Change and absence were hallmarks of Elizabeth Stanton’s childhood in a military family. Now she wants to change the world. The challenges of Elizabeth’s youth built the strength and character that earned her recognition as Operation Homefront’s 2026 Military Child of the Year® for the Air Force.
Life as a military child presented Amani Ambay with challenges that shaped her global view and gave her a heart for service. Those traits, along with her outstanding achievements, earned her the title of Operation Homefront’s 2026 Military Child of the Year® for the Army.
With two parents serving in the Coast Guard, Victoria “Tori” Vanacore learned early that, ready or not, change happens. She also learned to adapt. Her resilience and determination earned her the title of Operation Homefront’s 2026 Military Child of the Year® for the Coast Guard.
One member of Hannah Kirksey’s family wore the Marine Corps uniform for two decades. Each member of the household served proudly with him through relocations, deployments, and adjustments of military life. Hannah, 18, is Operation Homefront’s 2026 Military Child of the Year® for the Marine Corps.
Military service runs four generations deep in Lila Morgan’s family, and that history inspires her to lead a life defined by service, leadership, and purpose. At 18, Lila’s resilience and strength have earned her opportunities and awards from local to international levels, including her recognition as Operation Homefront’s 2026 Military Child of the Year® for the National Guard.
As part of a military family, Ayla Zook learned early how to embrace fresh opportunities and anchor herself amid change. Ayla, a freshman at Dartmouth College, is Operation Homefront’s 2026 Military Child of the Year® for the Navy.
Adjusting to her family’s new normal with each of her father’s moves and deployments left Taylor Schreiner feeling hollow when she was a young child. Today, she has pride in her family’s resilience and her father’s military service as she is recognized as Operation Homefront’s 2026 Military Child of the Year® for the Space Force.
From Air Force Kid to Army Veteran, Military Service Runs Deep for Liza “I joined the military because I wanted to help others and be a part of something bigger than myself.” WHAT MOTIVATES YOU TO GIVE BACK TO OUR MILITARY FAMILIES AND VETERANS? Serving is reciprocal. I grew up an Air Force brat and … Continued
Pamela Gives Back to Ensure Veterans’ Lives Are the Best They Can Be “Nothing fills my cup more than seeing the impact our work at Operation Homefront has on our military and veteran families.” WHAT MOTIVATES YOU TO GIVE BACK TO OUR MILITARY FAMILIES AND VETERANS? The military has been my entire existence. Both my … Continued
Bridgette Gives Back to Military Families Out of Gratitude and Understanding “I love every aspect of giving back to military families. I truly hope they feel that when they leave an Operation Homefront event.” WHAT MOTIVATES YOU TO GIVE BACK TO OUR MILITARY FAMILIES AND VETERANS? Military life presents lots of challenges, but it’s also … Continued
