Daniela, U.S. Army National Guard Winner
April 27, 2023
Daniela, 16, was selected as OMK's Courageous Kids of 2022 Contest Winner in the U.S. Army National Guard category!
During their father's deployment and subsequent combat-injury recovery, Daniela and her siblings Julia, Victoria, and Isabella have each received multiple OMK activity grants to cover fees for piano lessons, tutoring, martial arts, gymnastics, voice lessons, and driver's education classes!
Q&A with Daniela
What are your favorite after-school activities and/or hobbies? What do you love about them?
I am currently running a faith based club at my school, and this occurs every week on Thursdays. I enjoy doing this because it opens an opportunity for me to meet other students within my school that I didn’t know I would meet! I also enjoy going to my golf practices after school because it allows me to strengthen my weaknesses, and build upon them.
To you, what does it mean to be a military kid?
To me, being a military kid means I am one of the many military kids able to have an opportunity to share my story about how I managed to make a difference around me while my parent was in the military. I am able to be a representation of the many military kids, and it truly is an honor.
Do you have any advice to other kids with a parent in recovery?
My advice to other kids with a veteran parent in recovery is to have perseverance. You having that perseverance within you makes all the difference. Another thing is remember your veteran parent always wants the best for you regardless. However sometimes I know it can be hard to see it, but they truly want to see you succeed!
What do you want to be when you grow up?
When I get older I would love to become a Pediatrician. When my veteran parent was deployed I found myself having such a deep care for my younger siblings, figuring out new things with them, and helping them when they needed it. Pursuing pediatrics is something I have a strong passion for, and cannot wait for that journey to come.
Daniela's Story
"Daniela has demonstrated courage by starting a new club at her school," said her father, an U.S. Army National Guardsman. "She took it upon herself to meet with administrators and give a presentation of what she wants to do. Once approved, she started to recruit students in the morning before school and after school."
"Daniela is also nominated for National Honor Society and serves on the Mayor's Teen Council in our city. She meets monthly with city leaders to discuss issues. At church, she helps with the kid ministry and has been recognized as 'Real McCoy,' which means she raised over $1,000 for overseas missions/charities."
"Daniela has shown her resiliency when faced with difficult situations. She never gives up and always keeps herself accountable. Daniela was named Homecoming Princess last year for the 9th grade. She takes care of her siblings and never questions her duties at home. I often find her late at night studying or preparing her material for the next day. Daniela tutors her siblings at home and reads to her baby brother nightly."
"In church, she was selected as Youth of the Year. She volunteers countless hours in the community and never asks for anything in return. Daniela goes out to the lower income communities and leads worship and praise. She is an inspiration to us all!"
