MCEC Podcast Military Child Education Coalition

In our latest episode, Rachel and McKenna discuss the often-challenging world of mental health within military families.  From navigating the complexities of PTSD to fostering open communication and understanding, they share invaluable insights and personal experiences that many can relate to.  
 
This podcast is made possible by generous funding from the Military and Civilian Spouses’ Club of Fort Irwin. To learn more, visit https://mcscftirwin.org/.  
Audio mixing by Concentus Media, Inc., Temple, Texas. 
 
Show Notes: 
Resources: 
 
Why is Dad So Mad? 
Author: Seth Kastle Illustrator: Karissa Gonzalez-Othon 
 
Why is Mom So Mad? A Book About PTSD and Military Families 
Authors: Seth and Julia Kastle Illustrator: Karissa Gonzalez-Othon 
 
Wounded Warrior Project 
https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/ 
 
Elizabeth Dole Foundation 
https://www.elizabethdolefoundation.org/ 
 
Military OneSource 
https://www.militaryonesource.mil/military-basics/wounded-ill-injured-and-caregivers/ 
 
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline:  https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/988   
Crisis Text Line: Text HELLO to 741741  
 
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/ptsd/next-step.asp 
https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand/common/common_veterans.asp 
 
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network 
https://www.nctsn.org/what-is-child-trauma/populations-at-risk/military-and-veteran-families 
 
Bios: 
McKenna is an 8th grader born and raised in the beautiful state of Montana. She lives with her mom and dad, an older brother, and a younger sister and brother. McKenna's dad is a retired combat Army and Air Force Veteran. He was deployed to OIF 2005-06 and was injured by multiple IED strikes. McKenna's work of art "The Tale of Two Lives" depicts the transition between combat and the civilian world and how some aspects bleed over from one into the other.  McKenna has always loved creating!  
 
McKenna's grandfather is a well-known artist, with works of art in the National Archives and many years of drawing the Airman of the Year portraits for the USAF. Aside from her natural talent, McKenna has been able to sit and learn from her grandfather. 
 
Besides art, McKenna is also musically gifted. She is currently in the honors choir at school. McKenna also enjoys playing cello and is in the 8th grade honors orchestra.  McKenna is also currently the point guard for her undefeated basketball team. She plays volleyball, runs hurdles, throws discus, and participates in high jump, and long jump.  Her current plans for when she "grows up" is to become a pediatrician and get to build upon her love of taking care of others.  Her mom and dad are especially proud of all that she has already accomplished in her young life and look forward to all the amazing things she has yet to create and achieve in the future.  
 
Rachel is the wife of a medically retired Army/USAF Veteran, and mom to four children, ranging in age from 15-5.  Rachel was a military child herself, having a father that retired from the USAF after 24 years of active-duty service. Rachel grew up all over the United States and across the world. She has loved the opportunities to learn and experience so many different people and cultures. Rachel is her husband's primary caregiver.  Along with all the hats she wears taking care of her family, Rachel is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC). She owns a private practice providing mental health counseling to a variety of clients with a wide array of needs. Rachel also works to help parents involved with family services learn skills to improve their lives once their families are reunified.  In addition, Rachel works with hospice, providing grief and bereavement services for the local community.  She can often be

Nicholas shares his journey from a military upbringing to pursuing his dreams in aviation.  Discover the impactful role of S2S programs, the value of kindness, and the essence of civic service.  A story of leadership, ambition, and the skies ahead! 
This podcast is made possible by generous funding from the Davis Monthan Spouses’ Club. To learn more, visit https://davismonthansc.org/. 
Audio mixing by Concentus Media, Inc., Temple, Texas. 
 
Show Notes: 
Resources: 
Frances Hesselbein Student Leadership Program 
https://www.militarychild.org/programs-and-initiatives/frances-hesselbein-student-leadership-program/ 
 
Student 2 Student 
https://www.militarychild.org/programs-and-initiatives/student-2-student/ 
 
Bio: 
My name is Nicholas, I am 16-year-old Sophomore from San Diego California. Currently, I am stationed overseas at Sigonella in Italy, and I am the President of my high school’s S2S.  I am currently working with my S2S program on a project that would better my school’s culture by spreading positivity. In 2023, I attended the Frances Hesselbein Leadership Program where I won the Suzy Carlton Student Leadership and Civic Responsibility Award.  

Military kids will experience on average 6-9 school transitions from kindergarten to high school graduation. They live a unique lifestyle filled with many adventures. Listen as Cory, a military child all grown up, shares his story and the impact growing up in a military community has had on his life. 
This podcast is made possible by generous funding from the Mildenhall Spouses’ Association. To learn more, visit https://www.mildenhallspousesassociation.com/. 
Audio mixing by Concentus Media, Inc., Temple, Texas. 
 
Show Notes: 
Bio: 
Cory Petko is a 24-year-old Senior Security Analyst with a dedication to keeping systems safe and promoting security awareness. As the son of a retired Navy Senior Chief, he deeply understands the unique challenges of a military child and has a strong appreciation for our service members. He currently works at a defense contractor, working to protect their systems and digital assets, and plays a vital part in supporting the company's mission to supply critical equipment to our men and women in uniform. 

We are excited to share this episode on the extraordinary lives of military children who have been recognized as the 2024 Military Child of the Year recipients from the Air Force, Army, National Guard, and Space Force families. Join us as Noelani, Allison, Caleb and Taylor share their incredible stories of resilience and appreciation growing up in military families. 
 
This podcast is made possible by generous funding from the Edwards Spouses’ Club. To learn more, visit https://www.edwardsspouses.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/2024-military-child-of-the-year-award-recipients/ 
 
Bio: 
Noelani is Operation Homefront’s 2024 Military Child of the Year® for the Air Force. 
The 16-year-old aspiring composer and performer is a junior at Brennan High School in San Antonio, Texas.  Noelani is the daughter of Gail and Air Force Col. Melchizedek “Kato” Martinez, a Purple Heart recipient who served for 29 years and retired in July 2021. Gail died in 2016 in a terrorist attack at the Brussels airport, which left Noelani, then 9, her dad, and three siblings seriously injured.  As a military child who experienced six permanent changes of station, Noelani’s world was broadened.  “It’s amazing to be able to make friends from various places in the world and share our experiences,” she said.  
 
Allison is Operation Homefront’s 2024 Military Child of the Year® for the Army. 
She learned the value of empathy and began envisioning her future as a pediatric surgeon when she was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 13. Allison, 18, is a senior at Grafton High School in Yorktown, Virginia.  She is the daughter of Maria and Sgt. Maj. Daniel Candelario, whose military service spans 26 years across the Army, Marines, and Air Force Reserves. Currently serving in Kuwait, Sgt. Maj. Candelario has been deployed for a total of seven years of Allison’s life. Her brother also serves in the Army, highlighting a strong family tradition of military service.  Allison was a freshman when her journey from breast cancer patient to survivor began. The experience, she said, became the foundation of her commitment to shaping a kind, compassionate future.  
 
Caleb is Operation Homefront’s 2024 Military Child of the Year® for the National Guard. 
He is 19 years old and holds a love of science that has propelled him to already complete three years of college, first at community college then at University of Colorado Boulder (CU), as well as conduct a humanitarian project in Nepal.  He is the son of National Guard Col. Shawn Hatch and Army veteran Marie Hatch. His mother served five years before honorably discharging in 2005 as a captain from the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment. His father has served since 1999. Caleb has an older sister and a younger brother and sister.  Caleb’s resiliency has shown through the difficulties of 38 months of parent deployments along with his handling of medical issues – being diagnosed with diabetes and celiac disease. His interest in science has helped him cope with his health hardships.  
 
Taylor is Operation Homefront’s 2024 Military Child of the Year® for the Space Force. 
Taylor, 18, is the daughter of Space Force Col. Mia Walsh and Air Force veteran Mark Walsh. Mark retired as a lieutenant colonel in 2014 from the Air Force after 18 years of service, choosing family stability over continued deployments and separations. The Walsh family has experienced six permanent changes of station throughout their military journey.  Currently, Taylor’s mother is serving in Los Angeles, California, while her father stayed in Arlington, Virginia, so Taylor could finish school. She is a senior at Washington-Liberty High School. Taylor has enjoyed growing roots in Arlington,

Delaney, a remarkable military child, shares her experiences attending 8 schools, including 3 middle schools in 3 years. Adapting to constant change shaped her perspective, while realizing everyone faces challenges during transitions. She also shares insights from the Student 2 Student (S2S) program, highlighting its impact in supporting new students.
 
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:
 
Frances Hesselbein Student Leadership Program
https://www.militarychild.org/programs-and-initiatives/frances-hesselbein-student-leadership-program/who-is-frances-hesselbein/
 
 
 
Bio:
 
Delaney is an 11th grader at Burkburnett High School in Burkburnett, Texas.  She is active in her Student to Student (S2S) organization, is a softball player, has participated in UIL Academics, and a member of the National Honor Society.  Delaney was selected as a winner of the 2024 Frances Hesselbein Student Leadership Program at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs.  

In our latest episode, we shine a light on the exceptional lives of military children who have been recognized as the 2024 Military Child of the Year recipients from the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard families. Join us as Charlotte, Isabella, and Lindsay 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 Hurlburt Spouses’ Club. To learn more, visit http://www.hurlburtspousesclub.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/2024-military-child-of-the-year-award-recipients/
 
Bio:
Charlotte is Operation Homefront’s 2024 Military Child of the Year for the Coast Guard.
Charlotte, 18, is a high school senior in Washington, D.C., where she resides with her parents, Sarah and U.S. Coast Guard Capt. Jason Tama, and her 16-year-old sister.
Charlotte views military life as a series of adventures, having participated in unique experiences such as marching with Coasties in the New York City Veterans Day parade and viewing Fourth of July fireworks from the deck of a Coast Guard ship in New York Harbor. During her father’s career, Charlotte has experienced six permanent change of station moves, which have taught her the importance of diving into new situations with confidence.
Charlotte believes that engaging in school, sports, extracurricular activities, community service, and faith-based groups is crucial for making connections and feeling at home in new places. “Getting involved…will help you form connections in your new community and make a new place feel more like home,” she said.
 
Isabella is Operation Homefront’s 2024 Military Child of the Year® for the Marine Corps.
The 17-year-old senior resides in Temecula, California, volunteers with a local peer court program that offers juveniles a hands-on understanding of the judicial system, including roles from juror to attorney. She also cultivates her knowledge of the law through her school's Mock Trial team and an internship at a local law firm.
Isabella is the daughter of Gunnery Sgt. Carlos Arrieta, an aircraft mechanic instructor with the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit North Island, and Denise Arrieta, who works as an alternative education clerk. Isabella has a 12-year-old sister.
One of her most cherished memories is of pinning her father’s uniform during his last promotion ceremony, a moment that underscored the pride she feels for her family’s military service and the sacrifices that come with it.
“I was so proud to be his daughter,” Isabella recalled. She equally admires her mother for her role in supporting the family through financial challenges and periods of separation due to her father’s deployments. Isabella credits her mother’s strength and resilience for forming the foundation of her own character and achievements.
 
Lindsay is Operation Homefront’s 2024 Military Child of the Year® for the Navy.
Lindsay, 18, is the daughter of Navy veterans Shaun and Keri Carstairs. Shaun retired as a captain after a distinguished career of 25 years, and Keri served for 13 years, achieving the rank of commander before her honorable discharge in 2011. Both parents have medical backgrounds, with Shaun working as an emergency physician, and Keri as a pediatric emergency physician and healthcare executive. Lindsay has an older brother, Ian.
Despite her parents’ medical expertise, the diagnosis of Jeavons Syndrome when Lindsay was 8 years old presented significant challenges. The disease was difficult to control. Epilepsy was not just a physical hardship for Lindsay but also a mental and emotional challenge. She worried about what her classmates would think of her each time an ambulance came to the school because of her seizures.