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In this podcast, you’ll hear my conversation with one of last year’s Call for the Arts Spotlight Winners: Kyler. Listen as he discusses how creating and producing music has given him the opportunity to express his feelings of growing up a military child. Congratulations once again to all the 2024 CFA winners!
This podcast is made possible by generous funding from the Dyess Spouses’ Club and Mildenhall Spouses’ Association. To learn more, visit https://www.dyessspousesclub.com/ and https://www.mildenhallspousesassociation.com/.
Audio mixing by Concentus Media, Inc., Temple, Texas.
Show Notes:Resources:Calling all artists, grades K-12: The 2025 Call for the Arts contest is NOW OPEN. Submissions will be accepted through April 30, 2025, and must be postmarked by this day. Good luck to every budding artist, we look forward to being amazed. See contest guidelines and link to entry form on our website: https://militarychild.org/programs-and-initiatives/the-call-for-the-arts/
Kyler’s 2024 MCEC Global Training Summit Performance
https://youtu.be/dsvEmapYLQk?si=NpRhPeO29oNj2Z4W
Bio:Kyler has been a military child for more than a year now. He is a 17-year-old sophomore, and has two siblings that live with him. His father is in the Army, and he loves him very dearly. One of his favorite hobbies is producing music. He has been officially producing music for around two years and enjoys every part of it!
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We are excited to share this episode on the extraordinary lives of military children who have been recognized as the Operation Homefront 2025 Military Child of the Year® recipients from the National Guard, Space Force, Navy, and Army families. Join us as Emily, Natalia, Mason, and Maribel share stories of resilience and appreciation for growing up in military families.
This podcast is made possible by generous funding from the Maxwell-Gunter Spouses’ Club To learn more, visit https://www.maxwellgunterspousesclub.com/.
Audio mixing by Concentus Media, Inc., Temple, Texas.
Show Notes:Resources:Operation Homefront
https://operationhomefront.org/
Military Child of the Year Award Recipients
https://operationhomefront.org/military-child-of-the-year/
Bio:Emily, the Operation Homefront 2025 Military Child of the Year for the National Guard is 18, and the daughter of Rebecca and Juan Carlos Baldeosingh, an Army National Guard sergeant who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. Her stepfather, retired Marine Sgt. Maj. Skip Amaker, served 26 years. His tenure included five deployments to Iraq and one to Afghanistan.
Emily was 2 when her mother received the news on June 29, 2009, that Juan Carlos was among four North Carolina guardsmen killed in Iraq when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle. He first served in the Marine Corps but transitioned to civilian life and, in 2008, joined the Guard. Being part of a Gold Star Family has shaped Emily.
“I have grown up with the utmost respect for our country and those who serve to protect our freedom,” she said. “My family has always made it a top-tier priority to stay hopeful and stay positive through everything.”
Natalia, the Operation Homefront 2025 Military Child of the Year for the Space Force, finds opportunity in the challenges that face military families. Natalia, 17, is the daughter of Maria Tapia and Chief Master Sgt. Jay Harris, who has served in the Air Force and Space Force since 1995. He is currently senior enlisted leader at Vandenberg Space Force Base.
Natalia understands the hardships of changing friend groups and adapting to new cultures after attending 12 schools and enduring seven PCS moves that have taken the family to five states and one foreign country. At first, she saw the constant change and upheaval as a disadvantage. However, her perspective changed, and she learned to value resiliency.
“I chose to shift my mindset, and now I appreciate the 12 supportive schools, 12 reliable friend groups, and seven different places that I can proudly call home,” she said. “Every one of these experiences has profoundly influenced my journey, instilling in me a deep appreciation for resilience and the importance of building meaningful connections.”
Mason, the Operation Homefront 2025 Military Child of the Year for the Navy, earned a bachelor’s degree before most of his peers finished high school. He reached the accelerated milestone while balancing academics with caregiving responsibilities at home. Mason, 19, is the son of Melissa and Chief Warrant Officer Jason Mosher of Marysville, Washington. Jason, a 20-year veteran of the Navy, serves as N6A at Commander Naval Surface Group Northwest and is based at Naval Station Everett.
The family has made four PCS moves, including two to Japan, and Mason’s father has been away on deployments, patrols, and missions at sea for 97 months.
A homeschool student, Mason excels despite challenges of dysgraphia, a learning difference that affects written work and motor skills. He graduated high school at 16 and completed his associate degree from Liberty University four months later. He kept up the pace, and less than two years later graduated cum laude from Liberty University with a bachelor’s degree in marketing and advertising.
Maribel is Operation Homefront’s 2025 Military Child of the Year for the Army is founding and presiding over a youth volunteering organization when her family was stationed in Japan, serving with the Red Cross, and dedicating herself to improving childhood literacy are just a few of the reasons. She is 17, lives in Kentucky where her father, Lt. Col. Nicholas Sikes, is stationed at Fort Knox. Her mom, Audrey Sikes, homeschools Maribel and her four younger siblings.
In considering colleges, along with the usual items like location, financial aid, and aligning majors, Maribel must consider her food allergies and whether she can access allergen-free food stations. Her allergies and medical conditions are why she wants to study supply chain management and attend school in the Southeast.
“I want to ensure that other kids will not be worried about where their next meal is coming from because the grocery store is out of the right allergy-friendly foods,” she said. “With a degree in supply chain…I will be able to make a difference in other people’s lives by providing enough safe food for them.”
Full biographies can be found at
https://operationhomefront.org/2025-military-child-of-the-year-award-recipients/?internal_medium=internal&internal_source=banner&internal_campaign=thd-oh-25-03-internal-mcoy-traff&internal_content=D2503W61SB&sourceid=1153486.
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Saknas det avsnitt?
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Student 2 Student (S2S) is a peer-to-peer student-led program that brings military and civilian students together to welcome new students, create a positive environment for all, support educational opportunities, build connections through service, and ease transitions. Listen as Kiani shares her story, and how S2S became a source of support and comfort beyond her time as a new student.
This podcast is made possible by generous funding from the USAA Foundation.
Audio mixing by Concentus Media, Inc., Temple, Texas.
Show Notes:Resources:MCEC Student 2 Student
https://militarychild.org/programs-and-initiatives/student-2-student/
Military OneSource
https://www.militaryonesource.mil/benefits/confidential-counseling/
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/988
National Center for PTSD
https://www.samhsa.gov/resource/dbhis/national-center-ptsd
U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs Mental Health
https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/index.asp
https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/ptsd/next-step.asp
https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand/common/common_veterans.asp
Bio:Kiani is 17, in the 11th grade, and her dad served in the Army. She has a dog named Daisy and enjoys playing basketball and video games in her free time. Kiani has moved twice as a military-connected child. She plans on joining the Army Reserves, participating in ROTC in college, and continuing to play basketball.
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In our latest episode, we shine a light on the exceptional lives of military children who have been recognized as the Operation Homefront 2025 Military Child of the Year recipients from the Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Air Force families. Join us as Isabella, Ian, and Sophia share their heartfelt stories of resilience, adventure, and gratitude that come with growing up in military families.
This podcast is made possible by generous funding from the Fort Bliss Spouses’ Association. To learn more, visit https://www.thefbsa.org/.
Audio mixing by Concentus Media, Inc., Temple, Texas.
Show Notes:Resources:Operation Homefront
https://operationhomefront.org/
Military Child of the Year Award Recipients
https://operationhomefront.org/military-child-of-the-year/
Bio:Isabella, the 2025 Operation Homefront Military Child of the Year® for the Marine Corps, values the unique culture of the military community.
A junior at Swansboro High School in North Carolina, she makes it her mission to welcome new students. Isabella, 17, lives in Hubert, North Carolina, with her mother and stepfather, Amanda and Chris Price. She has four siblings.
“Being a military child who is now permanently in Swansboro, I get to not only relate to these new military kids, but help ease their transition into their new environment,” she said.
Her parents served a combined 42 years in the Marine Corps. Her mother, a staff sergeant, deployed three times in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, and humanitarian missions. She retired after 20 years.
Her father, Gunnery Sgt. Brian J. Smith, retired from service after 22 years and eight deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. He was awarded a Purple Heart after suffering injuries in Afghanistan. He died in 2023 at the beginning of Isabella’s sophomore year of high school after being diagnosed with Stage 4 metastatic cancer.
“My father who was the epitome of hard work and dedication to his career,” she said. “I strive daily to be as committed as he was in everything I aspire to accomplish.”
Isabella is on track to earn an associate degree before graduating high school. She’s considering several universities in North Carolina for completing a bachelor’s degree before going to law school. She aspires to a career in the political field.
Ian, Operation Homefront’s 2025 Military Child of the Year® for the Coast Guard, has achieved academic success that will help propel him to his goal of becoming a civil engineer, all while mentoring other students.
Ian, 17, is a senior at I.C. Norcom High School in Portsmouth, Virginia, where he is currently his class valedictorian, the first Black male student to hold the position in a decade. He will graduate with an associate degree from Tidewater Community College a month before his high school graduation.
Ian is the son of retired Lt. Michael Lindo and Michelle Effatt. Michael served for 27 years active duty in the Coast Guard, deploying for a total of 10 years conducting counter drug and migrant interdictions in the Caribbean, before retiring in 2019. His father lives in Georgia while Ian and his mom live in Virginia.
“My father’s dedication and commitment to serving our country for so many years is something I deeply admire,” Ian said. “His loyalty and sacrifice for our nation have shaped who I am. It’s not just about the uniform; it’s about the values he instilled in me—discipline, resilience, and a strong sense of duty.”
“I’m really passionate about designing systems that can improve lives, especially in underserved areas,” Ian said. “I’ve always believed that infrastructure like roads and bridges plays such a crucial role in connecting people, improving safety, and supporting everyday life.”
Ian is currently deciding among several universities, including Virginia Tech and North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, to major in civil engineering.
Sophia, Operation Homefront’s 2025 Military Child of the Year® for the Air Force, has learned to embrace life following the death of her father in 2023 after he served his country for 17 years.
Sophia, now 17, was 15 years old when her father, Master Sgt. Anthony Pinero, passed away tragically… She lives at Ramstein Air Force Base in Germany with her mom, Sheena Pinero, an executive services specialist and her younger sister.
As a military child, Sophia experienced 37 months of her father’s deployment and five changes of station. Moving most recently to Germany meant leaving friends and family even farther away than usual, but Sophia responded with resiliency, helping plan trips around Europe with her mom and sister.
“Of all of the bases that I have been stationed at, Ramstein Air Base has been the best,” Sophia said. “I have never felt as connected to the people around me as I do here. Whether it is pitching mail at the post office with active-duty personnel or recognizing volunteer excellence in the community, Ramstein Air Base has always felt like one big, connected family.”
Sophia is considering pursuing a career in engineering or medicine. She wants to attend the United States Air Force Academy or a university with a strong Air Force ROTC program, and she hopes to become an officer in the Air Force.
Full biographies can be found at
https://operationhomefront.org/2025-military-child-of-the-year-award-recipients/?internal_medium=internal&internal_source=banner&internal_campaign=thd-oh-25-03-internal-mcoy-traff&internal_content=D2503W61SB&sourceid=1153486.
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The Purple Star School program is designed to help schools respond to the challenges military-connected children face during their school transitions. Listen to Mr. Hovet Dixon, Jr., and Mr. Jason Fowler discuss how schools, districts, and community organizations are working to support military families.
This podcast is made possible by generous funding from Alabama State Department of Education State Fund.
Audio mixing by Concentus Media, Inc., Temple, Texas.
Show Notes:Resources:Alabama State Department of Education- Purple Star Schools
https://www.alabamaachieves.org/al-pssp/
South Carolina Department of Education-Purple Star Schools
https://ed.sc.gov/districts-schools/student-support/family-community-engagement/family-and-community-engagement/military-information/
Military Child Education Coalition-Purple Star Schools
https://militarychild.org/programs-and-initiatives/purple-star-schools/#:~:text=The%20Purple%20Star%20School%20program,workforce%2C%20and%20life%2Dready
The South Carolina Department of Veterans' Affairs
https://scdva.sc.gov/
Bio:Hovet Lee Dixon, Jr. currently serves as a high school principal in Huntsville, Alabama. He is a proud graduate of Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University several times over, holding degrees in Elementary Education and Education Administration and Supervision. Principal Dixon has almost 25 years of teaching and leadership experience collectively, and prides himself on advocating for the communities he serves.
In his capacity as principal, Principal Dixon has earned various recognitions on the local, state, and national levels for his commitment to his school community and progressions, having most recently been named the Alabama Association of Elementary School Administrators District X's Outstanding Elementary Administrator of the Year. Much of his focus has entailed providing a warm and inviting learning environment for our military families and communities. Principal Dixon values his longstanding partnership with MCEC.
He has been married to a fellow educator for 24 years and is the father of two adult daughters and a high school son. Their pride and joy is their American Bully named Ace.
Jason Fowler (Jay) joined the South Carolina Department of Veterans' Affairs in October of 2022 as the Military Affairs Coordinator. Jason retired from the South Carolina Army National Guard AGR program in February 2018 after 25 years of service to the country, culminating as the First Sergeant of the 43rd Civil Support Team (SCARNG).
Jason served both on active duty in the Army and dedicated almost 15 years of his career to assist Federal, State, Local, and Tribal authorities as a member of the South Carolina Army National Guard’s highly distinguished and decorated 43rd Civil Support Team (CST). He served on the National CST Training Working Group as the Personnel, Senior Enlisted Advisor and was the quarterly Senior Enlisted speaker for the CST Pre-Command Course in Washington DC. Upon retirement he has spent much of his time as a contractor for L2 Defense Group, training with and evaluating the CSTs nationwide alongside US Army North.
Assigned to the Military Affairs Division at SCDVA, Jason works on Quality-of-Life Issues such as Military Child Education, Military Child Care, Military Spouse Employment and provides Base Support to the military installations that are located in South Carolina and Fort Eisenhower just across the state line. The Military Affairs Division strives to sustain and enhance the military presence in South Carolina.
Jason is currently enrolled in the Master of Arts History program at Arizona State University and has a Bachelor of Arts Degree from American Military University in Homeland Security. Jason is a member of several Veterans’ based organizations and enjoys volunteer work in his community.
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In this podcast, you’ll hear my conversation with three of last year’s Call for the Arts Middle School Winners: Claire, Amaris, and Annabelle. Listen as they discuss their beautiful works of art as an expression of their military experiences. Congratulations once again to all the 2024 CFA winners!
This podcast is made possible by generous funding from the Randolph Spouses’ Club. To learn more, visit https://www.randolphspousesclub.com/.
Audio mixing by Concentus Media, Inc., Temple, Texas.
Show Notes:Resources:Calling all artists, grades K-12: The 2025 Call for the Arts contest is NOW OPEN. Submissions will be accepted through April 30, 2025. Good luck to every budding artist, we look forward to being amazed. See contest guidelines and link to entry form on our website: https://militarychild.org/programs-and-initiatives/the-call-for-the-arts/
Bio:Claire is 13 years old and currently in 8th grade. She stays busy with figure skating, cross country and track, and Civil Air Patrol. She is the second of four children born to Air Force parents. She has moved 6 times with another move on the horizon in Summer 2025.
Amaris is in 8th grade, and her dad serves in the Army.
Annabelle is now 15 years old and in the 9th grade. Her father is an Air Defense Officer in the Army. She has two younger siblings, Audrey and Joey. Annabelle also has two “fur brothers”, Rusty and Archie. She is a competitive swimmer and keeps busy with both high school and year-round club swimming. She has moved 7 times thus far while her father has been active duty.
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Listen as Dr. Brooke Rice, Vice President of Curriculum and Work-Based Learning at NAF, discusses the changing landscape of college and career readiness for high school students. She shares NAF's innovative approach to transform the high school experience through, "Exposure to career options and opportunities to build upon one's aspirations, to develop future ready skills, and create critical workplace connections".
This podcast is made possible by generous funding from the Fort Gregg-Adams Spouses’ Club. To learn more, visit https://www.gaspousesclub.com/.
Audio mixing by Concentus Media, Inc., Temple, Texas.
Show Notes:Resources:NAF
https://naf.org/Bio:Dr. Brooke Rice leads the charge for increasing equity and access to high-quality work-based learning and career-connected curriculum for high school students across the country as the Vice President of Curriculum and Work-Based Learning at NAF. Throughout her career, she has worked at the local, state, and national levels to create resources, provide training, and implement programs to help students achieve their career goals and connect them to businesses who are looking for innovative ways to skill their future talent pipeline.
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The MCEC Call for the Arts program invites military-connected children from all over the world, representing every branch of service, to share interpretations through art of what it means to be a military-connected child. Listen as one of our 2024 Call for the Arts high school winners, Genevieve, shares how she expresses herself through art.
This podcast is made possible by generous funding from the Ramstein Officers’ Spouses’ Club. To learn more, visit https://www.ramsteinosc.org/
Audio mixing by Concentus Media, Inc., Temple, Texas.
Show Notes:
Resources:
Calling all artists, grades K-12: The 2025 Call for the Arts contest is NOW OPEN. Submissions will be accepted through April 30, 2025. Good luck to every budding artist, we look forward to being amazed. See contest guidelines and link to entry form on our website: https://militarychild.org/programs-and-initiatives/the-call-for-the-arts/
Bio:
Genevieve is 18 years old and is a 12th grader. She loves to draw, paint, and crochet. She also loves her dog, Penny. After graduation she plans to attend California State University, Fullerton and study Social Work.
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Dr. Daniel Perkins and Dr. Jennifer Karre discuss the importance of policy in supporting military-connected students and families. Listen as they examine the implementation of four policy initiatives: Advance Enrollment (AE), the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3), the Military Student Identifier (MSI), and the Purple Star School program.
This podcast is made possible by generous funding from the Hurlburt Spouses’ Club. To learn more, visit https://hurlburtspousesclub.com/.
Audio mixing by Concentus Media, Inc., Temple, Texas.
Show Notes:Resources:Clearinghouse for Military Family Readiness
https://militaryfamilies.psu.edu/
Evaluation of State Implementation of Supportive Policies to Improve Educational Experiences and Achievement for K-12 Military Children
https://militaryfamilies.psu.edu/projects/view/speak-military-children/
Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission
https://mic3.net
Military Student Identifier
https://militarychild.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2025-104-MSI-Position-Statement_20250103-1.pdf
Military Child Education Coalition
https://www.militarychild.org
Bio:Daniel F. Perkins, Ph.D., is a Professor of Family and Youth Resiliency and Policy at Penn State University and also the Director and Principal Scientist of the Clearinghouse for Military Family Readiness at Penn State, a university-wide applied research center. Dr. Perkins has been designing and evaluating strengths-based family and youth development programs in 4-H and Cooperative Extension and leading complex projects for over 25 years. His work involves teaching, research, and outreach through the Penn State Cooperative Extension Service. One of his primary areas of focus is in fostering the well-being of military service members, veterans, and their families through the Clearinghouse. In his role as Principal Scientist, he is able to facilitate the translation of science into action by providing comprehensive, science-based programs and technical assistance to professionals working with military service members, veterans and their families.
Jennifer Karre, Ph.D. is a Research & Evaluation Scientist at the Clearinghouse for Military Family Readiness at Penn State. Her Ph.D. is in Developmental Psychology. For over a decade, her role at the Clearinghouse has centered around program and policy evaluation. She has worked on evaluations of programs and policies for Service Members and their families related to fathering, parenting, child and youth development, child and youth educational support, couple relationships, reintegration after deployment, financial readiness, and emergency preparedness.
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MCEC’s 2024 Call for the Arts received hundreds of entries from across the globe and every branch of service, with creative expressions of strength, bravery, pride, and community. In this podcast, hear my conversation with three of last year’s Elementary School Winners: Aurora, Jack, and Lucia. Seeing and hearing the world from the perspective of a child is inspiring and will brighten your day. Congratulations once again to all the 2024 CFA winners!
This podcast is made possible by generous funding from the Kirtland Spouses Club. To learn more, visit https://kirtlandspousesclub.com/.
Audio mixing by Concentus Media, Inc., Temple, Texas.
Show Notes:Resources:Calling all artists, grades K-12: The 2025 Call for the Arts contest is NOW OPEN. Submissions will be accepted through April 30, 2025. Good luck to every budding artist, we look forward to being amazed. See contest guidelines and link to entry form on our website: https://militarychild.org/programs-and-initiatives/the-call-for-the-arts/
Bio:Aurora is 12 years old and in 6th grade. Her father is active-duty Army. So far, she has moved four times. Aurora is the oldest of 6 kids and loves to draw, read graphic novels, bake, and hang out with her friends.
Jack is 12 years old and was born in Landstuhl, Germany, while his dad, a U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. (now retired) was flying out of Ramstein Air Force Base. Jack now lives in Hawaii, where he’s a 6th grader. Jack loves playing soccer, surfing, mountain biking, and getting creative with his art. At home, he’s got a small flock of chickens, including his favorite pet rooster, T-Rex.
Lucia is 11 years old and in the sixth grade. Her dad serves in the Army, and they have moved 7 times in the last 10 years. Lucia is the oldest of four kids. She loves reading, writing, drawing, acting, and singing.
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Military children will experience on average 6-9 school transitions during their K-12 education, and some of these transitions may happen during the school year. Listen as Dr. Jenny Cogbill discusses moving in the middle of the school year and the impact it has on students. She shares valuable tips on how to best support these military children.
This podcast is made possible by generous funding from the Fort Gregg-Adams Spouses’ Club. To learn more, visit https://www.gaspousesclub.com/.
Audio mixing by Concentus Media, Inc., Temple, Texas.
Show Notes:Resources:Military OneSource
https://www.militaryonesource.mil/resources/millife-guides/changing-schools/
Military Spouse
https://www.militaryspouse.com/military-life/pcs/6-survival-strategies-for-pcsing-mid-year-with-milkids/
Bio:Dr. Jenny Cogbill received a B.S. in Psychology from Virginia Tech, a M.Ed. in Counselor Education from East Carolina University, and a Doctorate in Education in Leadership and Learning in Organizations from Vanderbilt University.
She began her career in teaching and counseling in K-12 schools and then moved to higher education as an adjunct professor in psychology and sociology. She began working with The Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC) in 2013 as a Parent to Parent Trainer and then transitioned to Professional Development in 2015. She continues to work for MCEC as an educator while also serving as the Liaison to the Science Advisory Board and working as a school counselor in North Carolina.
Since 1996, she has helped lead Soldier and Family Readiness Groups and has held leadership positions in multiple military-connected organizations. As an active-duty Army spouse of nearly 30 years, mom of three military children, one of whom is now serving in the Army, she is passionate about advocating for military children, their education, and for their families.
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DoDEA’s mission is to "Educate, Engage, and Empower military-connected students to succeed in a dynamic world". Listen as Kathleen Facon discusses DoDEA’s grant programs and how they are being implemented in communities to support military-connected students.
This podcast is made possible by generous funding from the Wright-Patterson Officers’ Spouses’ Club. To learn more, visit https://wrightpattersonosc.org/.
Audio mixing by Concentus Media, Inc., Temple, Texas.
Show Notes:Resources:DoDEA
https://www.dodea.edu/
DoDEA Grant Program
https://www.dodea.edu/education/partnership-and-resources/dodea-grant-program
Bio:Kathleen Facon is the Chief of the Educational Partnership and Resources Division within the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA). Kathleen (Kathy) Facon is responsible for leading DoDEA’s efforts to champion quality educational opportunities for military children in public schools by supporting military-connected local educational agencies (LEAs). Additionally, she is responsible for overseeing the policy and management of the Non-Department of Defense School Program (NDSP), which provides support and funding for the education of authorized command-sponsored dependents of military members and Department of Defense civilian employees assigned to overseas areas without DoDEA schools.
For nearly 30 years, Ms. Facon has served in various capacities in support of military child and youth development, early education, national accreditation systems, partnerships, parent education and involvement, curriculum programming, youth education support and exceptional family member programs. She has held leadership positions at the Marine Corps Headquarters in Virginia and on Marine Corps and Army installations in California and Germany.
Ms. Facon, a native of California, received a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Development from California Polytechnic State University–San Luis Obispo and a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership from Concordia University, St. Paul, Minnesota. Ms. Facon has been awarded the Commander’s Medal for Civilian Service and the Army Achievement Medal for Superior Civilian Service. Also, Ms. Facon has received twice, commendation from the Department of Navy for civilian service.
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The Purple Star School program is designed to help schools respond to the educational and social-emotional challenges military-connected children face during their transition to a new school. Listen as Pete LuPiba, “Founder of Purple Star Schools,” discusses how the Purple Star Program is helping military-connected students and families thrive.
This podcast is made possible by generous funding from the Scott Spouses’ Club. To learn more, visit https://www.scottspouseclub.com/.
Audio mixing by Concentus Media, Inc., Temple, Texas.
Show Notes:Resources:Ohio Purple Star Schools
http://www.ohiopurplestar.org/
Ohio Department of Education
https://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Other-Resources/Military-Resources/Schools/Purple-Star-Award
Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3)-Ohio
https://mic3.net/state/ohio/
National Advocate for Purple Star Schools
https://militarychild.org/programs-and-initiatives/purple-star-schools/
Bio:Pete LuPiba is Ohio’s (MIC3) Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commissioner. Initially appointed in 2012 and duly reappointed by the Honorable Mike DeWine, Governor of Ohio in 2019. LuPiba serves as Deputy Director for the Office of Budget and Management in the State of Ohio. LuPiba formerly served as Public Affairs Officer at the Department of Education, 2007-2019.
LuPiba founded the Purple Star School Award for Military family-friendly schools in 2015-2017. Purple Star is in 40+ States (*with 4,100+ Schools), including Virginia, Alaska, South Carolina, Florida, California, Texas, Idaho, Washington State, and New Hampshire – with 600 Purple Star Schools across Ohio. LuPiba was honored to serve as a key advisor and the Master of Ceremonies as Ohio formally launched the Collegiate Purple Star initiative as led by Governor Mike DeWine, and Chancellor Randy Gardner, and the Department of Higher Education.
In November of 2022, fellow Ohioans, state MIC3 leaders around the country, and Governor Mike DeWine nominated LuPiba to be honored in the 30th Anniversary Class of the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame. This Hall of Fame includes Ulysses S. Grant, Neil A. Armstrong, and John H. Glenn. In February of 2023, Adjutant General of the Ohio Army and Air National Guard; Major General John C. Harris, Jr. commissioned LuPiba as an Honorary Buckeye Colonel.
LuPiba coordinated the effort to eliminate the professional educator licensure fee for teachers and coaches and administrators who have served or are serving in the Armed Forces’ Uniform – including the spouses of active-duty personnel. As of 2023, Military families in Ohio have saved more than $365,000.
In 2017-2018, LuPiba developed a state-wide Military Signing Day ceremony for those young men and women choosing to join the Armed Forces to begin their career, including through the Branch Service Academies and ROTC Scholarships at Universities and Colleges. At the 2023 Ceremony, Ohio hosted more than 300 attendees in the State’s capital of Columbus at the National Veterans Memorial and Museum.
LuPiba served active-duty, enlisted United States Navy – deploying with Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 11 to Iraq in 2006. LuPiba completed his duty in the Armed Forces while attached to the Reserves – serving with Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 26.
LuPiba is an Alumnus of The Ohio State University and the University of Southern California. LuPiba is married to technology evangelist and cybersecurity expert, Jennifer. The LuPibas reside in greater Columbus with their five children; Sally, Corazon, Lincoln, Grant, and Washington.
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Listen as Dr. Shelley MacDermid Wadsworth discusses the importance of conducting research of military and veteran families to improve their overall well-being. She discusses the Military Family Research Institute’s Operation Military Experience, a nationwide study that looks at the experiences of families who have faced a parental deployment.
This podcast is made possible by generous funding from the USAA Foundation.
Audio mixing by Concentus Media, Inc., Temple, Texas.
Show Notes:Resources:The Military Family Research Institute
https://www.mfri.purdue.edu/
Operation Military Experience
https://opme.mfri.purdue.edu/
Bio:Dr. Shelley MacDermid Wadsworth is a Distinguished Professor of Human Development and Family Science at Purdue University, where she directs the Military Family Research Institute, which she co-founded, and serves as Director Emerita of the Center for Families. Dr. MacDermid Wadsworth holds an M.B.A. in Management and M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Human Development and Family Studies from The Pennsylvania State University.
Her primary research interest is the relationship between work conditions and family life, with special focus on military families. She is an author of over 140 articles and chapters. Her research has been supported by the National Institutes of Health; the Departments of Defense, Veterans Affairs, and Agriculture; state governments; and numerous private philanthropies.
Dr. MacDermid Wadsworth is a recipient of the Work Life Legacy Award from the Families and Work Institute and a fellow of the National Council on Family Relations, from which she also received the Felix Berardo Scholarship Award for Mentoring (2018) and the Burgess Award for continuous and meritorious contributions to theory and research in the family field (2022). She has served on federal advisory committees for the National Academies of Science and the Department of Defense and has testified in Congress on multiple occasions regarding military and veteran families.
In 2016, Purdue University received the Kellogg Award from the Association of Public and Land Grant Universities and the Higher Education Civic Engagement Award from the Washington Center in recognition of the work of the Military Family Research Institute. Dr. MacDermid Wadsworth is a recipient of the Morrill Award, Purdue University’s highest faculty honor, for outstanding career achievements that have had an impact on society and has been named a “Top Ten Extraordinary Contributor” among work-family researchers worldwide.
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Partners in PROMISE is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to protect the rights of military children in special education and disability communities to ensure they receive equal access to education. Listen as Dr. Jenna Kremkow and Carla Wyrsch discuss how the PROMISE advocates for military children with special and exceptional needs.
This podcast is made possible by generous funding from the Tinker Spouses Club. To learn more, visit https://www.tinkerspouses.org/.
Audio mixing by Concentus Media, Inc., Temple, Texas.
Show Notes: Resources:Partners in PROMISE
https://thepromiseact.org/
Partners in PROMISE Special Education & EFMP Binder
https://thepromiseact.org/binder/
Educator Report
https://thepromiseact.org/educators-report-partners-in-promise-2022-research-findings/
Bio:Jenna Kremkow is an associate professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Elmhurst University. She completed her MS and PhD at The Pennsylvania State University with an emphasis in autism, augmentative and alternative communication, child language disorders, and stakeholder training and perspectives. Clinically, Jenna has worked as a speech-language pathologist in elementary schools, outpatient clinics, and early intervention settings.
Jenna teaches courses in augmentative and alternative communication, autism, language disorders in children, and research methods. One of her research areas focuses on the experiences of military families with children with autism and the use of technology to improve communication outcomes and quality of life for children with autism and their families. Her goal is to use research to support data-driven recommendations and policy changes to improve special education services for military families.
Carla Wyrsch is the spouse of a retired United States Marine and mother of two. She has devoted her career to educating and advocating for children with disABILITIES. Her experience spans a variety of settings, including residential treatment facilities, military bases, public schools, and the Lerner School for Autism at the Cleveland Clinic. Currently, she is a School Operations Director with MIYO Health. In addition to her work with MIYO Health, Carla enjoys volunteering with Best Buddies of Greater Memphis, the Organization for Autism Research, and Partners in PROMISE as a content creator and advisory board member.
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Dr. Kimberly Dickman discusses an epidemic of loneliness across the United States and the impact that it's having on mental health. She also shares the importance of developing meaningful connections, and how those connections influence our overall well-being.
This podcast is made possible by generous funding from the USAA Foundation.
Audio mixing by Concentus Media, Inc., Temple, Texas.
Show Notes:Resources:Dickman, K. (2024, July). Loneliness: The New Global Pandemic. On the Move. Summer 2024
https://militarychild.org/news-and-publications/
PERMA Theory of Well-Being
https://ppc.sas.upenn.edu/learn-more/perma-theory-well-being-and-perma-workshops
Barbara Fredrickson: How Love and Connection Exist in Micro-Moments
https://psychology.unc.edu/2021/11/30/barbara-fredrickson-explains-how-shared-positive-emotions-make-us-happier-healthier-and-more-connected/
Bio:Dr. Kimberly S. Dickman serves as an assistant professor at the U.S. Air Force Academy Center for Character and Leadership Development (CCLD), where she leads the Healthy Relationship Education and Emotional Intelligence branch of the Development Division in the Center. CCLD’s mission is to advance the understanding, scholarship, practice, and integration of character and leadership development, resulting in cadets and permanent party prepared for service to the nation.
Dr. Dickman is a licensed clinical professional counselor and certified educator. She began her work in education for the Department of Defense in 1991. During her 20+ years of civilian service she has performed at the Wing and Headquarters Air Force level before coming to USAFA. Of note is her work in the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response program where she focused on education, analysis, and prevention science. Her extensive experience allows her to serve at USAFA as faculty and lead in topics such as healthy relationships, emotional intelligence, positive psychology, prevention science, human sexuality, and leadership development. She teaches Human Sex, Reproduction, and Sexuality in the Biology Department and Applied Positive Psychology in the Behavioral Science and Leadership Department.
Dr. Dickman is widely recognized and is frequently requested to present across the DoD and on a national scale.
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September 15th through October 15th is National Hispanic American Heritage Month, celebrating the contributions of Hispanic Americans who have positively influenced and enriched our nation. Listen as Dr. Jessica Meléndez-Carrillo, a lifelong educator, discusses the importance of embracing a cultural community with understanding, respect, and support. In addition, she shares best practices for supporting military-connected students and their families.
This podcast is made possible by generous funding from the Air and Space Forces Spouses’ Club of Washington DC. To learn more, visit https://www.afoscdc.com/.
Audio mixing by Concentus Media, Inc., Temple, Texas.
Show Notes:Resources:2022 Demographics Profile of the Military Community
https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/24177791/2022-demographics-report.pdf
https://www.militaryonesource.mil/data-research-and-statistics/military-community-demographics/
Economic and International Development Population Demographics- City of El Paso
https://www.elpasotexas.gov/economic-development/economic-snapshot/population-demographics/
Texas Education Agency Purple Star Campus Designation
https://tea.texas.gov/about-tea/other-services/military-families/purple-star-campus-designation
Congressman Silvestre and Carolina Reyes Elementary School
https://res.canutillo-isd.org/
Canutillo Independent School District
https://www.canutillo-isd.org/
Bio:Dr. Jessica Meléndez-Carrillo serves as Principal at Congressman Silvestre and Carolina Reyes Elementary School in El Paso, Texas in the Canutillo Independent School District. Dr. Meléndez-Carrillo has worked in public education for 20 years working with students ranging from PreK through 5th grade as well as teaching college courses. Over the years, she has served as a teacher, instructional coach, curriculum district coordinator and assistant principal. She is a proud graduate of the University of Texas at El Paso where she received her bachelor's and a master’s degree. In 2018, she was selected as the National Assistant Principal of the Year for Texas by TEPSA (Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association) and in November 2021, El Paso Inc., a local magazine, named her as the top 5 school principals in the region.
Dr. Meléndez-Carrillo currently serves on the Executive Board of El Paso TALAS (Texas Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents) as the President-Elect. In June 2022, she was invited to attend Harvard University as part of the Raise Your Hand Texas cohort to focus on School Turnaround Leadership. In December 2022, she graduated from West Texas A&M University with a doctorate in educational leadership focusing on teacher retention and leadership. She has been invited to participate in national webinars as a guest speaker such as NAESP (National Association of Elementary School Principals) and Principals of Success to share her educational journey and work in public education.
Under her leadership, Congressman Silvestre and Carolina Reyes Elementary School has been awarded the Texas Education Agency Purple Star designation, being the first school in the Westside area of El Paso to earn this designation, due to their work commitment to meeting the unique needs of military-connected students and their families. Additionally, the school has earned the recognition of a Best Elementary School in 2024 by the U.S. News and World Report and the Honor Roll School designation by the Educational Results Partnership.
As an educator and transformational leader, Dr. Meléndez-Carrillo believes education is the opportunity equalizer and advocates for equitable education for all students providing a culture of excellence and giving a voice to the voiceless.
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Technology has had an incredible impact on how we live and work in the world today. Our access to videos, websites, and social media platforms are just at our fingertips. But does digital media usage affect our mental health? Listen as Dr. Justin Rowberry discusses the impact that this usage has on our mental, emotional, and behavioral health… especially for our kids.
This podcast is made possible by generous funding from the Luke Spouses' Club and Tyndall Spouses Club. To learn more, visit https://www.lukespousesclub.org/ and https://www.tyndallsc.org/.
Audio mixing by Concentus Media, Inc., Temple, Texas.
Show Notes:Resources:
Bio:Justin R. Rowberry, MD leads an innovative health program designed to provide developmental, behavioral, and mental health care to remote or underserved locations across the world. Dr. Rowberry ensures timely delivery of needed remote care through a combination of virtual video visits, specialty provider extender training, and provider travel, improving health care for those who need it most.
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The topic of mental health continues to be a priority in our world today. Listen as Ashley Jensen discusses why our emotional, psychological, and social well-being are so important. She also shares how the Cohen Veterans Network is helping support our military-connected families.
This podcast is made possible by generous funding from the Fort Bliss Spouses’ Association. To learn more, visit https://www.thefbsa.org/.
Audio mixing by Concentus Media, Inc., Temple, Texas.
Show Notes:Resources:Cohen Veterans Network
https://www.cohenveteransnetwork.org/
National Alliance on Mental Illness
https://www.nami.org/
Foulkes, L. (2024, January 4).The adolescent mental health mess. Medium.
https://lucyfoulkes3.medium.com/the-adolescent-mental-health-mess-c93f23f8ed56
Bio:Ashley Jensen is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who has been serving children and families with complex behavioral health diagnosis and relational distress for over thirteen years. As a clinician, she developed specialties in Trauma-Focused CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), Solution-Focused Therapy, parent coaching, and evidence-based practices. Ashley has extensive experience as a Clinical Supervisor and Service Director of non-profit behavioral health services provided via clinic-based settings, home-based wraparound services, and crisis response teams. As a Senior Manager of Clinical Practice at Cohen Veterans Network, Ashley's aim is to drive innovation in clinical leadership and spark creativity in child and family therapy.
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Dr. Patricia Jennings discusses the importance of supporting our educator’s mental health and well-being, especially those that work with our military-connected students. She introduces us to CARE for Teachers (Cultivating Awareness and Resilience in Education), a professional development program designed to help teachers with stress management and rediscover the joys of teaching.
This podcast is made possible by our partnership with The National Child Traumatic Stress Network and their generous support. To learn more, visit https://www.nctsn.org/.
Audio mixing by Concentus Media, Inc., Temple, Texas.
Show Notes:Resources:CARE for Teachers (Cultivating Awareness and Resilience in Education)
https://care4teachers.org/
Compassionate Schools Project
https://www.compassionschools.org/
Bio:Patricia A. Jennings M.Ed., Ph.D. is an internationally recognized leader in the fields of social and emotional learning and mindfulness in education. A Professor of Education at the School of Education and Human Development at the University of Virginia, her research places a specific emphasis on teacher stress and how it impacts the social and emotional context of the classroom, as articulated in her highly cited theoretical article "The Prosocial Classroom." Jennings led the team that developed CARE, a mindfulness-based professional development program shown to significantly improve teacher well-being, classroom interactions, and student outcomes in the largest randomized controlled trial of a mindfulness-based intervention designed to address teacher stress. CARE research has been validated by What Works Clearinghouse (WWC) and the CARE program is recommended by the U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC) for supporting teachers’ well-being. She is a co-author of Flourish: The Compassionate Schools Project curriculum, an integrated health and social and emotional learning program. She is the author numerous peer-reviewed journal articles and chapters and several books including Mindfulness for Teachers: Simple Skills for Peace and Productivity in the Classroom and Mindfulness in the Pre-K-5 Classroom: Helping Students Stress Less and Learn More. Earlier in her career she spent 22 years as a teacher, school leader, and teacher educator.
- Visa fler
