Caroline, U.S. Coast Guard Reserve Courageous Kids Contest Winner
April 16, 2026
Caroline, Coast Guard Reserve Courageous Kids Contest Winner
Six-Year-Old Louisianian Weathers Deployment That Began on Her Birthday
Experiencing deployment as a young child is hard enough. Sending your dad off on your birthday is especially brutal. That’s exactly what happened to Caroline, a first grader from Louisiana, when her father deployed with the Coast Guard Reserve on her sixth birthday.
“Although it was heartbreaking for her, Caroline showed incredible maturity and understanding,” said Meredith, her mother and nominator. “Even at such a young age, she recognized that her father’s service meant protecting our country and helping others.”
Despite a difficult start to last year’s deployment, Caroline blossomed during the time apart from her father.
“She represents the strength and resilience of military families and continues to grow into a young person who faces challenges with bravery, grace, and an unwavering determination to succeed,” said Meredith.
Caroline took on responsibilities at home, helping her younger brother get ready for school and bed. At school, she cheers on her classmates and often helps those who are struggling. In the community, last November Caroline participated in a half-mile race to raise money and awareness for those affected with spina bifida. She also set goals for herself — bicycling without trainer wheels so she could ride confidently without them when her father returned home from deployment. She also learned how to swim with the hopes of joining her local swim team this coming summer.
“Since her father deployed, Caroline has embraced new opportunities and pushed herself to grow in ways that reflect both her courage and independence.” - Meredith, Mother and Nominator
During her father’s absence, Caroline worked hard at the activities she loves while also seeking new experiences. She is a six-sport athlete, participating in track, basketball, gymnastics, volleyball, soccer, and tumbling. She participates in her church’s catechism classes and is a musician. At school, she is an honor roll student who is known for standing up for what is right.
“My daddy is my hero because he is protecting our country.” - Caroline
Out of her many skills and activities, Caroline’s favorite is gymnastics. “I love learning new skills and being on bars,” she said. While she still has much time to decide on a career path, she currently hopes to follow her father into the military because she wants to be a hero.
Learn more about the Our Military Kids activity award program at: https://www.ourmilitarykids.org
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