Center Moriches High School sophomore Kristin Luna was recently selected as a semifinalist for the Operation Homefront 2026 Military Child of the Year® Award in the National Guard category.
Now in its 18th year, the Operation Homefront’s Military Child of the Year® Award, according to the website, reflects the positive impact that these impressive young people have made on their military families, their schools, and their communities.
“The man or woman in uniform isn’t the only one making sacrifices in service of our country,” said Jenny Valderas, Operation Homefront’s senior director of Family Support Services. “Their families stand alongside them, navigating uncertainty and weathering change. Our Military Child of the Year® semifinalists lead with pride, resilience, and selflessness. Operation Homefront is honored to celebrate the youngest members of our military and veteran communities as they transform today’s challenges into tomorrow’s change.”
If awarded, Operation Homefront Military Child of the Year Award recipients are flown with a parent or guardian to Washington, D.C., and recognized at the April 2026 gala. During the event, senior leaders of each branch of service will present the awards. Winners also will receive $10,000 each, a laptop computer, and other donated gifts.
This year, the program received more than 1,000 nominations from military children around the world, representing all branches of service. From this highly competitive field, 68 semifinalists were selected overall, including 10 semifinalists in the Army and Air National Guard category.
Kristin was chosen as one of these semifinalists to represent the Army and Air National Guard. She is the daughter of Master Sgt. Sara Luna, who currently serves with the 106th Rescue Wing as the contracting superintendent.
“Being named a finalist for the Military Child of the Year® Award is a true honor. Growing up in a military family has taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of service,” she said. “While there are sacrifices that come with this lifestyle, I am incredibly proud of my mother’s dedication and strength. I am grateful for the support of my community and honored to represent military children everywhere.”
As part of the selection process, she participated in an in-depth interview, where she shared her experiences growing up as a military child.
“She highlighting her resilience, the leadership skills she has developed, and one of her proudest achievements: helping bring Hometown Hero Veteran banners to Main Street in Center Moriches,” said her mother.
According to Master Sgt. Luna, she started their military journey on active duty in the United States Air Force. Kristin, she said, experienced several moves along the way, from Kansas to California, before ultimately settling on Long Island with the New York Air National Guard. The family has called Center Moriches home since 2015, when Kristin began kindergarten.
Operation Homefront will announce the finalists for each category in March. If selected as a finalist, she and her mother will attend the formal recognition event and gala in Washington, D.C., on April 23.
Additional information about the Military Child of the Year® Award can be found on Operation Homefront’s website: Military Child of the Year® Award - Operation Homefront operationhomefront.org/military-child-of-the-year/
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