Operation Homefront Names First Military Child Award Winner
It makes sense to me that a child raised in a home where duty and service is practiced as a way of life, would follow and do likewise. Military children are exposed to adults around them who live their lives in service to their Country and who sacrifice daily for the freedom and safety of others. Children learn by example, and the following story is a beautiful example of the values of service reflected in a military child. Congratulations Brittany Wallace!
Operation Homefront Names First Military Child Award Winner
Office of the Secretary of Defense Public Affairs
Date: 04.22.2009EXCERPT
WASHINGTON – An Army family member has earned $5,000, a laptop computer and a trip to the nation’s capital as the first Military Child Award winner for a national troop-support organization.
Brittany Wallace, 17, will receive her award from Texas-based Operation Homefront at a ceremony, April 29.
Wallace was among 450 military children from 8 to 18 who competed for the award. Jennifer Cernoch, Operation Homefront’s Texas chapter president, nominated the San Antonio teenager.
“I’ve seen the actual, genuine empathy that Brittany has, not only for her own family, but also for other wounded warrior families, especially their kids,” Cernoch said. “She has been such an inspiration to the kids in helping them cope with their fathers’ injuries. From her babysitting to just being there, she’s become a wonderful role model.”
Operation Homefront members voted online for three finalists — Wallace, Adam Soisson of South Bend, Ind., and Mollie Danel of Camp Lejeune, N.C. — and a panel of judges selected one for the top award.
“Our selection criteria included the child’s circumstances, hardships, challenges overcome, community activities and the example he or she sets for others,” Kerry McGinley, associate editor for Operation Homefront, said. “We were really moved by Brittany’s giving nature, her commitment to her family as well as other wounded warrior families, and all that she’s accomplished despite the challenges of her situation.”
Wallace’s challenges began in 2007 when her father, Army Staff Sgt. Robert Henline, was the lone survivor of a roadside bomb in Iraq that burned 38 percent of his body and all but destroyed his left arm. Despite his life-changing injuries, the soldier said, it was his daughter who fought the harder battle.
“She helped her mom a lot during our difficult time,” Henline said. “She had a lot on her plate. She never complained, and never felt sorry for herself. She took over caring for her siblings. We were, and are, so proud of her.” CONTINUE READING
