Congratulations to Thomas, 18, from New Hampshire – the U.S. Army WINNER of OMK’s Courageous Kids of 2021 Contest sponsored by Navy Federal Credit Union! 

“Thomas has demonstrated courage, resilience, and strength by speaking his mind,” said his mother. “Thomas has spoken for disabled children in front of the state legislature by sharing his school experiences, talking about how his school failed to follow the law and has discriminated against disabled children. 

In his public testimony, Thomas had to tell people that he is a special needs kid, which has been hard for him. He described the way people treat him at school as humiliating. Remote school was very challenging for Thomas in 2021 and he didn’t get the education he should have. Thomas struggled with the platform and his school denied him his services. He didn’t do well in school with the lack of in-person learning and services, so he was left to learn difficult subjects like Geometry on his own by reading the textbook. Thomas was afterwards appointed as a member of the Special Education Advisory Committee by New Hampshire’s Governor. 

Thomas has had to make his own opportunities for extracurricular activities because of this treatment in school, and he successfully did so by joining an independent rowing team and JROTC. 

Thomas achieved Varsity status on the rowing team this past fall and became a coxswain. We could not afford the cost of rowing, so he got Our Military Kids scholarships to support his participation. He had to fight to be in JROTC, as the military will no longer accept kids with IEPs (Individualized Education Plans) over age 14. JROTC was good for Thomas because he was able to experience the camaraderie of the group and the importance of being a good citizen. He has since won 2 ribbons for JROTC and is doing 40 hours of community service, including working at the polls and volunteering for Wounded Warrior Project. 

Thomas has enjoyed giving back to his community and he has been learning how to be an adult. He had to raise his own funds for his new dog, Rupert, and his extracurricular activities, which he successfully did. I have also been going through a variety of struggles and injuries, and Thomas has helped me and encouraged me to move out of my comfort zone. 

It is not easy to have one disabled parent who is not involved in your life and another who is struggling. Add to that the struggles of being in high school with bullies, especially as a special needs child who is open about it. Thomas hopes to attend Virginia Tech, where he would like to be a part of the ROTC.” 

Thomas has received multiple Our Military Kids grants throughout his mother’s recovery for STEM, tutoring, camp, and rowing fees. Thank you, Thomas + family, for your service!