Military Child top five finalist

Published March 6, 2013
By Airman 1st Class Stephan Coleman
81st Training Squadron Public Affairs

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Azalee McAlpine, daughter of Eleanor and Lt. Col. Brad McAlpine, 335th Training Squadron commander, is a top five finalist for the Military Child of the Year Award.

The award is sponsored by Operation Homefront, a nonprofit organization that provides assistance to military families, and recognizes military children who have demonstrated themselves as exceptional citizens while facing the challenges of military family life.

"Azalee is a hardworking, persistent, caring young woman, who has overcome many challenges throughout her life," said her father. "She has had to overcome several medical scares and losing a good friend to cancer just last year. Through it all she has always maintained a superb attitude, rolling with each of the obstacles put in front of her to make friends and achieve her goals."

Azalee, 17, has lived at nine different bases and attended 10 different schools. Despite constantly moving, she is involved with Student 2 Student, Junior ROTC, National Business Honor Society, the Girl Scouts, and runs cross-country and track at Biloxi High School.

Jessica Duthie, a BHS cross-country coach, nominated Azalee for the contest, and Master Sgt. Ken Melton, a Junior ROTC instructor, wrote a recommendation letter for her nomination.

"She is one of the top students in the JROTC program of more than 180 students and is flight commander of about 20 students," said Melton.

"It feels good to be acknowledged for just being myself and making the best of all situations," said Azalee. "Thanks to God, my family, Coach Duthie and all my friends who believe in me."

Azalee plans on attending either the Air Force Academy or University of Alabama-Huntsville to study Aerospace Engineering.

"We are all proud of her, and she has a fantastic future in front of her," her father said.

Military child of the year