Aubrial, Hansen, Isaiah, Theodore, & Titus, U.S. Navy Reserve Courageous Kids Contest Winners
April 8, 2026
Sibling Group:
Aubrial, Hansen, Isaiah, Theodore, & Titus,
Navy Reserve Courageous Kids Contest Winners
Michigan Family Faces Father’s Deployment Together and Makes a Splash
Aubrial, Hansen, Isaiah, Theodore, and Titus are capping their father’s 9-month deployment by making Our Military Kids history as the first siblings to win the Courageous Kids Contest as a group of five. These Michiganders were nominated by their grandmother Julie for their “extraordinary courage, strength, and resilience” during their father’s absence.
Spanning ten years and a swath of interests and achievements, this sibling group is united in their love of family and drive to challenge themselves. Learn a little more about each winner:
16-year-old Aubrial is the big sister of the group, serving as a “steady source of support and encouragement for her younger siblings.” She is an accomplished—and competitive—athlete, swimming for and coaching at her local club. Last year, she was one of just 52 girls who were invited to USA Swimming’s National Select Camp, held at the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, CO. Additionally, she is a two-time Our Military Kids activity award recipient, using the grant for swimming. Aubrial is currently pursuing her pilot’s license and took her first solo flight last December. She hopes to swim at the collegiate level and eventually become an airline pilot.
At 11, Titus has experienced numerous medical challenges, including a rare heart condition, strokes, seizures, and an autism diagnosis. Titus has met these challenges with grace, dignity, and resilience. “He has continued to make meaningful strides in both academic and social behavior, working diligently in school and showing determination in his personal development,” said Julie. When it comes to hobbies, Titus is crazy about puzzles and, along with his brother Theodore, recently received an Our Military Kids activity award to participate in a local flying club. He has also received a grant for swimming. When he grows up, Titus wants to work on elevators—specifically those manufactured by OTIS, the company that invented the world’s first safety elevator.
“Each child has worked hard and honored their father’s service not only through perseverance, but also in leadership in their respective sports and activities.” - Julie, Grandmother and Nominator
While his father’s deployment was particularly challenging for Theodore, 6, he made the most of the time, playing flag football, participating at his church, and playing piano. He also became a public school student and “embraced the new environment bravely,” according to his grandmother. Theodore is the youngest of the siblings and is planning to follow in their footsteps—rather, their lanes—as he heads to the pool to join the local swim club this spring. He hopes to become a police officer when he grows up.
14-year-old Isaiah is an accomplished student, athlete, and musician who enjoys a good challenge. Isaiah currently swims for his local club, studies Russian, and plays piano. “His commitment to both athletics and music demonstrates discipline, resilience, and a willingness to push beyond comfort zones,” said his grandmother. Isaiah received two Our Military Kids activity awards to fund his swimming extra-curricular. Perhaps unsurprisingly, Isaiah has high goals for himself: he plans to attend the U.S. Naval Academy and hopes to work on Navy submarines one day.
Attending public school for the first time during his father’s deployment, 12-year-old Hansen embraced the change by making friends and getting involved. “He quickly immersed himself in new experiences,” his grandmother noted. In addition to competing for his local swim club, he joined his middle school’s football and swim teams. A well-rounded individual, Hansen also plays the drums for his school’s band and is currently learning electric guitar. He is known for his leadership, encouragement, and teamwork—a consistent, strong supporter of his teammates. A two-time Our Military Kids activity grant recipient for swimming, Hansen aspires to military service, hoping to attend the U.S. Air Force Academy with the dream of becoming a fighter pilot.
“Together, Aubrial, Isaiah, Hansen, Titus, and Theodore have shown that resilience is not merely enduring hardship but choosing to grow, lead, and persevere through it.” - Julie, Grandmother and Nominator
During their father's deployment with the U.S. Navy Reserve, Aubrial, Isaiah, Hansen, Theodore, and Titus each received Our Military Kids activity awards for flying lessons and swimming. Learn more about the Our Military Kids activity award program at: https://www.ourmilitarykids.org
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