April 30, 2026
The Pritzker Military Foundation, founded by Lieutenant Colonel Jennifer N. Pritzker (Retired), has announced a $20,000 donation to Our Military Kids, along with a matching challenge grant of up to $20,000 available through December 31, 2026. This funding will help provide extracurricular activity scholarships for eligible military children and teens in Illinois and Wisconsin. The Pritzker Military Foundation has contributed $100K between 2018-2027 to the organization, including this recent donation.
Our Military Kids is a national nonprofit organization focused on supporting children of deployed National Guard and Reserve service members, along with children of veterans receiving treatment for combat related injuries or illness. The organization works to fund extracurricular activities such as sports, arts, and tutoring, helping children stay engaged, build confidence, and experience a sense of stability during difficult periods. Through these opportunities, they aim to strengthen family wellbeing, boost morale, and create a supportive environment where military children feel valued and empowered.
“We are so proud to contribute to Our Military Kids’ mission and all of the great work that they are doing,” said LTC Jennifer Pritzker USA (Ret). “Military children are the future of our communities, and they deserve every opportunity and support we can provide to help them grow, succeed, and thrive through life’s challenges.”
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PRITZKER MILITARY FOUNDATION
Our Military Kids began in 2004 as a small pilot program supporting children in a single National Guard unit in Virginia, created in response to the growing challenges families faced during repeated deployments after 9/11. After seeing strong results and hearing from service members who wanted support for their children, the organization quickly expanded across Virginia and then into surrounding regions before becoming a nationwide program. In 2008, it broadened its reach to include children of service members and veterans from all branches who were severely injured in post-9/11 combat. Today, the organization operates nationally and has provided more than 100,000 activity grants totaling tens of millions of dollars, helping military children build resilience, confidence, and stability during difficult times.
“Our Military Kids is extremely grateful to the Pritzker Military Foundation for their generous support of our mission," said Kara Dallman, Our Military Kids executive director and retired Navy Veteran. "Thanks to your generosity, children and teens like Amelia have the chance to take part in activities that relieve stress and improve overall family wellbeing during a parent's military deployment."
The Pritzker Military Foundation is a private foundation that accepts applications by invitation only. There is no open application period.
About the Pritzker Military Foundation
The Pritzker Military Foundation seeks to support the work of both the Pritzker Military Museum & Library—and similar nonprofit organizations—to preserve American military history, restore historic military artifacts and make them accessible to the public, and provide services and essential resources to active-duty military, veterans and families of service members in all branches of the United States Armed Forces. To learn more, visit www.pritzkermilitaryfoundation.org.
About Our Military Kids®
Our Military Kids® is a national nonprofit offering activity awards for children (ages 1-18) of deployed National Guard, deployed Reserve, OR Veterans receiving care for combat-related injuries or illnesses. Learn more and apply online at: ourmilitarykids.org
Our Military Kids Announces 6th Annual Courageous Kids Contest Winners
National nonprofit Our Military Kids announced their 6th Annual Courageous Kids Contest winners on Purple Up Day, which honors the resilience and sacrifice of military children during the Month of the Military Child. The Courageous Kids Contest celebrates children of Reserve, National Guard, and combat-injured Veterans and service members from any service branch who have shown bravery and leadership during a parent’s deployment or combat-injury care.
The 6th Annual Courageous Kids Contest was made possible thanks to Champion Sponsor Koons Tysons Toyota, Presenting Sponsors HII and Navy Federal Credit Union, and Star Sponsors GOVX, Humana Military, and the Pilot Company.
“As the Champion Sponsor of the Courageous Kids Contest, we extend our gratitude and support to National Guard, Reserve, and Veteran families and thank them for their service to our Nation,” said Amar Rana, General Manager of Koons Tysons Toyota.
“We are thrilled to celebrate this year’s Courageous Kids,” said Kara Dallman, Executive Director of Our Military Kids. “We know their stories of perseverance and leadership will inspire confidence in our next generation!”
This year’s winners include musicians, caregivers, aspiring pilots, Scouts, an entrepreneur, a nonprofit founder, a firefighter, advocates, and athletes.
“As a 2026 Presenting Sponsor of the Courageous Kids Contest, we salute military children everywhere whose bravery, leadership, and resilience inspires our Nation,” said Jerome Tennille, Manager of Strategic Partnerships and Community Impact at Navy Federal Credit Union.
This year’s Courageous Kids Contest winners are:
- Justin, 18, from Pennsylvania, winning in the National Guard/Reserve Veteran category
- Kinley and Michael, 12 and 14, from Indiana, winning in the Army Reserve category
- Gabriella Grace, 18, from Oklahoma, winning in the Army Reserve category
- Jocelyn, 18, from Pennsylvania, winning in the Air Force Reserve category
- Catherine, 6, from Louisiana, winning in the Coast Guard Reserve category
- Jax, 4, from California, winning in the Marine Corps Reserve category
- Aubrial, Isaiah, Hansen, Titus, and Theodore, 16, 14, 12, 11, and 6, from Michigan, winning in the Navy Reserve category
- Hannah, 14, from Nevada, winning in the Army National Guard category
- Paisley-Kate, 13, from Texas, winning in the Army National Guard category
- BreeAnna, 18, from Idaho, winning in the Air National Guard category
- Gianna and Dylan, 9 and 12, from South Carolina, winning in the Air National Guard category
- Vyolet, 16, from Colorado, winning in the Army Veteran category
- Xavier, 18, from Virginia, winning in the Air Force Veteran category
- Connor, 17, from New Hampshire, winning in the Marine Corps Veteran category
- Francesco, 14, from Louisiana, winning in the Navy Veteran category
- Natalee, 16, from Iowa, winning in the Hidden Helper Hero category
- Elysia, 16, from Nevada, winning in the Hidden Helper Hero category
- Jack, 17, from California, winning in the Hidden Helper Hero category
- Andie, 11, from North Carolina, winning in the Hidden Helper Hero category
- Atlas, 10, from Indiana, winning in the Hidden Helper Hero category
“From building ships and advanced technologies to building character, HII believes that it is important to stand alongside our nation’s service members. Our repeat sponsorship of the Courageous Kids Contest affirms our commitment to supporting and celebrating those on the home-front, too,” said Edmond Hughes, Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer at HII.
Winners will each receive a cash stipend, national recognition, prizes from GOVX, and certificates. Our Military Kids is sharing their stories through feature articles and on social media throughout April.
About Our Military Kids
Our Military Kids is a national nonprofit that offers year-round activity funding for the children (ages 1-18) of deployed National Guard, deployed Reserve, or Veterans and service members from any branch who are receiving care for combat-related injuries or illnesses. Learn more and apply at: ourmilitarykids.org/apply
Activity awards help military families maintain stability and connection during deployments and combat-injury care.
OAKTON, Va., Jan. 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — With support from the USAA Foundation, Our Military Kids® funded over 800 additional activities for military children and teens across the country in 2025, bringing USAA Foundation's total impact to more than 4,000 activity awards supported since 2006.
Our Military Kids funds activities that improve consistency, community, and stress relief for military and Veteran families. According to this year's Our Military Kids Annual Survey of beneficiaries, 96% of families reported improved overall family wellbeing, and 88% saw a positive impact on their service member or Veteran's morale after program participation.
One National Guard service member said:
"Because of support from Our Military Kids, our child has been able to participate in swim lessons that not only build important life skills, but also bring joy, confidence, and a healthy outlet during a challenging time for our family. Knowing that our child can continue growing, learning, and staying active without the added financial stress means more than words can fully express."
SEE THE LATEST RESEARCH RESULTS
"Our Military Kids activity awards not only support children, but also strengthen the wellbeing of entire families," said Kara Dallman, Executive Director of Our Military Kids. "With the USAA Foundation's investment, we are able to relieve financial stress and expand access to even more children, providing a sense of normalcy during a deployment or care for a combat injury or illness."
Support from the USAA Foundation reflects a shared commitment in ensuring military children have access to opportunities that are proven to bolster the wellbeing of their entire family.
"We're committed to ensuring service members, Veterans, and their families thrive, and that extends to helping military children and teens realize their fullest potential," said Jenna Saucedo-Herrera, Head of Corporate Impact at USAA and Vice Chair of the USAA Foundation. "We support Our Military Kids because they have the unique ability to create at scale one-of-a-kind experiences for every child that participates in their program."
About Our Military Kids
Our Military Kids® is a nonprofit providing activity awards to children ages 1-18 of deployed National Guard, deployed Reserve, or Veterans and service members from any branch of service receiving care for combat-related injuries or illness. Learn more: ourmilitarykids.org
National nonprofit marks a major milestone — funding 100,000 activities worth $36 million for sports, fine and performing arts, camps, STEM enrichment, and more.
OAKTON, Va., Nov. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Our Military Kids®, a national nonprofit providing activity funding for eligible military children and teens, is celebrating a major milestone this week: 100,000 activity awards worth $36 million given to military children across the country.
To mark this achievement, Our Military Kids is thrilled to introduce 8-year-old Gavin, the 100,000th activity award recipient. During his mother's National Guard deployment, Gavin is using an Our Military Kids activity award to pay for his hockey fees.
Moved by the impact of receiving his activity award packet — which came not only with a check for hockey, but a personalized award certificate, dog tags, patch, and more — Gavin's family sent in a video expressing their gratitude:
"Gavin was over the moon and became very emotional about the award," his mother told us. "It really does show what this program does for the kids, especially during a vulnerable time in their lives. This activity award was especially helpful during this time of uncertainty with the government shut down and me being overseas. Thank you again so much!"
Since 2004, Our Military Kids has funded a wide range of programs — from soccer, baseball, and art classes to Scouts, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and computer coding — helping children explore passions, develop new skills, and create lasting memories despite the challenges of military life.
This milestone has been made possible due to the generosity of Our Military Kids investors and partners, whose dedication continues to light the way for thousands of military families navigating hardship and variability.
Even as Our Military Kids celebrates 100,000 activity awards given, this crucial work is not done. With thousands of families serving and receiving combat-injury care, there are even more children waiting, worrying, and needing a reminder that their sacrifices are never forgotten.
<<DONATE TO SUPPORT MORE CHILDREN>>
Our Military Kids stands steadfast in supporting these families for the next 100,000 activities and beyond.
About Our Military Kids®
Our Military Kids is a national nonprofit offering activity awards for children (ages 1-18) of deployed National Guard, deployed Reserve, OR Veterans receiving care for combat-related injuries or illnesses. Learn more and apply online at: ourmilitarykids.org
National nonprofit looks to the future with refreshed mission, vision, and more.
OAKTON, Va., Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- With gratitude and excitement, national nonprofit Our Military Kids®, which provides activity funding for eligible military children and teens, is announcing its 2026-2020 Strategic Plan.
Over the past several months, Our Military Kids engaged in a thoughtful and collaborative strategic planning process led by Waller Consulting and grounded in feedback from staff, board, partners, investors, military and Veteran leadership, and beneficiary families. This insight and input shaped a plan that is as visionary as it is rooted in real needs and lived experiences.
Our Military Kids is proud to share the core framework that will guide this work over the next five years:
MISSION
Our Military Kids funds activities for eligible military children.
VISION
A country where every military child feels seen, supported, and empowered.
CORE VALUES
Trust, Empowerment, Compassion, Duty
WHO WE SERVE
Children of National Guard or Reserve service members who are experiencing an overseas deployment OR activation on a stateside, named mission AND
Children of Veterans or military in any branch of service who are receiving care for combat-related injuries or illness.
STRATEGIC GOALS:
- Become a household name among eligible families and partners
- Deliver compassionate, seamless, and scalable program access
- Build the infrastructure to scale responsibly and sustainably
- Diversify and expand funding to fuel innovation and impact
Our Military Kids believes in the transformative power of military children participating in activities they love. Partners such as KBP Brands, who host the largest fundraiser for Our Military Kids through a Charity Coupon Drive in many of its KFC restaurants, play a critical role in ensuring this growth and greater impact are possible.
A Navy Reservist, whose children's hockey activities were supported through an Our Military Kids activity award funded by this campaign, shared:
"These activity grants are very thoughtful as they allowed me to worry less about the cost of hockey while I was deployed and more about the enjoyment of the game for my kids."
These moments of empowerment for military children and support for families have guided the development of this bold, forward-looking plan.
About Our Military Kids
Our Military Kids® funds activities for children ages 1-18 of deployed National Guard, deployed Reserve, or post-9/11, combat-injured Veterans receiving care. Learn more at: ourmilitarykids.org
An Interview with Tom Ripley, Partner at Ames Watson,
Chairman & CEO at LIDS Sports Group
by Kara C. Dallman, Executive Director, Our Military Kids
At Our Military Kids, we know military children grow up facing unique challenges that often go unseen. That’s why when an authentic leader like Tom Ripley, a military child himself and U.S. Marine Corps Veteran, embraced our mission, we gravitated to learn more. Tom is currently Partner at Ames Watson, Chairman & CEO at LIDS Sports Group. We were grateful to learn more about his life journey and his company’s commitment to investing in the next generation of resilient young people through the Lids Foundation.
For Tom Ripley, leadership is about showing up, staying humble, and creating space for others to thrive. His journey, shaped by a childhood in a military family, a passion for coaching, and a relentless commitment to learning, offers a powerful blueprint for leading with heart and purpose.
Growing Up Military: A Life in Motion
Tom’s early life was defined by movement. As a military child, packing up every few years, adjusting to new schools, and starting over became second nature. “It was just the rhythm of life,” he reflects in an interview with Our Military Kids Executive Director Kara Dallman. But looking back, he realizes how unique and challenging that experience really was.
Military families live in constant motion. For most people, the idea of uprooting your life every few years is hard to imagine. But for Tom, it was normal. And in that ever-changing world, one thing provided stability: sports.
“Sports were the anchor,” he says. “They gave us a way to make friends, to feel like we belonged.”
Whether it was football, soccer, or basketball, sports offered structure and community in a world that often felt transient. When Tom started his senior year at LeJeune High School on base at Camp LeJeune in North Carolina, he already had three weeks of football practice under his belt. That early connection with his peers and community made all the difference.
A New Generation, New Challenges
Torey (16) received Our Military Kids activity awards to cover lacrosse fees during his father's combat-injury treatment.
Today’s military kids face a different set of challenges. Since 9/11, many have grown up with the reality of back-to-back deployments and long separations from their parents. It’s a level of strain that Tom’s generation didn’t experience as intensely.
When he learned that there are 2.3 million military caregiving children in the U.S., Tom was stunned. “I would’ve been off by several orders of magnitude,” he admitted. It was a powerful reminder of how much the landscape has changed, and how much support these kids need.
That’s why Tom is passionate about supporting organizations like Our Military Kids®, which provides extracurricular activity funding for children of deployed National Guard and Reserve service members and post-9/11, combat-injured Veterans. Whether it’s a new pair of cleats or access to a local league, these small gestures can have a huge impact.
Since 2013, the Lids Foundation has funded more than 3,300 OMK extracurricular activity awards for children and teens in all 50 states and four territories.
“Sometimes all it takes is a ball, a field, and a team to feel at home, no matter where ‘home’ happens to be,” Tom says.
Giving Back with Intention
Vyolet (15) used an Our Military Kids activity award to fund lacrosse training and uniform fees.
For Tom, supporting military kids isn’t just a cause — it’s personal. His own childhood gave him a deep appreciation for the resilience these kids must develop. That’s why he doesn’t just donate, he invests.
“The first gift from the Foundation is aspirational,” he explains. “It’s about believing in the mission, about seeing the potential to make a difference.” But it’s the second gift that really tells the story. That’s when trust is built, when the donor sees results and believes in the transparency of the organization.
Tom admires nonprofits that “push to the point of friction,” those that lean in, do the hard work, and make sure the majority of every dollar goes directly to the cause.
Our Military Kids is one of those organizations. With a $3 million annual budget, 87 cents of every dollar goes directly toward activity awards for military kids.
Coaching: Leadership in Action
Years ago, despite a demanding executive schedule, Tom took on the role of coaching a high school lacrosse team. Practice started at 4:30 p.m., right in the middle of his workday. But he made it work.
Every afternoon, he’d shut down his computer, head to the field, coach, then return to his desk to eat dinner and work for another four hours.
The team he coached weren’t just athletes; they were young men in the making. Out of 24 players, 14 went on to become All-Americans. Today, they’re rising seniors in college, and many still reach out to Tom with texts and calls. Watching them grow into thoughtful, driven adults has been one of the most rewarding experiences of his life.
Recently, he visited a few of them in Chapel Hill. They talked about everything from parents, school, and relationships. Not once did lacrosse come up. And that, to Tom, said everything. The impact he had went far beyond the field.
He didn’t just run drills or call plays. He saw coaching as a chance to mold character, to shape raw clay into something lasting. He was intentional with every word, every lesson, every moment. “They were listening,” he shared, “So I had to be deliberate.”
Always a Student
Tom’s leadership philosophy is grounded in one core belief: always be a student.
Even as a seasoned executive, he approaches each day with curiosity and humility. Whether it’s learning from a peer, a mentor, or a new hire fresh out of college, Tom believes everyone has something to teach. “The moment ego creeps in,” he says, “you lose your creativity. You stop growing.”
In his businesses, he fosters a culture where learning is not just encouraged, it’s expected. His teams are open to new ideas, eager to develop new skills, and unafraid to challenge the status quo. Interestingly, Tom finds he learns the most from younger team members. “They grew up differently,” he says. “They learned through technology, through screens. I want to understand that world.”
Structure as a Lifeline
Leadership isn’t without its pressures: a military kid stepping up when his dad is deployed, a coach taking the field with his team, a Marine leading his fellow Marines into combat, or a CEO convening his executives in a board room. With success comes expectations, and with expectations comes stress. Tom knows this well. That’s why he leans heavily on structure in every aspect of his life.
His solution is twofold, with one part fueling the other:
- A high level of regimented action
- A commitment to physical and mental clarity
Every day starts with a workout. It’s non-negotiable. That morning discipline sets the tone, helping him process stress, manage frustration, and stay clear-headed. “Structure is how I stay grounded,” he explains. “It’s how I lead with intention, even when things get tough.”
"Where the Metal Meets the Meat"
Tom’s approach to leadership whether in business, coaching, or philanthropy is rooted in presence. He lives by a phrase from the film We Were Soldiers: “where the metal meets the meat.” It’s about being in the thick of it, not leading from behind, but standing shoulder to shoulder with those you serve.
Through the Lids Foundation’s continued support for Our Military Kids, Tom directly demonstrates this philosophy by positively impacting the lives of service members, Veterans, and their families.
Disclaimer: Some of this article was written with assistance from generative AI and edited for accuracy.
National nonprofit covers extracurriculars for children of Veterans with presumptive conditions covered by the PACT Act, with support from DAV Charitable Service Trust (DAV CST).
OAKTON, Va., June 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Joaquin is a 16-year-old student athlete whose father, a U.S. Army Veteran, was recently diagnosed with service-connected cancer caused by toxic exposure. With support from DAV CST, Our Military Kids® stepped in to cover Joaquin's football and baseball fees.
"Playing sports is now most important to Joaquin because he knows it makes his dad happy," said his mother, Sofia. "This is his outlet and a way for Joaquin and his father to share time together. We weren't sure if we could afford his football this year. Our Military Kids activity awards are important and needed for situations like this."
Our Military Kids funds extracurricular activities for children of deployed National Guard, deployed Reserve, and post-9/11 Veterans and service members from any branch receiving care for combat injuries or illness, including those with presumptive conditions outlined in the SFC Heath Robinson Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act.
"As more Veterans seek care for conditions caused by exposure to burn pits and other toxins, Our Military Kids stands ready to support their children in the activities they love," said OMK Executive Director Kara Dallman. "These activities benefit teens like Joaquin, improve Veterans' morale, and enhance family wellbeing during a difficult time."
According to the Our Military Kids 2024-2025 Annual Survey, 93% of service members and Veterans experienced improved morale due to their child's OMK-funded activity. But without assistance from Our Military Kids, 82% of families would not have afforded the activity at all, or it would have caused financial strain.
Support from funders like DAV CST allows Our Military Kids to continue providing this critical relief to families like Joaquin's.
Learn more and apply at: ourmilitarykids.org
About Our Military Kids
Our Military Kids® is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit offering extracurricular activity awards to children ages 1-18 of deployed National Guard, deployed Reserve, or post-9/11 combat-injured Veterans in treatment. Our Military Kids activity awards build children's self-confidence, enhance family wellness, and strengthen a shared sense of community. Learn more: ourmilitarykids.org
This summer, military families supported by Our Military Kids set sail for a day of conservation, connection, and discovery at Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area.
After a warm welcome and receiving their park passes, families boarded a ferry to Spectacle Island, one of the most unique islands in the Boston Harbor. Once ashore, participants split into three stewardship teams: one group removed pepperweed, an invasive plant species; another weeded and mulched a blooming butterfly garden; and a third tackled additional invasive species to help protect native plants and habitats.
Through their hands-on efforts, these young stewards made a real impact, restoring ecosystems and meaningfully giving back to public lands.
But the day wasn’t just about service but also connection. Military families bonded over shared experiences, found community in the outdoors, and enjoyed the chance to spend time together in a peaceful, scenic space.
To wrap up the day, the group joined a ranger-led hike, where they learned about the island’s dramatic transformation from landfill to national park. The hike highlighted the resilience of both the landscape and the people who care for it, a fitting parallel to the strength and service of our military families.
Our Military Kids empowers children of deployed National Guard, Reserve, and post-9/11 combat-injured veterans. Through experiences like this one, participants are reminded that they are not alone and that the outdoors can be a place for healing, joy, and belonging.
In celebration of the Month of the Military Child, 14 military children are awarded as leaders in their communities, families, schools, and activities.
OAKTON, Va., April 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Our Military Kids® (OMK), a national nonprofit providing extracurricular activity awards to military children and teens, is honoring 14 winners of the 5th Annual Our Military Kids Courageous Kids Contest in celebration of the Month of the Military Child.
Each winner has served as a leader and role model in their communities, schools, homes, and activities while a parent deployed with the National Guard or Reserve, or received treatment for combat-related injuries in 2024.
Our Military Kids is also recognizing three children who have assisted in caregiving duties for a parent with combat-related injuries as this year's Hidden Helper Hero Award recipients.
The 5th Annual Courageous Kids Contest was made possible by Presenting Sponsors Navy Federal Credit Union and HII.
"It is an honor for Navy Federal to be a presenting sponsor for Our Military Kids' Courageous Kids Contest," said Jerome Tennille, Manager of Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging and Corporate Social Responsibility Programs and Partnerships at Navy Federal. "Our mission is to support our members, military families and their communities. This philanthropic partnership with Our Military Kids aligns with our shared commitment to enhancing the wellness and community of military children."
Each winner will receive a $300 cash stipend, award certificate, and have their story shared on OMK's digital platforms throughout April at: www.ourmilitarykids.org/contest-winners/
About Our Military Kids®
Our Military Kids® is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit offering extracurricular activity awards to children of deployed National Guard, deployed Reserve, or Veterans in treatment for post-9/11, combat-related injuries. Learn more: https://www.ourmilitarykids.org
About Navy Federal Credit Union
Established in 1933 with only seven members, Navy Federal now has the distinct honor of serving more than 14 million members globally and is the world's largest credit union. As a member-owned and not-for-profit organization, Navy Federal always puts the financial needs of its members first. Membership is open to all Department of Defense and Coast Guard Active Duty, Veterans, civilian and contractor personnel, and their families. Navy Federal employs a workforce of over 25,000 and has a global network of more than 365 branches. For more information about Navy Federal Credit Union, visit navyfederal.org. Federally insured by NCUA. Equal Opportunity Employer.
In March 2025, military families experienced a day of discovery and adventure at Saguaro National Park, thanks to the partnership between the National Park Trust, the National Park Service (NPS), and Our Military Kids. This ongoing collaboration brings together National Guard, Reserve, and post-9/11 combat-injured service members and their families to explore and enjoy national parks across the country.
The first stop was a guided tour of the park’s cactus garden, where participants learned about the towering saguaro cacti and the diverse desert ecosystem. As they strolled among the iconic plants, park rangers shared insights into the adaptations that allow flora and fauna to thrive in the dry environment. Sunny the Saguaro, the park’s cheerful mascot, made a special appearance to greet the families, adding a touch of fun to the experience. The kids even got to stand under his giant ranger hat!
Next, the group ventured on a hike through a sandy wash, where they took in views of the rugged desert terrain. Along the way, families had the opportunity to spot wildlife and learn about the cultural significance of the land. The highlight of the day was a visit to ancient petroglyphs, where rangers explained the stories behind the centuries-old carvings left by Indigenous peoples.
After a day of exploring and learning, the adventure concluded with a memorable ceremony. The children proudly took their Junior Ranger pledges, earned their badges, and celebrated their accomplishments. Before heading out, families received their America the Beautiful Military Pass, granting them free access to over 2,000 federal recreational sites for a full year.
Through events like these, the National Park Trust, NPS, and Our Military Kids continue their dedication to supporting military families by creating meaningful connections to the outdoors. With their Military Passes in hand, families are now empowered to embark on even more adventures, discovering the beauty of national parks together.