Congratulations to Haley, 15, from California – the U.S. Marine Corps WINNER of OMK’s Courageous Kids of 2021 Contest sponsored by Navy Federal Credit Union!

“My daughter Haley is a victim of the invisible wounds of war,” said her mother. “She currently suffers from secondary Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, but you would not know it in her daily life with the way she carries herself with a Christ-centered attitude.

Haley went through numerous deployments when she was younger and my husband was on Active Duty. Those deployments shaped her resilient, courageous attitude today that would be crucial for our family’s survival. Today, not only does my husband suffer from severe PTSD and a Traumatic Brain Injury that has changed our lives dramatically, but to add to our challenges, I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021. Since then, I have been in and out of the hospital, undergoing multiple surgeries, and am extremely fatigued when I am home.

Haley has had to step up and help care for her siblings to alleviate the stress on her wounded warrior father and help keep the house running smoothly. With all the added pressure, Haley manages to maintain her Honor Roll GPA, participate in multiple extracurricular activities including cheer, soccer, and worship team, and volunteer in her community at the local VA.

Words cannot describe how proud we are of her and how we could not fathom managing our household without her positive attitude!”

Haley and her brother, Hunter, have each received multiple Our Military Kids grants for ice hockey, STEM, cheerleading, volleyball, and gymnastics fees during their father’s recovery. Thank you, Haley + family, for your service!