DoD honors military children Published March 26, 2013 By Senior Airman Mary O'Dell 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE-Wash. -- Military services celebrated April's Month of the Military Child early by announcing their military child of the year award winners on March 5 - the Air Force recipient being one of Fairchild's own. In April, Operation Homefront, a national non-profit organization, presents the annual Military Child of the Year Award to an outstanding military child from each branch of service. This year's winners include: · Army: Nicole Marie Daly, 16 · Marine Corps: Abigail MaryRose Perdew, 17 · Navy: Alexander Ray Burch,17 · Coast Guard: Amanda Wimmersburg, 18 · Air Force: Mark Newberry, 17 Mrs. Jill Newberry said that she and her husband couldn't be more proud of Mark for this recognition and it's truly an honor for him to represent Air Force children. He, like so many other military children, moved around often but still found time to give back to the community. These children are what make our Air Force family so strong. "I am able to give the majority of my time to developing and caring for my Airmen and their families because Mark is a good son and a good citizen, and I thank him for that," said Col. Brian Newberry, 92nd Air Refueling Wing commander. With more than 1,000 nominees from ages 8-18, five children are chosen by a committee of active-duty military, Family Readiness Support Assistants, teachers, military mothers and community members based on their demonstration of resiliency, leadership and achievement. "The sons and daughters of America's service members learn what patriotism is at a very young age," said Jim Knotta, President and Chief Executive Officer of Operation Homefront. "Children in military families demonstrate leadership within their families and their communities. This is what the Military Child of the Year Award honors." In addition to awards, military commands are also encouraged to plan appropriate activities that focus attention on issues concerning children and certain responsibilities to them. They should also develop initiatives that will benefit military children now and in the future. Fairchild will host a "Seven Habits of Highly Effective Teens" class for students age 13-18, April 6 and 7, from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. For more information and to register, contact Ms. Darla Klausner at klausner4@yahoo.com. For more information regarding the Month of the Military child, visit www.monthofthemilitarychild.com.