2025 Military Child of the Year® Award Recipients
Now in its 17th year, the Military Child of the Year® Award reflects the positive impact that these impressive young people have made on their military families, their schools, and their communities.
Sophia Pinero, 2025 Military Child of the Year® for the Air Force
Sophia Pinero, Operation Homefront’s 2025 Military Child of the Year® for the Air Force, has learned to embrace life following the death of her father in 2023 after he served his country for 17 years.
Sophia, now 17, was 15 years old when her father, Master Sgt. Anthony Pinero, passed away tragically… She lives at Ramstein Air Force Base in Germany with her mom, Sheena Pinero, an executive services specialist and her younger sister.
As a military child, Sophia experienced 37 months of her father’s deployment and five changes of station. Moving most recently to Germany meant leaving friends and family even farther away than usual, but Sophia responded with resiliency, helping plan trips around Europe with her mom and sister.
“Of all of the bases that I have been stationed at, Ramstein Air Base has been the best,” Sophia said. “I have never felt as connected to the people around me as I do here. Whether it is pitching mail at the post office with active-duty personnel or recognizing volunteer excellence in the community, Ramstein Air Base has always felt like one big, connected family.”
Ramstein High School and Air Force JROTC have offered abundant opportunities to get involved. Sophia is a member of the school marksmanship team and assisted in breaking the all-time school record at competition in 2024. She participates in Model United Nations, National Honor Society, and was president of the Junior Science and Humanitarian Symposium. She has commanded more than 10 Color Guard and formations in her role at Air Force JROTC, where she also volunteers for activities such as retirement ceremony ushering, color guards for sporting events, manning POW-MIA tables for retiree appreciation events, and base-wide events such as 5k runs and toy drives for Ukrainian children.
Sophia is considering pursuing a career in engineering or medicine. She wants to attend the United States Air Force Academy or a university with a strong Air Force ROTC program, and she hopes to become an officer in the Air Force.
“Having a parent who served in the military has given me a deep sense of pride,” Sophia said. “Witnessing the hard work that my dad put into his career inspired a sense of strength in my own work and also in him.”
Service/Leadership Highlights
- First Place in STEM Challenge (In a Team of 3) for with a paper on Predicting European Ozone Healing Based on Past Trends and Recent Measurements, 2024 (Received $800 in cash)
- Outstanding Cadet Award AS2, 2024
- National Award: Celebrating Freedom Foundations, 2023
- Commanded Junior Varsity Color Guard to First Place and Armed Regulation Team to Third Place at All European Drill Team Competition.
- 160+ Community Service Hours across AFJROTC, NHS, and other organizations.
Maribel Sikes, 2025 Military Child of the Year® for the Army
Founding and presiding over a youth volunteering organization when her family was stationed in Japan, serving with the Red Cross, and dedicating herself to improving childhood literacy are just a few of the reasons Maribel Sikes is Operation Homefront’s 2025 Military Child of the Year® for the Army.
Maribel, 17, lives in Kentucky where her father, Lt. Col. Nicholas Sikes, is stationed at Fort Knox. Her mom, Audrey Sikes, homeschools Maribel and her four younger siblings.
Her move to Fort Knox was one of 12 changes of station Maribel has experienced as a military child. Prior to that, in 2022, they moved to Camp Zama, an Army base in Japan. Once there, Maribel worked with the American Red Cross to create the Camp Zama Red Cross Club. At Fort Knox, she dove into volunteering once again.
In total in the past 12 months, Maribel has racked up more than 1,500 volunteer hours with a variety of programs including Warrior Warehouse, Youth Leadership Hardin County, and the Fort Knox Barr Memorial Library.
Maribel has done all of this while helping her mom, who lives with an anaphylactic airborne allergy to a common, everyday item. Maribel herself and some of her siblings also live with severe allergies and autoimmune conditions. Because of this, Maribel’s journey after graduating will look different than others.
In considering colleges, along with the usual items like location, financial aid, and aligning majors, Maribel must consider her food allergies and whether she can access allergen-free food stations. She hopes to attend school in the Southeast.
Her allergies and medical conditions are why she wants to study supply chain management.
“I want to ensure that other kids will not be worried about where their next meal is coming from because the grocery store is out of the right allergy-friendly foods,” she said. “With a degree in supply chain…I will be able to make a difference in other people’s lives by providing enough safe food for them.”
Service/Leadership Highlights
- Founder and president of Fort Knox and Camp Zama American Red Cross Clubs
- Main children’s volunteer, book club host, Japanese craft class teacher, and children’s large event leader for Camp Zama and Sagamihara libraries
- Camp Zama Teen Volunteer of the Year for 2024
- Gold Presidential Volunteer Service Award
- Selected leader for the Youth Leadership Hardin Country Program for high-achieving juniors
Ian Lindo, 2025 Military Child of the Year® for the Coast Guard
Ian Lindo, Operation Homefront’s 2025 Military Child of the Year® for the Coast Guard, has achieved academic success that will help propel him to his goal of becoming a civil engineer, all while mentoring other students.
Ian, 17, is a senior at I.C. Norcom High School in Portsmouth, Virginia, where he is currently his class valedictorian, the first Black male student to hold the position in a decade. He will graduate with an associate degree from Tidewater Community College a month before his high school graduation.
Ian is the son of retired Lt. Michael Lindo and Michelle Effatt. Michael served for 27 years active duty in the Coast Guard, deploying for a total of 10 years conducting counter drug and migrant interdictions in the Caribbean, before retiring in 2019. His father lives in Georgia while Ian and his mom live in Virginia.
“My father’s dedication and commitment to serving our country for so many years is something I deeply admire,” Ian said. “His loyalty and sacrifice for our nation have shaped who I am. It’s not just about the uniform; it’s about the values he instilled in me—discipline, resilience, and a strong sense of duty.”
That sense of duty is what inspired Ian to mentor and volunteer. Since becoming president of his school’s Key Club and revamping volunteer programs, Ian has logged more than 500 hours of volunteering in elementary school classrooms in the past two years.
He is also president of Golden Fold Suffolk, a community-based youth mentorship group and service organization, a member of the National Society of Black Engineers, and co-captain of his school’s Scholastic Bowl team, which has made it to the regional championship all four years.
Ian is currently deciding among several universities, including Virginia Tech and North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, to major in civil engineering.
“I’m really passionate about designing systems that can improve lives, especially in underserved areas,” Ian said. “I’ve always believed that infrastructure like roads and bridges plays such a crucial role in connecting people, improving safety, and supporting everyday life.”
Ian hopes that by becoming a civil engineer, he can create solutions that will strengthen communities.
“Ultimately, I want to design projects that will benefit future generations and have a lasting positive impact.”
Service/Leadership Highlights
- Named one of Virginia’s nominees for the United States Presidential Scholars Program.
- The first Black male student to be class valedictorian in a decade.
- Honored by the College Board with the National African American Recognition program for outstanding academic achievement.
- President of school chapter’s National Honor Society and Key Club.
- Amassed a total of 500 hours of community service since beginning to volunteer in elementary school classrooms.
Isabella Smith, 2025 Military Child of the Year® for the Marines
Isabella Smith, the 2025 Operation Homefront Military Child of the Year® for the Marine Corps, values the unique culture of the military community. A junior at Swansboro High School in North Carolina, she makes it her mission to welcome new students.
“Being a military child who is now permanently in Swansboro, I get to not only relate to these new military kids, but help ease their transition into their new environment,” she said.
Isabella, 17, lives in Hubert, North Carolina, with her mother and stepfather, Amanda and Chris Price. She has four siblings.
Her parents served a combined 42 years in the Marine Corps. Her mother, a staff sergeant, deployed three times in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, and humanitarian missions. She retired after 20 years.
Her father, Gunnery Sgt. Brian J. Smith, retired from service after 22 years and eight deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. He was awarded a Purple Heart after suffering injuries in Afghanistan. He died in 2023 at the beginning of Isabella’s sophomore year of high school after being diagnosed with Stage 4 metastatic cancer.
Though grief-stricken, Isabella felt pride in being a military child at her father’s funeral.
“Hearing ‘Taps’ played for my dad made me feel so proud,” she recalled. “With each key played, I remembered the years of service my father dedicated to his country.”
Isabella channeled her grief into honoring her father’s memory. In the process, she transformed from a shy student into a leader.
“My father who was the epitome of hard work and dedication to his career,” she said. “I strive daily to be as committed as he was in everything I aspire to accomplish.”
In addition to maintaining high academic standards in AP and dual-credit classes, Isabella volunteered 200 hours with school and community organizations in the 12 months before her nomination as Military Child of the Year.
Isabella is on track to earn an associate degree before graduating high school. She’s considering several universities in North Carolina for completing a bachelor’s degree before going to law school. She aspires to a career in the political field.
Service/Leadership Highlights
- Frances Hesselbein Leadership Program Scholarship for fall 2024 semester
- Suzy Carlton Student Leadership and Civic Responsibility Award
- Student 2 Student Military Coordinator
- NC Youth Legislative Assembly Education Committee delegate
- Military Child Education Coalition National Student Advisory Council
Emily Baldeosingh, 2025 Military Child of the Year® for the National Guard
When Emily Baldeosingh was born, her father looked at her and said, “She is special. She is going to be something someday.”
He was right. In addition to being a leader, athlete, and honor student. She is also the Operation Homefront 2025 Military Child of the Year® for the National Guard.
Emily, 18, is the daughter of Rebecca and Juan Carlos Baldeosingh, an Army National Guard sergeant who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation.
Her stepfather, retired Marine Sgt. Maj. Skip Amaker, served 26 years. His tenure included five deployments to Iraq and one to Afghanistan. The family lives in Havelock, North Carolina, where Emily is salutatorian and president of the senior class at Havelock High School.
Emily was 2 when her mother received the news on June 29, 2009, that Juan Carlos was among four North Carolina guardsmen killed in Iraq when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle. He first served in the Marine Corps but transitioned to civilian life and, in 2008, joined the Guard.
Being part of a Gold Star Family has shaped Emily.
“I have grown up with the utmost respect for our country and those who serve to protect our freedom,” she said. “My family has always made it a top-tier priority to stay hopeful and stay positive through everything.”
Staying positive was a struggle when she was diagnosed with hearing loss at age 8. Other children’s teasing made her self-conscious, and she hid her hearing aid under her long hair. When she began participating in track and soccer in middle school, she ignored the cruel kids, pulled her hair back, and got fitted with a bright blue hearing aid.
“My hearing aid is a part of me, and I am okay with that,” she said. “It helps me hear.”
Now, she is varsity cheer captain at her school, a two-time NCA Top All-American cheer team member, and recently joined the NCA staff as an instructor. She also founded an Instagram account to drive school spirit, and she’s worked with the local chamber of commerce. Her volunteer service in the 12 months before her nomination as Military Child of the Year totaled 389 hours.
Emily plans to study international business at High Point University in North Carolina.
Service/Leadership Highlights
- Gold Star Sailing junior counselor
- Two-time NCA Cheer All-American and Top All-American
- Varsity letter athlete in cheer, lacrosse, soccer, and track and field
- Havelock Chamber of Commerce 2024 Volunteer of the Year
- Senior Class President
Mason Mosher, 2025 Military Child of the Year® for the Navy
Mason Mosher, the Operation Homefront 2025 Military Child of the Year® for the Navy, earned a bachelor’s degree before most of his peers finished high school. He reached the accelerated milestone while balancing academics with caregiving responsibilities at home.
Mason, 19, is the son of Melissa and Chief Warrant Officer Jason Mosher of Marysville, Washington. Jason, a 20-year veteran of the Navy, serves as N6A at Commander Naval Surface Group Northwest and is based at Naval Station Everett.
The family has made four PCS moves, including two to Japan, and Mason’s father has been away on deployments, patrols, and missions at sea for 97 months.
Being a military child provided challenges and opportunities, Mason said. He found both while climbing Mount Fuji when the family was stationed in Japan.
“That was a very immense struggle,” he said. “Once I made it to the top, I got to see above the clouds. I got excited about what I had accomplished.”
A homeschool student, Mason excels despite challenges of dysgraphia, a learning difference that affects written work and motor skills. He graduated high school at 16 and completed his associate degree from Liberty University four months later. He kept up the pace, and less than two years later graduated cum laude from Liberty University with a bachelor’s degree in marketing and advertising.
Mason learned to balance academic responsibilities with caregiving. His father was often at sea — for all but six weeks of one year — and his mother faced health challenges that required frequent hospitalizations and multiple surgeries.
His caregiving role expanded when his father suffered a back injury onboard a ship. As Mason completed college courses, he supported his father through two surgeries to restore mobility and alleviate pain. A month after the second surgery, Mason’s mother began treatment for thyroid cancer.
Through it all, Mason managed the household and medical appointments while offering daily encouragement. He reminded them of their goal of attending his college graduation.
Mason continued his support role after his parents’ health improved, devoting volunteer hours to the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society at Naval Station Everett. In the 12 months before his nomination as Military Child of the Year, he logged 900 volunteer hours.
Service/Leadership Highlights
• 2024 President’s Lifetime Service Award recognizing more than 4,000 lifetime volunteer hours
• Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society Everett, communications lead and client service assistant, more than 900 volunteer hours
• Assistant Sunday school teacher, Hario Chapel, Sasebo, Japan
• 2016-2017 Virginia Beach 4-H, recognized as Outstanding City-Wide Member and recipient of Herbert W. Ozlin Award
• Military Teen Adventure Camp Counselor
Natalia Serna, 2025 Military Child of the Year® for the Space Force
Natalia Serna, the Operation Homefront 2025 Military Child of the Year® for the Space Force, finds opportunity in the challenges that face military families.
Natalia, 17, is the daughter of Maria Tapia and Chief Master Sgt. Jay Harris, who has served in the Air Force and Space Force since 1995. He is currently senior enlisted leader at Vandenberg Space Force Base.
The family resides in Lompoc, California. Natalia is an honor student at Cabrillo High School, where she is president of the junior class and enrolled in honors, AP, and dual-credit courses.
She is the third of five children in the family. The two oldest serve in the military, one in the Navy and one in the Air Force.
Natalia understands the hardships of changing friend groups and adapting to new cultures after attending 12 schools and enduring seven PCS moves that have taken the family to five states and one foreign country.
At first, she saw the constant change and upheaval as a disadvantage. However, her perspective changed, and she learned to value resiliency.
“I chose to shift my mindset, and now I appreciate the 12 supportive schools, 12 reliable friend groups, and seven different places that I can proudly call home,” she said. “Every one of these experiences has profoundly influenced my journey, instilling in me a deep appreciation for resilience and the importance of building meaningful connections.”
Natalia connects with her community through service, both at school and through civic organizations. In the 12 months before her nomination, she logged 172 volunteer hours while participating in multiple sports and maintaining high academic standards.
One of her teachers noted her advocacy work as a volunteer translator for students and families.
“Her ability to bridge language barriers has not only empowered others but also fostered a more inclusive and welcoming school environment,” wrote Cabrillo High School English teacher Jennifer Moreno in recommending Natalia for the Military Child of the Year Award.
Natalia plans to continue being a leader as she studies law and political science at Georgetown University or New York University. She would like to gain experience as a corporate lawyer and in the nonprofit sector before entering the political arena. Ultimately, she sees herself as president of the United States.
Service/Leadership Highlights
- Junior class president
- National Honor Society member
- Youth Leadership of Lompoc Valley junior representative
- Cabrillo High School stadium renewal project board member
- Hunt Little Heroes first-place winner