Xavier, U.S. Air Force Veteran Courageous Kids Contest Winner
April 7, 2026
Xavier, Air Force Veteran Courageous Kids Contest Winner
High School Senior Cares for Younger Brothers as Family Faces Father’s Cancer Diagnosis
Last spring, Xavier’s father, an Air Force Veteran, was diagnosed with nasopharyngeal carcinoma — a rare head and neck cancer.
“Xavier showed nothing short of courage, strength, and resilience through all of this,” said his mother, Huong-Kim, recalling the moments after telling her sons.
Beyond encouraging his father and understanding the treatment plan, the 18-year-old Virginian and oldest brother of three threw himself into caring for his family. Despite his parents’ protestations, Xavier changed his summer plans so that he could care full-time for his younger brothers while his mother and father made their daily trek to Walter Reed.
“We told him we wanted him to enjoy being a teenager and do all the things he should at his age. We didn’t want his dad’s diagnosis to change that for him,” said Huong-Kim.
“He’s always been mature for his age but this military journey and the things he faced along the way definitely shaped him into the person he is!” - Huong-Kim, Xavier’s Mother and Nominator
Xavier ensured that his brothers’ summer was as normal and stable as possible while his father received intensive medical care. During the day, he made sure that they continued their daily routines, making the boys breakfast and lunch, taking them to parks, and caring for whatever other needs arose. In the evenings, Xavier made himself available to his brothers to give his mother time to get things done and care for his father.
Xavier continues to excel in academics and sports. He maintained his GPA and stayed active in track and field, even achieving some personal records and being part of a team that qualified for state championships. “The memories and friends I’ve made [in track] are unforgettable,” Xavier said, noting that he values the discipline and hard work he’s put in to “better myself in every way I can.”
With high school graduation in the immediate future, Xavier will attend college with the intention of entering a professional career. “Once that’s done, I would like to travel the world with my friends and family,” Xavier said.
"For me, [being a military kid] means being an individual that’s learned to face any challenges that comes my way. There is nothing I can’t do as long as I am determined to.” - Xavier
Learn more about the Our Military Kids activity award program at: https://www.ourmilitarykids.org
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