The Month of the Military Child recognizes the sacrifices made by military youth. Across the nation, all branches of service and many communities are honoring these children in a myriad of ways.
These future heroes deserve nothing less. More than 1.7 million children under the age of 18 have a parent serving in the armed forces. MFRI joins Operation: Military Kids (OMK), which is part of Purdue University's Cooperative Extension, in efforts to highlight the many ways that military children offer support and service to the country. Click here to learn more about opportunities to get involved in local events.
Five young heroes are recipients of Operation Homefront’s 2012 Military Child of the Year Award. The nonprofit organization provides emergency assistance to military families, annually gives the award to an outstanding military child from each branch of service, including the Coast Guard.
"The sons and daughters of America's service members learn what patriotism is at a very young age," Jim Knotts, president and CEO of Operation Homefront, said in a news release. "Children in military families demonstrate leadership within their families and within their communities. This is what the Military Child of the Year Award honors."
The recipients of this award are:
- James Nathaniel Richards, Jamul, Calif., 9, U.S. Navy.
- Amelia McConnell, Carlisle Barracks, Pa., 17, U.S. Army.
- Alena wwweau, Fairfax, Va., 17, U.S. Coast Guard.
- Erika Booth, Jacksonville, N.C., 16, U.S. Marine Corps.
- Chelsea Rutherford, Panama City, Fla., 17, U.S. Air Force.
You can learn about these individuals' accomplishments and sacrifice at the Department of Defense website.