Operation Homefront celebrates 7 exceptional teens with 2026 Military Child of the Year Award

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Month of the Military Child, which was first established in 1986 by then-Defense Secretary Caspar Weinberger.

It’s a time to take the entire month of April to celebrate the estimated 1.6 million military children around the globe by honoring them with celebrations, recognitions, and events, providing our military-connected children opportunities to raise awareness of their ongoing transitions, challenges, and triumphs.

Operation Homefront, a national nonprofit with the mission to build strong military and veteran families through financial, emotional, and social support, takes it a step further with the Military Child of the Year Award.

Now in its 18th year, the Military Child of the Year Award recognizes military-connected teens who represent the branch of the armed forces in which a parent either serves or has served. They were selected from among more than 1,000 nominees and demonstrate excellence in character, community service, and leadership.

Month of Military Child resources: Month of the Military Child

While these seven individual stories are unique, they share common themes of perseverance and meaningful achievement amid frequent moves, separation, and transitions.

“The sacrifice of military service extends beyond the individual in uniform. At Operation Homefront, we are committed to ensuring every member of the military family feels valued and empowered,” Rear Adm. (ret.) Alan Reyes, CEO of Operation Homefront, said in a statement. “The Military Child of the Year Award spotlights extraordinary young people who shoulder unique responsibilities and turn them into leadership and impact. These are not stories of success despite challenges—they are stories of success because of them.”

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Without further ado, congratulations to the following outstanding awardees:

“Being a military child is hard, and we often have very negative experiences. But there are hidden strengths that come from it. You can turn those experiences into connections and growth.” – Elizabeth Stanton, Air Force, 16, College Station, Texas.

“My father served as a powerful example of integrity and sacrifice. He never once complained, even after he was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade in Afghanistan.” – Amani Ambay, Army, 19, Lutz, Fla.

“Their service taught me to be independent, strong, and adaptable, and it gave me a life full of memories, new places, and people I never would’ve met,” – Victoria “Tori” Vanacore, Coast Guard, 17, Kill Devil Hills, N.C.

“I remember sitting in our kitchen as a child, looking out the window and wondering when my dad would come home. It was hard to watch other families playing together outside or sitting down for dinner together when our family felt incomplete.” – Hannah Kirksey, Marine Corps, 17, Sneads Ferry, N.C.

“My goals are rooted in service. Through law, policy, and nonprofit leadership, I hope to dedicate my career to protecting others, advocating for fairness, and contributing to the well-being of the communities I serve.” – Lila Morgan, National Guard, 18, Lithia, Fla.

“Growing up as a military child gave me the rare gift of learning early not to fear change but to grow from it. Across five moves and many school transitions, I learned how to adapt quickly, connect with different kinds of people, and step into unfamiliar environments with curiosity rather than hesitation.” – Ayla Zook, Navy, 18, King George, Va.

“This is the emotional turmoil that military families conceal. We fabricate a façade to mask the hollowness seeping through our homes.” – Taylor Schreiner, Space Force, 18, Colorado Springs, Colo.

This year’s Military Child of the Year Award recipients have moved a combined 35 times and lived through 255 months of deployments. They logged 4,849 volunteer hours in the 12 months prior to nominations.

Winners were selected by a distinguished panel of volunteer judges who support the military community. The seven recipients will be honored at the Military Child of the Year Awards Gala in Arlington, Virginia, on Apr. 23. Each will also receive a $10,000 grant, a laptop computer, and other donated gifts.

In addition, 35 program finalists received a special one-time $1,000 cash award.

To learn more about the Military Child of the Year Award, or this year’s recipients, visit the Operation Homefront website.

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