April is the Month of the Military Child, a time to recognize the resilience, strength, and sacrifices made by the youngest members of our military community. At Mission Roll Call, we believe that honoring veterans also means honoring their families—and that includes the millions of military-connected children who grow up navigating the unique challenges of military life. These children are often the unsung heroes of service, adapting to frequent moves, long deployments, and the emotional toll that comes with having a parent in uniform. 

That’s why this April, we’re proud to shine a spotlight on the 2025 Military Child of the Year® Award winners, presented by Operation Homefront. These seven extraordinary young people, each representing a branch of the military, exemplify the leadership, courage, and community spirit we aim to amplify every day at Mission Roll Call. 

Collectively, the 2025 MCOY recipients have experienced 34 permanent changes of station and endured 283 months of parental deployments. Despite these challenges, they have accumulated a remarkable 3,488 volunteer hours in the 12 months preceding their nominations. Each awardee will receive a $10,000 grant, a laptop computer, and other donated gifts, and will be honored at a gala in Arlington, VA, on April 10, 2025. 

Meet the 2025 Honorees 

Air Force: Sophia Pinero, 17, Ramstein Air Base, Germany
Sophia faced the tragic loss of her father, Master Sgt. Anthony Pinero, in 2023. Demonstrating remarkable resilience, she immersed herself in activities at Ramstein High School, including Air Force JROTC, where she commanded over 10 Color Guard formations. Sophia aspires to attend the United States Air Force Academy and pursue a career as an Air Force officer.  

Army: Maribel Sikes, 16, Fort Knox, KY
Maribel has shown a deep commitment to service within her community. Her leadership roles and volunteer efforts have made a significant impact, reflecting her dedication to helping others. Maribel’s experiences as a military child have shaped her into a compassionate and driven individual.  

Coast Guard: Ian Lindo, 17, Chesapeake, VA
Ian’s academic achievements are noteworthy; he is set to graduate as valedictorian from I.C. Norcom High School and will earn an associate degree from Tidewater Community College. His passion for civil engineering is matched by his dedication to mentoring peers and serving his community.  

Marine Corps: Isabella Smith, 17, Hubert, NC
After the loss of her father, Gunnery Sgt. Brian J. Smith, in 2023, Isabella transformed her grief into leadership. She actively welcomes new students at Swansboro High School and is on track to earn an associate degree before graduating. Isabella plans to pursue a career in law and politics.  

National Guard: Emily Baldeosingh, 18, Havelock, NC
As a Gold Star Family member, Emily honors her late father, Sgt. Juan Carlos Baldeosingh, through extensive community service, totaling 389 volunteer hours in the past year. She excels in athletics and academics and plans to study international business at High Point University. 

Navy: Mason Mosher, 19, Marysville, WA
Mason overcame learning challenges to graduate high school at 16 and earn a bachelor’s degree by 19. While managing caregiving responsibilities at home, he dedicated 900 volunteer hours to the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society.  

Space Force: Natalia Serna, 17, Lompoc, CA
Having attended 12 schools due to frequent relocations, Natalia embraced these experiences to develop resilience and adaptability. An honor student and junior class president at Cabrillo High School, she plans to study law and political science, aiming for a future in public service. 

Why It Matters to Mission Roll Call 

At Mission Roll Call, our mission is to give veterans—and their families—a voice in shaping the future of this country. That voice doesn’t begin after service; it starts at home, often with the children who grow up under the shadow of deployment, PCS orders, and uncertainty. The stories of this year’s Military Child of the Year honorees are not just inspiring—they’re essential to understanding the full scope of what it means to serve. 

When we advocate for veteran care, transition support, and policy reform, we are also fighting for the families who sacrifice right alongside them. We see military children as part of the broader mission—a resilient community that deserves recognition, support, and celebration. 

Honoring Their Sacrifice During the Month of the Military Child 

The Month of the Military Child is more than a moment on the calendar. It’s a reminder that behind every service member is a family, and within every military family is a child whose life is shaped by service. From deployments to homecomings, from missed birthdays to changed schools, their experiences are as real and impactful as those of their parents. 

Mission Roll Call encourages our community—veterans, civilians, and policymakers alike—to listen to these stories. Follow the lead of these young awardees. Support the programs that uplift them. And help us ensure that the voices of military children are heard, honored, and included in the conversation. 

To Sophia, Maribel, Ian, Isabella, Emily, Mason, and Natalia—thank you. Your leadership, your service, and your sacrifices make our military community stronger. You remind us all that courage doesn’t wait until adulthood. It’s already here, in every base housing neighborhood, every school on post, and every child who calls a service member “Mom” or “Dad.”