In 2021, after witnessing many inspiring stories of children navigating the COVID-19 pandemic while their parents were deployed, Our Military Kids created the Courageous Kids Contest.
“We were amazed at how these kids were persevering through an already extremely difficult year,” said Chelly Criqui, director of marketing and communications for Our Military Kids. “We wanted to highlight military children and teens who went above and beyond as leaders and role models in their communities.”
The prize is awarded to a child from each branch of the reserves or National Guard, as well as one child whose parent is receiving combat injury care, who has shown bravery and leadership during their parent’s deployment or recovery.
Criqui herself was the recipient of an Our Military Kids Activity Award when she rowed crew in high school.
“I never felt recognized like that before, especially as a National Guard kid,” she said. “I feel like it’s so important to recognize these kids and celebrate the sacrifices that they make.”
Jocelyn Hartz received Our Military Kids activity awards for baseball in the past, but when she found out she had won the Air Force Reserve Courageous Kids Award, she was “flabbergasted.” Her father, Tech. Sgt. Jimmy Hartz, deployed multiple times over his nearly 20-year career.
“Deployments are just bumps in the road that you will learn to overcome,” she said when asked what advice she would give to other military kids.
A high school senior, Jocelyn will put her award towards a nursing program at the Community College of Allegheny County.
“I love being able to help people,” she said to explain why she wants to become a nurse. “I love putting smiles on people’s faces.”
Jocelyn’s father is a volunteer firefighter, and she followed in his footsteps, joining the Undercliff Volunteer Fire Company when she turned 15. As one of the few female department volunteers, she’s glad her gender puts her in a position to help women and girls in moments of crisis.
“I remember the first call that I ran, it was a car accident, and this lady was so frazzled,” Jocelyn said. “She completely bypassed the chief, the deputy chief, the police officers trying to talk to her. She ran straight to me, and I comforted her.”
Jocelyn and her father are extremely close.
“He’s been in and out of the house so much with being in the military, but no matter what, he’s always there,” she said. “He’s raised me to always stand up for myself and others, be outgoing, be yourself, never leave anyone behind. He’s not a father, he’s a dad.”
Michael Toomer also takes inspiration from his father, Army Reserve Staff Sgt. Justin Toomer, who is currently deployed to Jordan with the 377th MP company. He wants to enlist as a military police officer himself, then become a surgeon. He plans to take his half of the $300 prize that he shares with his sister Kinley and put it towards an Indiana State Trooper camp that he’s attended in the past.
Kinley will be attending a military kids camp with her half of the prize. She’s glad she and Michael are sharing the award.
“I know that if I won and he didn’t, or if he won and I didn’t, one of us would definitely be pretty bummed out,” she said.
Michael and Kinley are no strangers to missing their father, who has deployed in the past.
“It was sad at first,” said Kinley. “But it was definitely a bit easier to cope with it and move through it.”
She encouraged other kids whose parents are deploying to “power through it and know they’re not alone.”
Her brother echoed the sentiment.
“At first it seems scary,” said Michael, “but you’re not the only one going through a deployment, so just keep your head held high.”
Hannah Haas, who won the Army National Guard Courageous Kids Award, has slightly different advice.
“I would tell them to reach out if they need help,” she said. “As a military teen, there are so many good options when it comes to support.”
Hannah’s dad, Maj. Richard Haas, deployed for the first time with the 17th Sustainment Brigade when she was 14.
Hannah, like Jocelyn, has committed much of her free time to community service as a member of the Nevada National Guard Teen Council.
“One of my personal goals is strive to be the best leader I can be,” she said. She takes any opportunity she can to help other teens, especially other military kids.
The council has partnered with a non-profit, Project 150, to put together a boutique where disadvantaged kids can get new clothes and other essentials.
“These are my peers that need help,” she said. “What else could I be doing with my time?”
Visit Our Military Kids to learn more about you can support military children.