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Conversations about the challenges military-connected kids face as they navigate multiple education systems from birth through high school.
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2 days ago
2 days ago
In this podcast, you’ll hear my conversation with one of last year’s Call for the Arts Spotlight Winners: Kyler. Listen as he discusses how creating and producing music has given him the opportunity to express his feelings of growing up a highly-mobile child. Congratulations once again to all the 2024 CFA winners!
This podcast is made possible by generous funding from the Dyess Spouses’ Club and Mildenhall Spouses’ Association. To learn more, visit https://www.dyessspousesclub.com/ and https://www.mildenhallspousesassociation.com/.
Audio mixing by Concentus Media, Inc., Temple, Texas.
Show Notes:
Resources:
Calling all artists, grades K-12: The 2025 Call for the Arts contest is NOW OPEN. Submissions will be accepted through April 30, 2025, and must be postmarked by this day. Good luck to every budding artist, we look forward to being amazed. See contest guidelines and link to entry form on our website: https://militarychild.org/programs-and-initiatives/the-call-for-the-arts/
Kyler’s 2024 MCEC Global Training Summit Performance
https://youtu.be/dsvEmapYLQk?si=NpRhPeO29oNj2Z4W
Bio:
Kyler has been a military child for more than a year now. He is a 17-year-old sophomore, and has two siblings that live with him. His father is in the Army, and he loves him very dearly. One of his favorite hobbies is producing music. He has been officially producing music for around two years and enjoys every part of it!
Tuesday Apr 15, 2025
Tuesday Apr 15, 2025
We are excited to share this episode on the extraordinary lives of military children who have been recognized as the Operation Homefront 2025 Military Child of the Year® recipients from the National Guard, Space Force, Navy, and Army families. Join us as Emily, Natalia, Mason, and Maribel share stories of resilience and appreciation for growing up in military families.
This podcast is made possible by generous funding from the Maxwell-Gunter Spouses’ Club To learn more, visit https://www.maxwellgunterspousesclub.com/.
Audio mixing by Concentus Media, Inc., Temple, Texas.
Show Notes:
Resources:
Operation Homefront
https://operationhomefront.org/
Military Child of the Year Award Recipients
https://operationhomefront.org/military-child-of-the-year/
Bio:
Emily, the Operation Homefront 2025 Military Child of the Year for the National Guard is 18, and the daughter of Rebecca and Juan Carlos Baldeosingh, an Army National Guard sergeant who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. Her stepfather, retired Marine Sgt. Maj. Skip Amaker, served 26 years. His tenure included five deployments to Iraq and one to Afghanistan.
Emily was 2 when her mother received the news on June 29, 2009, that Juan Carlos was among four North Carolina guardsmen killed in Iraq when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle. He first served in the Marine Corps but transitioned to civilian life and, in 2008, joined the Guard. Being part of a Gold Star Family has shaped Emily.
“I have grown up with the utmost respect for our country and those who serve to protect our freedom,” she said. “My family has always made it a top-tier priority to stay hopeful and stay positive through everything.”
Natalia, the Operation Homefront 2025 Military Child of the Year for the Space Force, finds opportunity in the challenges that face military families. Natalia, 17, is the daughter of Maria Tapia and Chief Master Sgt. Jay Harris, who has served in the Air Force and Space Force since 1995. He is currently senior enlisted leader at Vandenberg Space Force Base.
Natalia understands the hardships of changing friend groups and adapting to new cultures after attending 12 schools and enduring seven PCS moves that have taken the family to five states and one foreign country. At first, she saw the constant change and upheaval as a disadvantage. However, her perspective changed, and she learned to value resiliency.
“I chose to shift my mindset, and now I appreciate the 12 supportive schools, 12 reliable friend groups, and seven different places that I can proudly call home,” she said. “Every one of these experiences has profoundly influenced my journey, instilling in me a deep appreciation for resilience and the importance of building meaningful connections.”
Mason, the Operation Homefront 2025 Military Child of the Year for the Navy, earned a bachelor’s degree before most of his peers finished high school. He reached the accelerated milestone while balancing academics with caregiving responsibilities at home. Mason, 19, is the son of Melissa and Chief Warrant Officer Jason Mosher of Marysville, Washington. Jason, a 20-year veteran of the Navy, serves as N6A at Commander Naval Surface Group Northwest and is based at Naval Station Everett.
The family has made four PCS moves, including two to Japan, and Mason’s father has been away on deployments, patrols, and missions at sea for 97 months.
A homeschool student, Mason excels despite challenges of dysgraphia, a learning difference that affects written work and motor skills. He graduated high school at 16 and completed his associate degree from Liberty University four months later. He kept up the pace, and less than two years later graduated cum laude from Liberty University with a bachelor’s degree in marketing and advertising.
Maribel is Operation Homefront’s 2025 Military Child of the Year for the Army is founding and presiding over a youth volunteering organization when her family was stationed in Japan, serving with the Red Cross, and dedicating herself to improving childhood literacy are just a few of the reasons. She is 17, lives in Kentucky where her father, Lt. Col. Nicholas Sikes, is stationed at Fort Knox. Her mom, Audrey Sikes, homeschools Maribel and her four younger siblings.
In considering colleges, along with the usual items like location, financial aid, and aligning majors, Maribel must consider her food allergies and whether she can access allergen-free food stations. Her allergies and medical conditions are why she wants to study supply chain management and attend school in the Southeast.
“I want to ensure that other kids will not be worried about where their next meal is coming from because the grocery store is out of the right allergy-friendly foods,” she said. “With a degree in supply chain…I will be able to make a difference in other people’s lives by providing enough safe food for them.”
Full biographies can be found at
Tuesday Apr 08, 2025
Tuesday Apr 08, 2025
Student 2 Student (S2S) is a peer-to-peer student-led program that brings military and civilian students together to welcome new students, create a positive environment for all, support educational opportunities, build connections through service, and ease transitions. Listen as Kiani shares her story, and how S2S became a source of support and comfort beyond her time as a new student.
This podcast is made possible by generous funding from the USAA Foundation.
Audio mixing by Concentus Media, Inc., Temple, Texas.
Show Notes:
Resources:
MCEC Student 2 Student
https://militarychild.org/programs-and-initiatives/student-2-student/
Military OneSource
https://www.militaryonesource.mil/benefits/confidential-counseling/
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/988
National Center for PTSD
https://www.samhsa.gov/resource/dbhis/national-center-ptsd
U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs Mental Health
https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/index.asp
https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/ptsd/next-step.asp
https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand/common/common_veterans.asp
Bio:
Kiani is 17, in the 11th grade, and her dad served in the Army. She has a dog named Daisy and enjoys playing basketball and video games in her free time. Kiani has moved twice as a military-connected child. She plans on joining the Army Reserves, participating in ROTC in college, and continuing to play basketball.
Tuesday Apr 01, 2025
Tuesday Apr 01, 2025
In our latest episode, we shine a light on the exceptional lives of military children who have been recognized as the Operation Homefront 2025 Military Child of the Year recipients from the Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Air Force families. Join us as Isabella, Ian, and Sophia share their heartfelt stories of resilience, adventure, and gratitude that come with growing up in military families.
This podcast is made possible by generous funding from the Fort Bliss Spouses’ Association. To learn more, visit https://www.thefbsa.org/.
Audio mixing by Concentus Media, Inc., Temple, Texas.
Show Notes:
Resources:
Operation Homefront
https://operationhomefront.org/
Military Child of the Year Award Recipients
https://operationhomefront.org/military-child-of-the-year/
Bio:
Isabella, the 2025 Operation Homefront Military Child of the Year® for the Marine Corps, values the unique culture of the military community.
A junior at Swansboro High School in North Carolina, she makes it her mission to welcome new students. Isabella, 17, lives in Hubert, North Carolina, with her mother and stepfather, Amanda and Chris Price. She has four siblings.
“Being a military child who is now permanently in Swansboro, I get to not only relate to these new military kids, but help ease their transition into their new environment,” she said.
Her parents served a combined 42 years in the Marine Corps. Her mother, a staff sergeant, deployed three times in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, and humanitarian missions. She retired after 20 years.
Her father, Gunnery Sgt. Brian J. Smith, retired from service after 22 years and eight deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. He was awarded a Purple Heart after suffering injuries in Afghanistan. He died in 2023 at the beginning of Isabella’s sophomore year of high school after being diagnosed with Stage 4 metastatic cancer.
“My father who was the epitome of hard work and dedication to his career,” she said. “I strive daily to be as committed as he was in everything I aspire to accomplish.”
Isabella is on track to earn an associate degree before graduating high school. She’s considering several universities in North Carolina for completing a bachelor’s degree before going to law school. She aspires to a career in the political field.
Ian, Operation Homefront’s 2025 Military Child of the Year® for the Coast Guard, has achieved academic success that will help propel him to his goal of becoming a civil engineer, all while mentoring other students.
Ian, 17, is a senior at I.C. Norcom High School in Portsmouth, Virginia, where he is currently his class valedictorian, the first Black male student to hold the position in a decade. He will graduate with an associate degree from Tidewater Community College a month before his high school graduation.
Ian is the son of retired Lt. Michael Lindo and Michelle Effatt. Michael served for 27 years active duty in the Coast Guard, deploying for a total of 10 years conducting counter drug and migrant interdictions in the Caribbean, before retiring in 2019. His father lives in Georgia while Ian and his mom live in Virginia.
“My father’s dedication and commitment to serving our country for so many years is something I deeply admire,” Ian said. “His loyalty and sacrifice for our nation have shaped who I am. It’s not just about the uniform; it’s about the values he instilled in me—discipline, resilience, and a strong sense of duty.”
“I’m really passionate about designing systems that can improve lives, especially in underserved areas,” Ian said. “I’ve always believed that infrastructure like roads and bridges plays such a crucial role in connecting people, improving safety, and supporting everyday life.”
Ian is currently deciding among several universities, including Virginia Tech and North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, to major in civil engineering.
Sophia, Operation Homefront’s 2025 Military Child of the Year® for the Air Force, has learned to embrace life following the death of her father in 2023 after he served his country for 17 years.
Sophia, now 17, was 15 years old when her father, Master Sgt. Anthony Pinero, passed away tragically… She lives at Ramstein Air Force Base in Germany with her mom, Sheena Pinero, an executive services specialist and her younger sister.
As a military child, Sophia experienced 37 months of her father’s deployment and five changes of station. Moving most recently to Germany meant leaving friends and family even farther away than usual, but Sophia responded with resiliency, helping plan trips around Europe with her mom and sister.
“Of all of the bases that I have been stationed at, Ramstein Air Base has been the best,” Sophia said. “I have never felt as connected to the people around me as I do here. Whether it is pitching mail at the post office with active-duty personnel or recognizing volunteer excellence in the community, Ramstein Air Base has always felt like one big, connected family.”
Sophia is considering pursuing a career in engineering or medicine. She wants to attend the United States Air Force Academy or a university with a strong Air Force ROTC program, and she hopes to become an officer in the Air Force.
Full biographies can be found at
Tuesday Mar 18, 2025
Tuesday Mar 18, 2025
The Purple Star School program is designed to help schools respond to the challenges military-connected children face during their school transitions. Listen to Mr. Hovet Dixon, Jr., and Mr. Jason Fowler discuss how schools, districts, and community organizations are working to support military families.
This podcast is made possible by generous funding from Alabama State Department of Education State Fund.
Audio mixing by Concentus Media, Inc., Temple, Texas.
Show Notes:
Resources:
Alabama State Department of Education- Purple Star Schools
https://www.alabamaachieves.org/al-pssp/
South Carolina Department of Education-Purple Star Schools
Military Child Education Coalition-Purple Star Schools
The South Carolina Department of Veterans' Affairs
Bio:
Hovet Lee Dixon, Jr. currently serves as a high school principal in Huntsville, Alabama. He is a proud graduate of Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University several times over, holding degrees in Elementary Education and Education Administration and Supervision. Principal Dixon has almost 25 years of teaching and leadership experience collectively, and prides himself on advocating for the communities he serves.
In his capacity as principal, Principal Dixon has earned various recognitions on the local, state, and national levels for his commitment to his school community and progressions, having most recently been named the Alabama Association of Elementary School Administrators District X's Outstanding Elementary Administrator of the Year. Much of his focus has entailed providing a warm and inviting learning environment for our military families and communities. Principal Dixon values his longstanding partnership with MCEC.
He has been married to a fellow educator for 24 years and is the father of two adult daughters and a high school son. Their pride and joy is their American Bully named Ace.
Jason Fowler (Jay) joined the South Carolina Department of Veterans' Affairs in October of 2022 as the Military Affairs Coordinator. Jason retired from the South Carolina Army National Guard AGR program in February 2018 after 25 years of service to the country, culminating as the First Sergeant of the 43rd Civil Support Team (SCARNG).
Jason served both on active duty in the Army and dedicated almost 15 years of his career to assist Federal, State, Local, and Tribal authorities as a member of the South Carolina Army National Guard’s highly distinguished and decorated 43rd Civil Support Team (CST). He served on the National CST Training Working Group as the Personnel, Senior Enlisted Advisor and was the quarterly Senior Enlisted speaker for the CST Pre-Command Course in Washington DC. Upon retirement he has spent much of his time as a contractor for L2 Defense Group, training with and evaluating the CSTs nationwide alongside US Army North.
Assigned to the Military Affairs Division at SCDVA, Jason works on Quality-of-Life Issues such as Military Child Education, Military Child Care, Military Spouse Employment and provides Base Support to the military installations that are located in South Carolina and Fort Eisenhower just across the state line. The Military Affairs Division strives to sustain and enhance the military presence in South Carolina.
Jason is currently enrolled in the Master of Arts History program at Arizona State University and has a Bachelor of Arts Degree from American Military University in Homeland Security. Jason is a member of several Veterans’ based organizations and enjoys volunteer work in his community.
Tuesday Mar 04, 2025
Tuesday Mar 04, 2025
In this podcast, you’ll hear my conversation with three of last year’s Call for the Arts Middle School Winners: Claire, Amaris, and Annabelle. Listen as they discuss their beautiful works of art as an expression of their military experiences. Congratulations once again to all the 2024 CFA winners!
This podcast is made possible by generous funding from the Randolph Spouses’ Club. To learn more, visit https://www.randolphspousesclub.com/.
Audio mixing by Concentus Media, Inc., Temple, Texas.
Show Notes:
Resources:
Calling all artists, grades K-12: The 2025 Call for the Arts contest is NOW OPEN. Submissions will be accepted through April 30, 2025. Good luck to every budding artist, we look forward to being amazed. See contest guidelines and link to entry form on our website: https://militarychild.org/programs-and-initiatives/the-call-for-the-arts/
Bio:
Claire is 13 years old and currently in 8th grade. She stays busy with figure skating, cross country and track, and Civil Air Patrol. She is the second of four children born to Air Force parents. She has moved 6 times with another move on the horizon in Summer 2025.
Amaris is in 8th grade, and her dad serves in the Army.
Annabelle is now 15 years old and in the 9th grade. Her father is an Air Defense Officer in the Army. She has two younger siblings, Audrey and Joey. Annabelle also has two “fur brothers”, Rusty and Archie. She is a competitive swimmer and keeps busy with both high school and year-round club swimming. She has moved 7 times thus far while her father has been active duty.
Tuesday Feb 18, 2025
Tuesday Feb 18, 2025
Listen as Dr. Brooke Rice, Vice President of Curriculum and Work-Based Learning at NAF, discusses the changing landscape of college and career readiness for high school students. She shares NAF's innovative approach to transform the high school experience through, "Exposure to career options and opportunities to build upon one's aspirations, to develop future ready skills, and create critical workplace connections".
This podcast is made possible by generous funding from the Fort Gregg-Adams Spouses’ Club. To learn more, visit https://www.gaspousesclub.com/.
Audio mixing by Concentus Media, Inc., Temple, Texas.
Show Notes:
Resources:
NAF
https://naf.org/
Bio:
Dr. Brooke Rice leads the charge for increasing equity and access to high-quality work-based learning and career-connected curriculum for high school students across the country as the Vice President of Curriculum and Work-Based Learning at NAF. Throughout her career, she has worked at the local, state, and national levels to create resources, provide training, and implement programs to help students achieve their career goals and connect them to businesses who are looking for innovative ways to skill their future talent pipeline.
Tuesday Feb 04, 2025
Tuesday Feb 04, 2025
The MCEC Call for the Arts program invites military-connected children from all over the world, representing every branch of service, to share interpretations through art of what it means to be a military-connected child. Listen as one of our 2024 Call for the Arts high school winners, Genevieve, shares how she expresses herself through art.
This podcast is made possible by generous funding from the Ramstein Officers’ Spouses’ Club. To learn more, visit https://www.ramsteinosc.org/
Audio mixing by Concentus Media, Inc., Temple, Texas.
Show Notes:
Resources:
Calling all artists, grades K-12: The 2025 Call for the Arts contest is NOW OPEN. Submissions will be accepted through April 30, 2025. Good luck to every budding artist, we look forward to being amazed. See contest guidelines and link to entry form on our website: https://militarychild.org/programs-and-initiatives/the-call-for-the-arts/
Bio:
Genevieve is 18 years old and is a 12th grader. She loves to draw, paint, and crochet. She also loves her dog, Penny. After graduation she plans to attend California State University, Fullerton and study Social Work.
Tuesday Jan 21, 2025
Tuesday Jan 21, 2025
Dr. Daniel Perkins and Dr. Jennifer Karre discuss the importance of policy in supporting military-connected students and families. Listen as they examine the implementation of four policy initiatives: Advance Enrollment (AE), the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3), the Military Student Identifier (MSI), and the Purple Star School program.
This podcast is made possible by generous funding from the Hurlburt Spouses’ Club. To learn more, visit https://hurlburtspousesclub.com/.
Audio mixing by Concentus Media, Inc., Temple, Texas.
Show Notes:
Resources:
Clearinghouse for Military Family Readiness
https://militaryfamilies.psu.edu/
Evaluation of State Implementation of Supportive Policies to Improve Educational Experiences and Achievement for K-12 Military Children
https://militaryfamilies.psu.edu/projects/view/speak-military-children/
Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission
Military Student Identifier
https://militarychild.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2025-104-MSI-Position-Statement_20250103-1.pdf
Military Child Education Coalition
Bio:
Daniel F. Perkins, Ph.D., is a Professor of Family and Youth Resiliency and Policy at Penn State University and also the Director and Principal Scientist of the Clearinghouse for Military Family Readiness at Penn State, a university-wide applied research center. Dr. Perkins has been designing and evaluating strengths-based family and youth development programs in 4-H and Cooperative Extension and leading complex projects for over 25 years. His work involves teaching, research, and outreach through the Penn State Cooperative Extension Service. One of his primary areas of focus is in fostering the well-being of military service members, veterans, and their families through the Clearinghouse. In his role as Principal Scientist, he is able to facilitate the translation of science into action by providing comprehensive, science-based programs and technical assistance to professionals working with military service members, veterans and their families.
Jennifer Karre, Ph.D. is a Research & Evaluation Scientist at the Clearinghouse for Military Family Readiness at Penn State. Her Ph.D. is in Developmental Psychology. For over a decade, her role at the Clearinghouse has centered around program and policy evaluation. She has worked on evaluations of programs and policies for Service Members and their families related to fathering, parenting, child and youth development, child and youth educational support, couple relationships, reintegration after deployment, financial readiness, and emergency preparedness.
Tuesday Jan 07, 2025
Tuesday Jan 07, 2025
MCEC’s 2024 Call for the Arts received hundreds of entries from across the globe and every branch of service, with creative expressions of strength, bravery, pride, and community. In this podcast, hear my conversation with three of last year’s Elementary School Winners: Aurora, Jack, and Lucia. Seeing and hearing the world from the perspective of a child is inspiring and will brighten your day. Congratulations once again to all the 2024 CFA winners!
This podcast is made possible by generous funding from the Kirtland Spouses Club. To learn more, visit https://kirtlandspousesclub.com/.
Audio mixing by Concentus Media, Inc., Temple, Texas.
Show Notes:
Resources:
Calling all artists, grades K-12: The 2025 Call for the Arts contest is NOW OPEN. Submissions will be accepted through April 30, 2025. Good luck to every budding artist, we look forward to being amazed. See contest guidelines and link to entry form on our website: https://militarychild.org/programs-and-initiatives/the-call-for-the-arts/
Bio:
Aurora is 12 years old and in 6th grade. Her father is active-duty Army. So far, she has moved four times. Aurora is the oldest of 6 kids and loves to draw, read graphic novels, bake, and hang out with her friends.
Jack is 12 years old and was born in Landstuhl, Germany, while his dad, a U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. (now retired) was flying out of Ramstein Air Force Base. Jack now lives in Hawaii, where he’s a 6th grader. Jack loves playing soccer, surfing, mountain biking, and getting creative with his art. At home, he’s got a small flock of chickens, including his favorite pet rooster, T-Rex.
Lucia is 11 years old and in the sixth grade. Her dad serves in the Army, and they have moved 7 times in the last 10 years. Lucia is the oldest of four kids. She loves reading, writing, drawing, acting, and singing.