On January 14, Operation Homefront today announced the 100 semi-finalists––20 representing each branch of Service––for the 2013 Military Child of the Year Award. Operation Homefront notes that 2013 marks the fifth anniversary of the award, which will be given to an outstanding military child from each branch of Service: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard.
Perhaps because of the strong presence of Marine and Navy personnel in California, semi-finalists from only those two branches of the service in the state were chosen.
Marine Corps:
- Victoria A: Age 12, Oceanside
- Chaise B: Age 10, Oceanside
- Justin G: Age 14, Oceanside
- Brianna H: Age 17, San Clemente.
- Mitchell J: Age 17, San Diego.
- Madeline T: Age 13, Twentynine Palms
- Darian W: Age 12, Oceanside
Navy:
- Taylor B: Age 17, Twentynine Palms, Calif.
- Jamie H: Age 12, Coronado
- Jackson S: Age 14, Coronado
- Magnus T: Age 10, Elk Grove.
- Skyler: Age 8, Lemoore, Calif.
Operation Homefront staff will interview each semi-finalist; award recipients will be chosen by a committee including active duty military personnel, Family Readiness Support Assistants, teachers, military mothers, and community members. On March 5, the recipient of the Military Child of the Year Award for each branch of Service will be announced. Each award recipient will receive $5,000 and will be flown with a parent or guardian to Washington, D.C. for a special recognition ceremony on April 11, 2013.
Ideal candidates for the Military Child of the Year Award demonstrate resilience and strength of character, and thrive in the face of the challenges of military life. They demonstrate leadership within their families and within their communities. “The sons and daughters of America’s service members learn responsibility and citizenship at a very young age,” explained Jim Knotts, President and CEO of Operation Homefront. He added, “Children in military families understand sacrifice, service, and strength of character. This is what the Military Child of the Year Award honors.”
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