Congratulations to Addison, 12, from Maryland, the WINNER of OMK’s Courageous Kids of 2021 Contest sponsored by Navy Federal Credit Union representing the U.S. Army National Guard!

“First and foremost, my daughter Addison has always displayed courage and resilience especially when her father is deployed,” said her mother. “While at home, she helps care for her younger siblings. She helps them understand why their Daddy is gone and why it takes such a brave person to be a military child.

“Addison has helped collect toys and coats for children in our community and ran a ‘Warm Feet For Warriors’ drive at her school, collecting socks to send to deployed service members and Veterans in need.

“Addison is also a member of the WMGA Competitive Gymnastics Team as a Level 6 gymnast. She plays basketball and volleyball for her middle school and in the spring, will be playing softball and trying out for the cheerleading squad. She shows leadership on and off the field, and even though her father can’t always be there to watch her compete, she knows that he is always cheering her on.

“Addison has overcome a lot in the past year and has still managed to accomplish so much. Great grades, amazing relationships with her peers, and involvement in her community and sports are only a few things that make her such a wonderful child and role model for her siblings and other children. I know that I am her mother, but I look up to her for so many reasons and will continue to do so as she strives for all her goals!”

Addison and her sister, Kensley, have each received Our Military Kids grants for gymnastics during their father’s recent deployments with the National Guard.