WASHINGTON -- Most children of reservists and guardsmen serving on the front lines don't have the support network a military base can provide. But a new online effort is under way to help bridge that gap.

When troops deploy, the hearts of thousands of children go with them --military kids who stay home when mom or dad goes off to war.

MORE ON THIS STORY Operation Military Kids Web Site

For them, it's tough, especially on those not living on a military base where at least they have other kids around who understand what they're going through -- kids like Gary Ashcroft of Cochran, Ga., whose father just spent six months in Iraq and is going back.

"With him being gone it's a lot more stressful and it's a lot more difficult to rely on one parent's opinion on subjects instead of two parents," Gary said.

Now a new support program, Operation Military Kids, creates a nationwide support network for kids to help them cope, hook up with other military kids who understand what they're going through, and stay in tough with their deployed parent. Each kid also gets this hero pack. For Gary's dad, it's a benefit for both him and his son.

"When good things are coming, you don't worry about home, you don't worry about the issues going on because you know that good things are happening to them," said Capt. Robert Ashcroft.

The program is part of the military's recognition that it's become a family business and happy families are a key to having effective forces.

"Because the soldier downrange is focused down his rifle site and not looking over his shoulder worrying about home," said Gen. John Macdonald of the Community and Family Support Center.