2026 Semifinalists for Operation Homefront’s Military Child of the Year® Award Announced
SAN ANTONIO — Operation Homefront, the national nonprofit working to build strong, stable, and secure military and veteran families, has named the 68 semifinalists for their 2026 Military Child of the Year® Award.
The Military Child of the Year Award is the nation’s premier tribute to our nation’s military children, who serve and sacrifice alongside their parents. The program celebrates the remarkable achievements, character, and contribution of these young people, and once again saw a record number of nominations this cycle. This year’s semifinalists represent military children from across the globe, reflecting the diverse experiences of families stationed in communities large and small, both in the United States and overseas.
The Military Child of the Year Award recognizes military children whose leadership, resilience, and service shine despite the constant change and challenges of military life. For recipients, the award is more than an honor- it’s a lasting source of pride and offers unparalleled opportunities to connect with senior military leaders and fellow military kids who share their experiences.
Finalists for the 2026 Military Child of the Year Award will be selected in February by a panel of independent, volunteer judges. The final seven award recipients – one representing each branch of the military – will be announced in March and each will receive $10,000, a laptop computer, and other donated gifts at a gala held in their honor in Washington D.C. in April.
Visit our Military Child of the Year® Award page to learn more.
The following are the 2026 Military Child of the Year® Award semifinalists by service branch.
Air Force
Morgan Becker- 18, Elkhorn, NE
Raegan Bradbury- 16, Sheppard AFB, TX
Katen Fredin- 18, Ramstein Air Base, Germany
Benjamin Gingerella- 16, Tampa, FL
Abby Huisman- 17, Burke, VA
Kenley Neal- 16, Brussels, Belgium
Andrew Peske- 18, Kathleen, GA
Daniel Rowley- 17, Eielson AFB, AK
Elizabeth Stanton- 16, College Station, TX
Abigail Transfiguracion- 18, Maineville, OH
Coast Guard
Caitlin Eckhardt- 17, Junction City, WI
Mya Feeney- 17, Warrenton, OR
Jake Fuller- 18, New City, NY
Logan McGuire- 18, Hamilton, NJ
Mary Louise Murray- 13, Owings, MD
Joseph Obermeier- 17, Bethesda, MD
Mia Spruill- 17, Virginia Beach, VA
Jesse Stroup- 16, Lakeside, AZ
Victoria Vanacore- 17, Kill Devil Hills, NC
National Guard
Olivia Azzopardi- 18, Maumee, OH
Elijah Gravely- 18 North Dinwiddie, VA
Tanner Griggs- 17- Rainbow City, AL
Genesis Hall- 16, Marion, NC
Kristin Luna- 15, Center Moriches, NY
Lila Morgan- 18, Lithia, FL
Alayna Robins- 17, Clinton Township, MI
Ashley Schrader- 15, Oak Creek, WI
Kate Wardlaw- 18, Stillwater, OK
Grant Wilson- 17, New Albany, OH
Space Force
Abigail Addison- 18, Colorado Springs, CO
Shu Xian Mila Baker- 17, Raphine, VA
Kaitlyn Cruz- 16, Colorado Springs, CO
Hadlee Fuller- 18, Gainesville, FL
Brandon Kim- 17, Cerritos, CA
Olivia Kohler- 18, Littleton, CO
Taylor Schreiner- 18, Colorado Springs, CO
Athena Suliashvili- 16, Satellite Beach, FL
Joshua Yarnes- 16, Fairfax, VA
Army
Amani Ambay- 18, Lutz, FL
Shannon Arana-16, Fort Drum, NY
Kelsey Barrett- 17, Anchorage, AK
Zenobia Davis- 17, Kaiserslautern, Germany
Jack Dowdy- 18, Springfield, VA
Joslyn Harrell- 18, Wichita, KS
Mikayla Mann- 17, Alexandria, VA
Natalie Perez- 17, Fayetteville, NC
Kinsey Robinson- 17, West End, NC
Loren Venton- 17, Easley, SC
Marine Corps
Virginia Burks- 17, Havelock, NC
Cooper Canterbury- 16, Piney Point, MD
James David- 16, Falls Church, VA
Alaynna Harris- 17, Fredericksburg, VA
Matthew Jones- 17, Saint Augustine, FL
Hannah Kirksey- 17, Sneads Ferry, NC
Mia Monday- 18, Kailua, HI
Connor Nicol- 17, Hampton, NH
Miley Palacios- 17, Oceanside, CA
Daniel Prane- 17, Swansboro, NC
Navy
Jude Cutler- 16, Sasebo, Japan
Abigail Fiske- 17, Bryceville, FL
Charlotte Garcia- 17, Chesterbrook, PA
Julian Heard- 17, Georgetown, TX
Katelyn Jung- 17, Leonardtown, MD
Ethan Lopez- 16, Miami, FL
Hadi Salim- 16, San Antonio, TX
Bianca Villalobos- 15, Lakeside, CA
Ayla Zook- 18, King George, VA
Grace Zook- 16, King George, VA
About Operation Homefront: Operation Homefront is a national nonprofit organization whose mission is to build strong, stable, and secure military and veteran families by improving their financial, emotional and social well-being. Recognized for superior performance by leading independent charity oversight groups, 83 percent of Operation Homefront expenditures go directly to programs that support tens of thousands of military families each year. Operation Homefront provides critical financial assistance, transitional and permanent housing, and family support services to prevent short-term needs from turning into chronic, long-term struggles. Thanks to the generosity of our donors and the support from thousands of volunteers, Operation Homefront proudly serves America’s military families. For more information, visit OperationHomefront.org.
Media Inquiries:
Amber Myszka, Director, Integrated Public Relations Amber.Myszka@OperationHomefront.org
(208) 258-1476
