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| News > Florida high school student named Military Child of the Year for AF |
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Chelsea Rutherford, Operation Homefront’s 2012 Military Child of the Year for the Air Force, interns at Bay Haven Charter with the 1st grade. (U.S. Air Force courtesy photo)
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Florida high school student named Military Child of the Year for AF
Posted 3/22/2012
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by Senior Airman Rachelle Elsea
325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
3/22/2012 - TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. (AFNS) -- Operation Homefront's 2012 Military Child of the Year for the Air Force was recently awarded to Chelsea Rutherford, daughter of Technical Sgt. Kelly Herndon, 325th Medical Group education and training manager, and Technical Sgt. Charles Herndon, 43rd Aircraft Maintenance Unit F-22 avionics expeditor.
"I am so excited to have been chosen to represent all the amazing Air Force military children," said Chelsea. "Being in the military means the entire family makes sacrifices. Sometimes those sacrifices mean your Mom or Dad can't be around for important events in your life. Being a military child I understand I must be strong and support my parents while they are off defending our country's freedom."
Chelsea, 17 and a senior at Mosley High School, in the Mosley Advanced Placement Program for Success, was one of five who received the award.
She has managed to stay an honor roll student throughout her multiple moves and has maintained a 3.6 grade point average. She also serves as the vice president of the Student-to-Student Club, which introduces new students to the campus and helps to ease their transition.
On top of those achievements she finds time to volunteer regularly. Within 2011, she completed 180 hours of service with nonprofit organizations.
Her hard work has earned her a slot in the Society of Leadership and Success and the National Society of High School Scholars.
The nonprofit organization, granting her the title of Air Force Military Child of the Year, provides emergency assistance to military families. Annually, they give the award to outstanding military children from each branch of service.
But, that is not all.
"She currently interns at Bay Haven Charter with the 1st grade, as well as works at Bay Haven Aftercare," said Sergeant Kelly Herndon. "She loves children and will be attending Florida State University in the fall to obtain her degree in Elementary Education."
"The sons and daughters of America's service members learn what patriotism is at a very young age," Jim Knotts, president and CEO of Operation Homefront, said in a news release. "Children in military families demonstrate leadership within their families and within their communities. This is what the Military Child of the Year Award honors."
A committee of active-duty service members, family readiness support assistants, teachers, military mothers and community members selected the children from a pool of more than 1,000 nominees, the news release said. Each child will receive $5,000 and be flown with a parent or guardian to the nation's capital for a recognition gala April 5.
"I am truly honored by this nomination and cannot wait to meet the other 2012 Military Children of the Year in Washington D.C.," said Chelsea.
Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Medal of Honor recipient Sammy L. Davis, a Vietnam veteran, are slated to be among the keynote speakers at the gala. Senior leaders from each service also will attend to present the awards to the children and their families.
"We are extremely proud of Chelsea's accomplishments," said Sergeant Kelly Herndon. "She has a true drive and willingness to step-up to any challenge. Wherever she goes she lights up the room with her amazing personality and ability to communicate. We are extremely honored and excited that Operation Homefront has chosen her to represent the Air Force for 2012."
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| Debora and Tim Ballard, GoldenCo. |
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| A1C Harris Charity, Hill AFB |
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