Our Military Kid of the Month
February 2012
John-Thomas Loyd is Our Military Kid of the Month for February 2012! John-Thomas received a 
grant for karate while his father was deployed in Afghanistan with the Army National Guard. The grant helped John-Thomas take his mind off of his dad’s absence, and allowed him to focus on getting his purple belt. It was especially helpful because John-Thomas is the only military child in his town, and no one else around him has experienced a deployment.
Aside from excelling at karate and participating in tournaments, John-Thomas is active in his community. With his church, he helped organize and Easter egg hunt for some underprivileged children. With his Cub Scout den, he sent letters and cards to his father’s unit in Afghanistan. During the holidays, he also participated in Operation Christmas Child, sending a gift to a less fortunate child in the Dominican Republic. On top of his volunteer work, John-Thomas also gets good grades in school and is enrolled in an accelerated math class. Congratulations, John-Thomas!
January 2012
Harley Margaret Kinney is Our Military Kid of the Month for January 2012! Harley is 13
years old and lives in Ashland, Wisconsin. She received her grant to attend a hockey camp while her father was deployed in Iraq with the Army National guard. Deployment is especially hard for Harley and her family, as they are Native American and live within the boundaries of a reservation, where there are no other military families.
While the youth on a reservation face many negative influences, Harley rises above and stays very active. Aside from hockey, she plays volleyball, soccer, and softball. She is on the honor roll at school, and was also nominated by her peers at school as having leadership qualities, which allowed her to attend a series of leadership seminars. Harley also donated her allowance to a charity supporting domestic abuse victims during Christmas time. Congratulations, Harley!
December 2011
Mackenzie Hinderberger is Our Military Kid of the Month for December 2011!
Mackenzie is 12 years old and lives in Bossier City, Louisiana. Most recently, she received a grant for dance lessons while her dad deployed with the Navy Reserves. Mackenzie is very involved with cheer and dance – she actually received her first grant in 2006 for cheer classes for one of her dad’s earlier deployments. She uses the skills she learns from her classes to perform with her school’s pep squad, and also competes with the Louisiana Rebels dance team. She’s won many medals for her dancing, but more importantly, she has learned how to be a team player and compete respectfully.
Aside from her dancing, Mackenzie is very involved in her community. She plays the flute in her school band, writes for the school newspaper, and volunteers with a community program helping with food drives, making blankets for homeless children, a race to benefit a children’s hospital, and writing cards for cancer patients and veterans. Congratulations, Mackenzie!
November 2011
Adam Denning is Our Military Kid of the Month for November 2011! Adam is 9 years old and lives in Florence, Arizona. He received a grant for violin lessons while his dad deployed to Iraq with 
the Army National Guard, continuing the music education he’s received since age 3. Adam plays the violin at church, different events throughout the community, and has performed in three different talent shows at his school. He loves to use his music to entertain friends and visitors, and help people feel better when they’re sick or sad.
When he isn’t making music, Adam stays quite busy with other things. He is a Cub Scout, and earned his first two ranks in less than a year. He is also the captain of his baseball team, despite being the youngest and smallest player. In school, Adam earns only A’s in class and even skipped the 3rd grade per his teacher’s recommendation. He even helped to write two books that were published by his school. Back at home, Adam is very helpful to his mother, changing diapers and preparing bottles for his younger siblings. Congratulations, Adam!
October 2011
Jayda Cournoyer is Our Military Kid of the Month for October 2011! Jayda is 11 y
ears old and lives in Round Rock, Texas. She received a grant for musical theater, which was extremely helpful while her father deployed to Iraq with the Navy Reserves. He and Jayda share a love of music, which she was able to continue while he was overseas. Thanks to the grant, Jayda auditioned for and won the role of Maria in the Sound of Music. She was later accepted into a prestigious theater program and received a regional award for the first song she wrote.
Aside from her creative activities, Jayda took on a lot of responsibility to help out her family, even though she struggled with accepting the ‘unfairness’ of her dad’s deployment. He hadn’t deployed in eight years, and the family also lives four hours away from the nearest military base. Though it was a challenge adjusting, Jayda maintained her straight A’s, took on the extra chores like caring for the five family pets and washing the cars, and learned how to cook simple meals for herself and her brother. She also decided to donate her allowance money to purchase plants and chickens for families in Africa so they can create sustainable income. Congratulations, Jayda!
September 2011
Taylor Canifax-Broesch is Our Military Kid of the Month for September 2011! Taylor is 16 years 
old and lives in Hayden, Idaho. She received a grant to attend a community center where she works out, takes classes, and is able to relax by the pool – all activities to give her some much deserved time to focus on herself, given that Taylor is so active in her community. The grant helped her while her father was recovering at home after being wounded while serving in Iraq. He has since undergone surgery on his neck, wrist, knee, and back.
Taylor is extremely active with the Army National Guard, serving as the North Idaho Regional State President for the Youth Program, and is also the Idaho State Military Youth President. She attends and holds a number of meetings to organize events such as the winter Snow Bash and the Summer Camp. Aside from these duties, Taylor tutors elementary school children in reading and math, and has logged more than 400 hours. Additionally, she works as a housekeeper for three local families and helps another with dog grooming. On top of it all, she manages to maintain a 3.9 GPA in school and plans on graduating early. Congratulations, Taylor!
August 2011
Shallon Breaux is Our Military Kid of the Month for August 2011! Shallon is 12 years old and 
lives in Lafayette, Louisiana. He received a grant to take karate classes while his dad deployed to Iraq with the Army National Guard. Karate has helped Shallon grow from a shy boy into a talented young man, improving his self esteem and confidence. He used his karate skills to perform at a school talent show, and also travels through the community with his team to show the positive aspects of martial arts, including self defense and bully awareness.
Outside of karate, Shallon stepped up and took on a bigger role at home as the oldest child without being asked or told. He helps cook and clean so his mother can focus on his new baby sister at home and his two younger brothers. He is also very active in his school, participating in the drama club, honor band, and the French immersion program. Congratulations, Shallon!
July 2011
Aaron Beavin is Our Military Kid of the Month for July 2011! Aaron is 12 years old and is from Oak Ridge, Tennessee. He received a grant to attend summer camp while his dad deployed to Iraq. The Youth Development Camp for the Tennessee Army National Guard was an important experience for Aaron, who was in the process of being adopted by his stepfather when the deployment occurred. It gave Aaron a deeper understanding of the military and improved the connection with his new father.
Additionally, Aaron was dealing with Alopecia Areata, an autoimmune disease that causes hair loss. Being able to attend camp allowed Aaron to remain resilient through a difficult time. His camp experience also helped him take on more responsibility around the house with chores like mowing the lawn and helping take care of his baby brother. It also helped his family afford private viola lessons during the school year. Congratulations, Aaron!
June 2011
Aubrey Aldag is Our Military Kid of the Month for June 2011! Aubrey is eight years old and isfrom Lincoln, Nebraska. She received a grant to take gymnastics classes while her father deployed to Afghanistan. Gymnastics is just one of the many activities Aubrey is involved in – she also dances on a weekly basis, takes Spanish classes after school, and is part of her school’s cheerleading team. She even participated in a fundraiser for the PTO that helped feed the hungry.
Outside of her school, Aubrey stays active in her community. She and her family coordinated efforts to collect blankets, coats, shoes, and school supplies for children living in orphanages in Afghanistan after learning of the need from her father. Their hard work resulted in more than 150 pounds of supplies being sent overseas. Congratulations, Aubrey!
May 2011
Cassandra O’Toole is Our Military Kid of the Month for May 2011. 
Cassandra is 18 years old and lives in Fallon, Nevada. She received a grant for vocal lessons at an opera studio while her father was on his tenth deployment to the Middle East since the September 11 attacks. Cassandra’s vocal coach rarely takes students under the age of 18, but she auditioned at 16 and was accepted. She’s been able to perform on a number of occasions, including singing the National Anthem at the Nevada Air National Guard Awards Ceremony.
Aside from singing, Cassandra is very busy at home. She has taken on extra responsibilities in her father’s absence, including all of the gardening. She planted hundreds of flower bulbs in the yard, and even splits wood to keep a fire going in the cold months. Outside of the home, Cassandra stays active in school playing basketball, track, and soccer, serving in the student government, and is the president of the drama club. Congratulations, Cassandra!
April 2011
Trenedy Young is Our Military Kid of the Month for April 2011! Trenedy
is 14 years old and lives in Queen Creek, Arizona. She received her grant to go on a class trip while her father deployed to Afghanistan to serve as a line medic. In his absence, Trenedy stepped up into a parental role to take care of her siblings.
Trenedy misses birthday parties, sleepovers, trips to the movies, and other activities that teenagers usually get to do. She takes care of her six year old sister and three year old brother while her mother works in the evenings. She prepares dinner for them each night, makes sure homework is done, and keeps them out of trouble. Even with all of these extra responsibilities at home, Trenedy keeps her own grades up while remaining active on her cheerleading squad, among other activities. Congratulations, Trenedy!
March 2011
Ayden Rivera is Our Military Kid of the Month for March 2011! Ayden is 9 years old and lives in Gulfport, Mississippi. His stepfather deployed to Iraq, and while it was difficult for the entire family, Ayden’s grant for Tae Kwon Do made a big difference.
For Ayden, being in Tae Kwon Do helped him build self esteem and develop strength for his body and mind. It also gave him the knowledge of how to be man without his stepfather being around, and connected him with other military children who were also coping with a deployed parent. This was all extremely important for Ayden, who looks up to his stepfather and wants to be in the military just like him. Every opportunity he gets, Ayden wears a replica of his stepfather’s uniform and proclaims to everyone within earshot that he wants to be just like his hero one day. Congratulations, Ayden!
February 2011
Amanda Reynolds is Our Military Kid of the Month for February 2011! Amanda is 17 years old and lives in Pollok, Texas. Her father is currently deployed to Afghanistan for the second time, and in his absence, Amanda has stepped up at home to become a role model for her four younger siblings.
Amanda received her grant to take classes and earn her certification as a SCUBA diver. When she goes to college, she hopes to study biology with a focus on marine life, and knew the SCUBA certification would help with her career goals. She learned a lot in the process, even gaining insight on college programs from a student in the class. Along with learning how to breathe underwater, Amanda is also very involved in the community. She is an active member of the local 4H club, serving as president and as a District Delegate for the county council, taking part in a wide variety of projects. Amanda also volunteers with the Texas Forestry Museum, Relay for Life, Habitat for Humanity, and Hospice. Congratulations, Amanda!
January 2011
Skylar Ouart is Our Military Kid of the Month for January 2011! Skylar is 13 years old and lives in Fargo, North Dakota. His dad deployed to Iraq and was injured shortly thereafter, causing him to spend the next eight months recovering in a military medical facility 1,200 miles from the family’s home. During this time, Skylar received a grant to continue playing ice hockey, which is his favorite sport.
Skylar really stepped up to the plate while his dad was recovering. He took on family responsibilities without being asked, especially when it came to watching over his two little brothers. He picked up the slack with all of the household chores, and even baked for the family. On top of that, Skylar volunteered at his church, maintained straight A’s in school, and was elected to participate in the Leadership Youth Government Group by his teachers. All the while, he played hockey five days a week thanks to his grant, along with basketball, tennis, football, baseball, and even played an instrument in his school’s band. Congratulations, Skylar!
December 2010
Zane Morales is Our Military Kid of the Month for December 2010! Zane is 7 years old and lives in Lincoln, Nebraska. His stepfather deployed to Iraq and has since returned home. Zane received his grant to play tennis. The grant kept him busy and took a great burden off of the family during the deployment. Zane was very proud to receive the grant, especially the award packet that came in the mail addressed to him. He carried it around with him for months, and wore his bandana and dog tags proudly.
Zane was an important part of keeping his family strong while his stepfather was in Iraq, comforting his mother and 4-year-old sister when they became sad about his absence. He made sure to remove a link every day from the paper chain representing the days left before dad got home, noting that it was getting shorter each day. His support also extended to his peers while they attended Family Readiness Group meetings. Zane also makes an effort to understand as much as he can about the military, watching documentaries with his mom about the equipment soldiers use overseas. Congratulations, Zane!
November 2010
I’nyia Monroe is Our Military Kid of the Month for November 2010! I’nyia is 11 years old and lives in Brooklyn, New York. Her father is a Wounded Warrior after serving overseas in the Army Reserves. I’nyia received two grants to take part in martial arts, most recently earning her third degree brown belt – just one step away from becoming a black belt in karate. She also keeps busy taking swim classes, playing the violin, and singing in the school choir.
Aside from her activities, I’nyia also works hard to help others throughout her community. She volunteers with the St. Jude Cancer Society, and persuaded her older brother to shave off his braids to donate for a wig for children who have lost their hair during cancer treatment. She also took part in the “Math-a-Thon,” where she got sponsors and completed math problems to help raise money. I’nyia also worked with the American Heart Association’s Jump-a-Thon, where she raised money by jumping rope for hours on end. On top of all of this, she also read 50 books as part of the Six Flags Reader Achievement Program, going above and beyond the required 30 to receive a free pass to the park this summer. Congratulations, I’nyia!
October 2010
Nathan Miller is Our Military Kid of the Month for October 2010! Nathan is 12 years old and lives in Racine, Wisconsin. His father deployed to Iraq and returned earlier this year. Nathan received his grant to play soccer on a club team, where he was the starting goalkeeper. Soccer provided him with a positive outlet to relieve his pent-up energy, while at the same time strengthening his teamwork abilities. But soccer is just one of the many things that keep Nathan busy.
Along with his soccer, Nathan also plays the trumpet in his middle school’s band. He even has time to function as a peer mediator, putting aside his own problems to help others solve theirs. Aside from activities in school, Nathan is an active member of the Boy Scouts, volunteering for community projects such as cleaning up bike trails, collecting canned goods for the homeless, organizing clothing drives, and helping Salvation Army during the holidays. Even with all of his community engagement, Nathan still maintains a 4.0 grade point average. He balanced all of these things while his father was deployed and his mother worked to complete her student teaching and was enrolled in night classes. Congratulations, Nathan!
September 2010
Katie Lewis is Our Military Kid of the Month for September 2010! Katie is 16 years old and lives in Canton, Georgia. Her father deployed to Afghanistan and recently returned home. While he was serving our country, she received two grants – the first was for a driver’s education class, and the second allowed Katie to travel to Washington, DC for a class trip. It was her first visit to the nation’s capital, and an important one, as she was able to stop at Arlington National Cemetery and see a close family friend’s headstone for the first time.
Katie is a determined young lady who wanted to make her father proud while he was overseas. She is ranked 36th in her high school class and has a near-perfect grade point average. She is actively involved in the National Art Honor Society and National Society for High School Scholars, along with the art and debate clubs at her school. Her strong academic performance allowed her to make it to the final rounds of being selected for the Georgia Governor’s Honors Program. On top of it all, Katie also seeks out volunteer opportunities in the community, and has helped the FRG leader for her father’s unit. Congratulations, Katie!
August 2010
Lane LeRoy is Our Military Kid of the Month for August 2010! Lane is 10 years old and lives in Gardner, Kansas. His father deployed to Afghanistan and recently returned home– one of four deployments experienced by the family. Lane received his grant for music lessons.
Lane’s interests are certainly not limited to music. He is quite the involved citizen of his community. In his elementary school, Lane is on the Student Service Team, and was the leader of assembling the Support Our Troops campaign, coaching his team members on how to get the best results. In the end, his elementary school donated more than 500 items to troops overseas. Outside of school, he initiated a yellow ribbon campaign, making sure every house in town had at least one ribbon. Lane also collected toys for orphans in Bosnia, and winter clothing for children in Serbia. Congratulations, Lane!
July 2010
Madison Evans is Our Military Kid of the Month for July 2010! Madison is 13 years old and lives in Las Vegas, Nevada. Her father is currently deployed to Afghanistan. Madison received her grant for private violin lessons, and the personal attention really paid off. Her lessons allowed her to excel in her middle school orchestra and move up to second chair.
Madison doesn’t just excel in music. She’s a straight-A student, a member of the National Junior Honor Society, and enjoys volunteering throughout her community. Madison is also learning how to play golf, and has aspirations of joining a soccer league and swim team. Along with her rigorous extracurricular schedule, Madison also makes time to help her mother around the house, especially when it comes to taking care of her three-year-old sister. To top it off, Madison does everything with a smile on her face and spreads her positive energy to everyone around her. Congratulations, Madison!
June 2010
Isabel Batchelor is Our Military Kid of the Month for June 2010! Isabel is 9 years old and lives in Burgaw, North Carolina. Her father is currently deployed to Iraq. Her brother has also served tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the family has been without one or the other for the past two and a half years. Isabel received her grant to attend a surf camp for children whose parents have been deployed or lost in combat. Fortunately, her father got his leave during the camp, and they were able to surf together.
While her father and brother were gone, Isabel worked to send care packages to troops overseas with items such as dental hygiene products and phone cards to call home on Christmas. She also stepped up on the family farm, volunteered with her church, and kept good grades – all with a smile on her face. Congratulations, Isabel!
May 2010
Joseph Ayers is Our Military Kid of the Month for May 2010! Joseph is 17 years old and lives in Luna Pier, Michigan. His father is currently deployed to Iraq. Joseph received his grant to attend the Michigan Youth in Government program, where he learned how bills are written, presented, revised, and approved, giving him a greater appreciation and understanding of the lawmaking process.
Joseph really stepped up to be the man of the house while his father has been deployed. In the winter months, he shoveled all of the snow and collected wood for the fireplace. He does all of the heavy lifting and he is always ready to help others. Joseph also helped out on his grandparents’ farm while his grandfather was in the hospital, tending to horses, cows, and chickens every morning before school. All the while, he remained active in swimming, cross country, yearbook, and theater while maintaining good grades. Congratulations, Joseph!
