence 236 years ago and it’s about time our Little C.H.A.M.P.S did the same. There’s no need to give them a label that may add to their already challenging situation. Why not call them what they are? Little C.H.A.M.P.S!”
- Exact quote found on Rare.us http://rare.us/story/authors-write-a-book-to-change-the-term-military-brat-to-little-c-h-a-m-p-s/
Ugh. Patriotism is a beauty, I condone it on every level, but come on.
Did anyone else witness Kate Middleton of the British Royal family weep at Ground Zero during her latest visit to New York. The news was all over that moment, and I am grateful for that. Because yes, we love our allegiant pledge to our America the beautiful but that doesn't mean we dislike other nations. Heck, I went to school with British students, Canadian students, Italian students, people from other countries are my family, I can't really get too bugged that brat was derived as a British term. Do we need to dump on every word, thing or idea from a country besides our own, yikes... what will be left of America? Every country has borrowed or built from each other and that is a beautiful component of mankind. Can't get too hung up on the idea that Brat is a british thing, french fries are a French thing. Finks, how 'bout you try and tell America that those are outdated. (Don't, because I will be further offended, I'm nothing without the occasion Large Mcdonald's fry)
I started writing this post weeks ago, after I heard that this book was being distributed to children on the Vicenza Caserma Ederle Army Base located in Vicenza, Italy. I immediately reacted harshly. The more I researched the reaction the more I heard opinions start to echo, in a resounding "Heck No!". This is a postive thing, I believe, it's amazing how many of us Brats feel the same way concerning this. I've never been so impressed by all the people who have spoken up and publicly denounced this book. There's a fire behind their words that has shed a bright light on how it really is, and the Brats are not afraid to explain WHY we don't want anything to do with this project or the word Champ.
The Operation Champs Facebook page is riddled with comments, both for and against the literature and the charity. The whole project seems ungenuine. They've started a free babysitting service to military members and their families, the service is provided by volunteer college students. This portion of the project is something I believe in, a service for service. These babysitters show up to the homes they are sitting with The Little C.H.A.M.P.s book, armed and ready to tackle on the job of babysitting the dependants of the troops. They do not need that book. I think this arrangement was careful crafting, I think that all of this, the charity, the book, the touring dates were intended to upset the military public. I think they wanted to get attention and get people talking about the book so that everyone knew about it, and more people bought it. What's that saying, "no press is bad press"? Just like the new Beyonce music video, people in head wraps rioting (Fox news is comparing it to Fergueson and ISIS), the public and news channels are displeased with the message it's sending, but the point is, people are talking about her, and her video.
I guess you could say that I'm falling victim to the trap right now, by writing about this book.
There are many ways to serve the Military without getting attention, or praise and acclaim. The Finks seem to have made this more about them, than the people they are talking about. My hope is that they stop promoting the book, the other part of me wants to say, let's burn the books. But I believe in civil discourse and burning the books would be more spiteful than neccesary. An apology would suffice, and then I can't promise I won't gag whenever I see this book...
The official statement released on the Operation Champs website
"Operation CHAMPS Defends Itself Against False Criticisms
BETHESDA, MD, November 24, 2014 – Operation CHAMPS, a nonprofit organization that provides free babysitting services to families of wounded warriors and other military and veteran families, defended itself today against a spate of harsh, unfair and incorrect assertions on social media that Operation CHAMPS was trying to supplant or undercut the widely used term BRATS to describe the children of military and veteran families.
“CHAMP” stands for Child Heroes Attached to Military Personnel. The acronym was coined in the popular children’s book The Little CHAMPS, which extols the virtues of military life and spotlights challenges children face in military families. Sales of The Little CHAMPSbook help cover the costs of programs, training and overhead of the nonprofit organization Operation CHAMPS. (www.operationchamps.org).
In recent weeks, Operation CHAMPS’ Facebook pages, Twitter and email accounts have been barraged by accusations that Operation CHAMPS was trying to substitute “CHAMPS” for the widely used term “BRATS” in public discourse as a way to describe the children of those who serve in the United States military. Jennifer Fink, CEO of Operation CHAMPS, called those assertions “unfounded, uninformed and untrue.”
“The members of Operation CHAMPS understand that many children of military and veteran families proudly call themselves BRATS. We also understand that many people in the civilian and military-connected communities see the term brat in a less favorable light,” Fink added. “Neither the book, The Little CHAMPS, nor the organization it supports, Operation CHAMPS, intend in any way to replace BRATS as a term in wide usage or to demean the term in the minds of the public or the people who proudly call themselves military BRATS. The acronym CHAMPS in no way rejects or denigrates the term BRATS. Operation CHAMPS exists to provide necessary support and gratitude for military-connected children and their families.”
The response is unbelievable, the USO and USAA are two corporations that supported this book, they've felt the brunt of the upset. USAA's Facebook page and official website have been posted on regarding this matter, and it's actually overwhelming in a good way. The comments I've seen have reminded me that the community truly is a family, and we fight for eachother.
This was taken off the USAA's forum page. These are posts that signify some of the responses that can be found on the web.
Additional endorsements are mentioned under the "Statement of Support".
Additional resources on this book.
https://communities.usaa.com/t5/Military-Family-Matters/BRATS-vs-quot-Little-C-H-A-M-P-S-quot/m-p/50662#M175
http://www.uso.org/little-champs-book-helps-military-families/#dsq-new-post
http://www.amazon.com/The-Little-C-H-A-M-P-S-Attached-Personnel/dp/0967887151
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=thfaLCl7AXQ
