As we get ready to honor this year’s Military Child of the Year Award recipients in Washington DC on April 11th, we are privileged to share their inspiring examples of resiliency, leadership and achievement. Today, we’re proud to spotlight Alexander Ray Burch, Navy Military Child of the Year for 2013:
Born at 25 weeks and 1.5 pounds, Alexander Ray Burch was not expected to survive the night. He pulled through but at age four, doctors discovered he was hearing impaired and would continue to lose his hearing with age. Instead of limiting him, Alexander excels in doing for others. He said, “I really enjoy volunteering a lot because at the end of the day I know I have made a difference, I made today count.”
While living in Guam, then nine-year old Alexander collected food and water and delivered supplies to villagers who lost their homes in a devastating typhoon. Since then, he has grown into an honors student and chess enthusiast who immerses himself in volunteering. This year, he volunteered over 400 hours which included producing a video for an Anti-Bullying Campaign. He is a member of the golf team and on the homecoming court. Dawn Thompson, Director of Youth Programs at Grand Forks Air Force Base, wrote, “There is nothing he will not do and ‘no’ does not appear to be in his vocabulary. He is an inspiration for all kids and many adults.”
Alexander’s father, David, is a retired Navy Chief who served 24 years including assignments in Naples, Iceland and Guam. He currently works with the FAA. His mother, Joanne, is a Training & Curriculum Specialist for Child and Youth Programs at Grand Forks Air Force Base. Navy service is a family tradition. Alexander’s great grandfather was a retired Commander, earning a bronze star for service in WWII and Korea. His great uncle was a retired Chief Warrant Officer.
Alexander says the best part of being a part of a military family is the privilege to have lived around the world. “I have experienced white outs in Iceland, earthquakes, typhoons and super typhoons. . .I have met some amazing people of all different cultures and religions, tasted different foods and visited palaces and castles. I am so proud of my dad and so thankful to the US Navy for all the opportunities given to us.”
While his hearing disability prevents Alexander from pursuing his dream of a Navy career, he plans to work toward a career in government supporting the military. He is especially interested in a career in business, accounting or entrepreneurship and has been accepted to the University of North Dakota.
Alexander is a voracious reader, loves watching scary movies and his favorite food is sushi. He enjoys playing on the computer and spending time with his new puppy, Finley, and three cats. Alexander is the eldest child of Joanne and David Burch. Alexander has a younger sister, Olivia.
Service Highlights
Torch Club Food Drive
GFAFB Movie Theatre, Volunteer Asst. Manager
Animal Shelters
Youth Center
Other Highlights
Homecoming Court
Youth of the Year, Grand Forks AFB (2011-12)
Youth of the Year, Grand Forks AFB (2012-13)
Finalist, Youth of the Year, State of ND (2013)
National Society of High School Scholars
4-H Club, Vice President & Ambassador
Chess Club, Golf Club
Odyssey of the Mind
Favorite Quote: Alexander says, “This quote inspires me to work hard, be the best I can and not just think of myself but to see everyone else around me and their needs.”
Let the future tell the truth, and evaluate each one according to his work and accomplishment. The present is theirs, the future, for which I have really worked, is mine. ~ Nikola Tesla
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The fifth annual Military Child of the Year Awards will be presented April 11, 2013 at the Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City. In addition to the trip to our nation’s capital, recipients are awarded a laptop computer and a $5,000 cash prize.
