Back in September, military families were treated to an exciting day of fishing at Biscayne National Park in Florida, thanks to a collaboration between the National Park Trust, National Park Service (NPS), and Our Military Kids. This partnership aimed to provide National Guard, Reserve, and post-9/11 combat-injured service members and their families with access to outdoor recreation opportunities in national park sites across the country. The day began with an educational session about the park’s natural and cultural history, followed by fishing lessons from local experts. Families then embarked on a fishing adventure in Biscayne Bay, enjoying hours of catch-and-release fishing, sightseeing, and soaking up the sun and salt air. This event marked the third of four outdoor recreation events scheduled for 2023 at national park sites, with other locations including Assateague National Seashore, MD, Mount Rainier National Park, WA, and Cabrillo National Monument, CA.
The initiative, funded by the NPS and facilitated by the National Park Trust and Our Military Kids, not only provided a memorable day for military personnel and their families but also highlighted the importance of fostering connections with nature and building community bonds. Through these events, families were able to enjoy the great outdoors, learn new skills, and create lasting memories, reinforcing the invaluable role national parks play in promoting recreation, education, and family well-being.
Meet Kamryn and Jaydyn, the winners of OMK’s Courageous Kids of 2020 Contest in the U.S. Navy (Severely Injured) category!
Kamryn, 10, and Jaydyn, 12, are the children of an U.S. Navy Veteran who underwent treatment for severe combat-related injuries in 2020.
“Kamryn has shown nothing but resiliency, strength and courage. She and I were two peas in a pod. I PCS’d without the family and had plans to visit every 4-6 weeks. Kamryn had a calendar to mark off the days. Then I got tasked to the USNS Mercy and 2 other COVID relief missions and her heart was shattered. But she did what I’ve always told her to do…pick up the pieces and push through. She did just that. She’s kept up her grades throughout virtual and in person school. She adjusted fine when her sister was diagnosed with COVID and picked up the slack to help her dad around the house and yard. She has learned to cook for the family and loves it. It doesn’t stop there, Kamryn has had a mental block in her sport and during this time, she overcame and conquered her fear. She has made her coaches proud by being a leader on the mat and for her team. Her most recent accomplishment is winning the coveted NCA Jacket with her team. She’s definitely one of the strongest kids I know.”
“This last year has been nothing normal for Jaydyn. As it was, I PCS’d without the family because it was the best decision for us at that time. Jaydyn was thriving in her new school after being bullied at her old one. Her cheer gym had to shut down during the pandemic, but she didn’t let that slow her down, she would blow up the tumble tracks and put in the work so that she didn’t loose her skill. The plan for me to come home about every 6-8 weeks was quickly put to a halt when I deployed on the USNS Mercy and was held back for continued COVID Support. She never once complained, she always had a smile on her face which let me know she was ok. She has helped her Dad (who suffers from PTSD/Anxiety) get through the hardest of days. She’s worked so hard on keeping her grades up through virtual learning and once returning to school. Just as things started to get back to somewhat of a routine, she was diagnosed with COVID herself. Quarantined to her room for 14 days, there wasn’t a complaint ever. She understood why she couldn’t be around family. She would open the door for daily temps and to get her food that was set in front of her door, and she did it all with a smile. I couldn’t be more proud of her for pushing and growing through a time were it was all unknown.”
Check out our social media every Mon, Wed, and Sat throughout April’s #MonthOfTheMilitaryChild for more amazing stories from this year’s Courageous Kids of 2020! Read all of their stories here: https://www.ourmilitarykids.org/contest-winners
Meet Charleigh, 10, Pasleigh, 9, and Sawyer, 5, the winners of OMK’s Courageous Kids of 2020 Contest in the U.S. Air Force Reserve category! Charleigh, Pasleigh, and Sawyer are the children of United States Air Force Reservist Clark Schwartz, who served overseas in 2020.
“During the absence of her father, Paisleigh remained resilient and courageous,” said the siblings’ mother, Summer. “She decided to contribute to her community by starting a lanyard service that helped people wear their protective mask more comfortably and stylishly. She called her service #GracefullyThreaded, as her middle name is Grace. Paisleigh made many lanyards for her teachers and friends at school and customized them per request.”
“Charleigh stepped up as the oldest child, helping through what was far from a normal deployment,” said Summer. “Her father deployed a few short days before her sports, school, and community would be shut down for the pandemic. She never allowed worry to consume her. She saw the need for strength and leadership for her two younger siblings without any hesitation or request from her mom. She continued to dig down and excel in academics and basketball, which landed her an invitation to represent her county on an All-Star #basketball team.”
“Sawyer took on the role of ‘man of the house,’ assisting and being helpful to his mother and sisters in any way he could,” said Summer. “Sawyer worked alongside his sisters as they handmade mask lanyards for teachers and friends at school, as well as others in the community. Sawyer is a great student, leader, role model, son, and sibling to his two older sisters. He always has a positive attitude and is always thoughtful of others before himself.”
Thank you for helping us to celebrate the #MonthOfTheMilitaryChild by recognizing some incredible military children throughout April! You can read each Courageous Kids of 2020 story here: https://www.ourmilitarykids.org/contest-winners
Meet Azalea, the winner of OMK’s Courageous Kids of 2020 Contest in the U.S. Army Reserve category! 🎖️ Azalea, 7, is the daughter of an U.S. Army Reservist who served overseas in 2020.
“Azalea started 2020 struggling with anxiety,” said Brooke, Azalea’s mother. “Adding to the stress of the year, we learned that her dad would be going on a year-long deployment, our very first with children. Right before deployment, Azalea stepped out of her comfort zone and started doing gymnastics, with the help of a scholarship from Our Military Kids. Almost every month, Azalea’s hard work has been noticed and she has been invited to move up level after level. We just received an email invitation for Azalea to join the gymnastics travel team and compete in meets! She has worked SO hard over the last eight months toward her goal and we are so excited to see where it takes her! Already her confidence is soaring and watching her perform in front of others, anxiety-free, has made my Momma heart so happy. Now we are counting down the days until her daddy gets to watch her compete for the first time as well.”
Check out our social media every Mon, Wed, and Sat throughout April’s #MonthOfTheMilitaryChild for more amazing stories from this year’s Courageous Kids of 2020! Read all of their stories here: https://www.ourmilitarykids.org/contest-winners
Meet Isaiah, the winner of OMK’s Courageous Kids of 2020 Contest in the U.S. Marine Corps (Severely Injured) category! Isaiah, 15, is the son of an U.S. Marine Corps Veteran who underwent treatment for severe combat-related injuries in 2020.
“Isaiah is an incredible young man,” said Jason, Isaiah’s teacher. “His mother was injured in Iraq and suffers from seizures. Isaiah wants to be a combat medic to help people like his mom that fight for our country. Our Military Kids helped him last summer with a cooking camp. He loves cooking for his little sister and mom to help her recover. This year, Our Military Kids helped him take karate, something he thought he would never be able to afford to do. He wants to start training and be there for his family. Not only that, Isaiah is only 15 and wants to start pitching in rent to help his mom. Such an incredible young man. I hope you choose him for the heart he has for others and this country.”
Check out our social media every Mon, Wed, and Sat throughout April’s #MonthOfTheMilitaryChild for more amazing stories from this year’s Courageous Kids of 2020! Read all of their stories here: https://www.ourmilitarykids.org/contest-winners
Meet Kyle, the winner of OMK’s Courageous Kids of 2020 Contest in the U.S. Air National Guard category! Kyle, 17, is the son of an US Air National Guardsman who was deployed in 2020.
“Kyle has been so strong during 2020,” said Karen, Kyle’s mother. “COVID shut down the country and his school while his father was deployed. Kyle stepped up and was my rock during this difficult time. He really served as the head of our household in my husband’s absence. He assisted me with taking care of our animals and chores around the house, all while maintaining a 3.5 GPA in his online high school classes as well as concurrent college classes. His grandparents were very ill and that required a lot of my time. While the time was so trying for all of us, we look back now and are so proud of how much Kyle grew up during that time. As a graduating senior this May I am confident he will do well on his own as he prepares to leave for college this Fall. I included a picture of Kyle with his Dad and grandfathers (both proud Veterans) at a dinner celebration after a basketball game.”
Check out our social media every Mon, Wed, and Sat throughout April’s #MonthOfTheMilitaryChild for more amazing stories from this year’s Courageous Kids of 2020! Read all of their stories here: https://www.ourmilitarykids.org/contest-winners
Meet Kamryn and Jaydyn, the winners of OMK’s Courageous Kids of 2020 Contest in the U.S. Navy (Severely Injured) category!
Kamryn, 10, and Jaydyn, 12, are the children of an U.S. Navy Veteran who underwent treatment for severe combat-related injuries in 2020.
“Kamryn has shown nothing but resiliency, strength and courage. She and I were two peas in a pod. I PCS’d without the family and had plans to visit every 4-6 weeks. Kamryn had a calendar to mark off the days. Then I got tasked to the USNS Mercy and 2 other COVID relief missions and her heart was shattered. But she did what I’ve always told her to do…pick up the pieces and push through. She did just that. She’s kept up her grades throughout virtual and in person school. She adjusted fine when her sister was diagnosed with COVID and picked up the slack to help her dad around the house and yard. She has learned to cook for the family and loves it. It doesn’t stop there, Kamryn has had a mental block in her sport and during this time, she overcame and conquered her fear. She has made her coaches proud by being a leader on the mat and for her team. Her most recent accomplishment is winning the coveted NCA Jacket with her team. She’s definitely one of the strongest kids I know.”
“This last year has been nothing normal for Jaydyn. As it was, I PCS’d without the family because it was the best decision for us at that time. Jaydyn was thriving in her new school after being bullied at her old one. Her cheer gym had to shut down during the pandemic, but she didn’t let that slow her down, she would blow up the tumble tracks and put in the work so that she didn’t loose her skill. The plan for me to come home about every 6-8 weeks was quickly put to a halt when I deployed on the USNS Mercy and was held back for continued COVID Support. She never once complained, she always had a smile on her face which let me know she was ok. She has helped her Dad (who suffers from PTSD/Anxiety) get through the hardest of days. She’s worked so hard on keeping her grades up through virtual learning and once returning to school. Just as things started to get back to somewhat of a routine, she was diagnosed with COVID herself. Quarantined to her room for 14 days, there wasn’t a complaint ever. She understood why she couldn’t be around family. She would open the door for daily temps and to get her food that was set in front of her door, and she did it all with a smile. I couldn’t be more proud of her for pushing and growing through a time were it was all unknown.”
Check out our social media every Mon, Wed, and Sat throughout April’s #MonthOfTheMilitaryChild for more amazing stories from this year’s Courageous Kids of 2020! Read all of their stories here: https://www.ourmilitarykids.org/contest-winners
Meet Dylan, the winner of OMK’s Courageous Kids of 2020 Contest in the U.S. Army National Guard category! Dylan, 14, is the son of an U.S. Army National Guard service member.
“Dylan has to be one of the most resilient children I’ve ever known,” said Karla, Dylan’s mother. “Dylan has been able to maintain an A average in school through it all AND has earned the Presidential Volunteerism Award for three years in a row.”
“This summer, he will participate in leadership camp at Camp Canaan and the National Youth Leadership Forum: Explore STEM. He is an older brother to Heather (4) and Jason (5). He helps his stepfather with chores, reads to Heather and plays with Jason. He could be living with his father as the only child. However, he asked his father to allow him to remain with his brother and sister because he didn’t want them to feel lonely and miss him too. This past year, Dylan has participated in cross country, football, basketball, and baseball. He’s a child with an amazing work ethic, a sweet heart, the courage of a lion, and who has sacrificed along with me for his state and country.”
Check out our social media every Mon, Wed, and Sat throughout April’s #MonthOfTheMilitaryChild for more amazing stories from this year’s Courageous Kids of 2020! Read all of their stories here: https://www.ourmilitarykids.org/contest-winners
Meet Emmit and Nolan, the winners of OMK’s Courageous Kids of 2020 Contest in the US Coast Guard Reserve category!
Emmit, 7, and Nolan, 9, are the sons of an US Coast Guard Reservist who was deployed overseas during 2020.
“Having a parent deployed overseas for an extended period of time is hard on kids, no matter what their age,” said Diana, the boys’ mother. “My son, Emmit, has demonstrated great resilience during these past nine months and still continues to as we await his father’s return home. I specifically remember one day after school when he told me that he cried at school because he missed his daddy. I thought it was strange that the teacher didn’t bring this up to me so I asked him, ‘Did anyone see you cry?’ He said, ‘No. I was just sitting there and started to think about Daddy and how much I missed him and then started to get sad. Then I pulled my mask over my eyes to wipe my tears.’ He wanted to put on a brave face, to show his classmates that he was doing okay, when deep down all he wanted to do was hug his dad. We have a Daddy Doll that we got when he was deployed three years ago. Emmit was four at the time and probably didn’t feel as deeply as he does this time around. Every time he misses his daddy, he goes and gives his Daddy Doll a squeeze.”
“During my husband’s deployment, we have been fortunate to be able to stay in touch via text, phone, and FaceTime. While Daddy shows off some of the cool morale stuff he is doing down range, Nolan likes to show Daddy how proud he is of him through various songs he has been learning on the piano. Nolan is extremely proud of his dad and his service to our country. Although we all miss him dearly, Nolan understands the importance of dad’s job. His resilience is shown through his pride for his dad. Playing these songs for his dad reminds him of the importance of why his dad has to be away.”
Check out our social media every Mon, Wed, and Sat throughout April’s #MonthOfTheMilitaryChild for more amazing stories from this year’s Courageous Kids of 2020! Read all of their stories here: https://www.ourmilitarykids.org/contest-winners
Meet Jarred, the winner of OMK’s Courageous Kids of 2020 Contest in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve category!
Jarred, 14, is the son of an U.S. Marine Corps Reservist who was activated stateside during 2020 in response to a COVID-19 or Southwest Border Mission.
“In 2020, Jarred was recognized by his school district as his middle school’s Valedictorian,” said Jose, Jarred’s father. “Jarred is the first chair of the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra in our county, and tutored other young musicians. He has played the National Anthem for U.S.M.C. venues and other groups such as the Leatherneck Scholarship Foundation, The Port Washington N.Y. Marine Corps League, and the Tunnel to the Towers foundation.”
“Jarred continues to charge forward in 2021. His current GPA in the 9th grade is 98.6 and he is currently at the top of his class. Jarred contributes to the community in other ways and plans to volunteer his time during the summer months to tutor young students in need.”
To learn more about Our Military Kids’ mission, please visit https://www.ourmilitarykids.org!