Congratulations to Gabi, 16, from Tennessee – the U.S. Navy Reserve WINNER of OMK’s Courageous Kids of 2021 Contest, sponsored by Navy Federal Credit Union!  

“When Gabi’s father was deployed, Gabi was left home literally amidst his coming of age with his mother, 3-year-old sister, and newborn twin siblings who were born while their father was overseas,” said Gabi’s rabbi, who nominated him for the contest. “Gabi stepped up to help care for his siblings in profound ways. He also stepped up to become a group leader for our synagogue community, leading an educational and fun space for a dozen kids ages 7-9 each and every Shabbat. 

Not many teens wake up early on a Saturday morning, but Gabi gets up faithfully, and showed up prepared and ready to engage his group. In my mind, he is to be commended for making a commitment, for demonstrating resilience, including finding ways to keep his group safe throughout COVID, and for being a role model for the rest of the community’s youth. 

Gabi really grew through the experience, taking direction from his mentor and establishing the group as a place for kids to have fun but also to learn and grow. I think this was meaningful for his parents as well – to see their son make a commitment to community in the same way his dad had made a commitment to the Navy, to serve, to commit, and to make the world a better place.” 

Gabi received an Our Military Kids grant to cover costs for Hebrew language classes during his father’s deployment. Thank you, Gabi + family, for your service!