John “Trip” Landon III has touched many lives throughout his lifelong walk of faith. “Faith,” as he explained, “the root of all of my other traits.”
It has served Trip well. Guided by divine teachings, he has excelled in academics, sports, Scouting, the arts, and faith-based service to his community. In fact, Trip’s favorite quote is “Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.”
“I’ve been raised my whole life to be a Godly man of integrity,” Trip said. “This quote is a simple truth that reminds me how to do that.”
A National Honor Society member with a 3.9 grade point average, Trip is homeschooled for academics and participates in extracurricular activities at Ellensburg High School in Ellensburg, Washington.
As a member of the school golf team, Trip twice earned Academic Athlete honors and was voted Most Inspirational Player. A violinist and pianist, he plays in the school orchestra, performing three solo recitals and six concerts annually, while taking weekly lessons. He also performs at yearly competitions and festivals across the state.
Trip’s talents also extend to the stage. He has performed with numerous local drama troupes in Ellensburg.
His life of principle also translates into leadership. Trip has been an Awana student leader for five school years, leading the Christian youth group on occasion in the absence of an adult.
Outside of the classroom, stage and athletic field, Trip has made his mark in his larger community. As a Silver Palm-awarded Eagle Scout, Trip, who achieved the coveted rank of Eagle Scout before his 15th birthday, led four teenagers and four adults in planning and constructing an archery range backstop, a project that entailed 574 man hours. Having earned the Arrow of Light in the Cub Scouts and an impressive three palm leaves overall in Scouting, Trip has served as a Cub Scout den chief and has led two Cub Scout day camps and two Cub Scout overnight camps.
Sharing his faith and shepherding others is also important to Trip. He has participated in bible camps and has also has served as a Vacation Bible School leader for his church.
Trip aspires to work in prosthetics engineering, a career path that would allow him to help wounded warriors to return to service.
Trip is the son of Laura Landon and Army National Guard Capt. John Landon II.
For the next week, we will be shining a spotlight on each of our Military Child of the Year Award recipients, as well as the first ever recipient of the Operation Homefront-Booz Allen Hamilton Innovation Award. Be sure to check back daily or follow us on Twitter or Facebook for updates. In addition, throughout the months of April and May, we invite you to show your appreciation by sending a message of thanks and sharing #Mission2Honor with your friends and family. Follow this link to share your message, or post your own message on social media using #Mission2Honor.
Our heartfelt thanks to our presenting sponsor United Technologies, and all of our 2016 Military Child of the Year Award sponsors, for making this annual award one of the highlights of our year. Your support allows us to bring the stories of our military families to the forefront, making a difference in raising awareness of the challenges they face in protecting our nation.
