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Center Moriches resident Kristin Luna names semifinalist for the Operation Homefront Military Child of the Year Award/

FRANCIS S. GABRESKI AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, WESTHAMPTON BEACH, N.Y. - (02/18/2026) — New York Air National Guard Master Sgt. Sara Luna's daughter, Kristin, 15, of Center Moriches, New York, has been named a semifinalist for the 2026 Operation Homefront Military Child of the Year Award, following the national nonprofit's Jan. 26, 2026, announcement of this year's 68 semifinalists.

Operation Homefront is a national nonprofit organization that provides financial assistance, housing and family support programs to military families and wounded warriors and created the Military Child of the Year Award to honor exceptional military children, according to the organization's website.

"It feels amazing to be selected as a semifinalist," Kristin said. "I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunity to represent the Army and Air National Guard and to showcase the values of service, dedication and teamwork that it stands for."

Kristin, a sophomore at Center Moriches High School, is one of 68 semifinalists selected from more than 1,000 nominees nationwide and one of 10 in the National Guard category, Luna said. She was chosen to represent the Army and Air National Guard and, as part of the process, completed an interview about growing up as a military child, including her role in bringing Hometown Hero veteran banners to Main Street in Center Moriches, Luna continued.

Luna serves as contracting superintendent with the 106th Rescue Wing at Francis S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base in Westhampton Beach, New York. Her Air Force career spans more than 22 years, including over 10 years on active duty in financial management before she transitioned to the New York Air National Guard. The family moved from Kansas to California before settling on Long Island, and they have called Center Moriches home since 2015, when Kristin started kindergarten, Luna said.

Luna nominated Kristin for her resiliency, leadership and volunteer work. The teen attended the 106th Rescue Wing's Galaxy Camp from ages 8 to 14 and has served as a junior counselor for the last two years. She also took part in the Wing's STEM Camp in 2023 and 2025.

Galaxy Camp is a youth program hosted by the 106th Rescue Wing that gives children of service members a chance to learn about the Wing's mission, build resilience and connect with other military families through hands-on activities. STEM Camp focuses on science, technology, engineering and math, introducing students to Air Force careers and problem-solving skills through interactive projects and mentorship from Airmen.

Kristin volunteers more than 100 hours each year through base, school and community activities. She supports programs at the 106th Rescue Wing, volunteers with the nonprofit organization Helping Makes U Happy in Center Moriches, assists with school clubs and Parent Teacher Association events. She also works with Veterans of Foreign Wars Victory Post 414 in Center Moriches, placing flags on graves for Memorial Day and leading a blanket project for the Long Island State Veterans Home in Stony Brook, New York, according to her mother.

"I'm incredibly proud of her," Luna said. "Being a military child, especially in a singleparent home with no family within a fivehour drive, is not always easy, but she has faced every challenge with grace and a positive attitude. This recognition is a testament to her hard work and dedication."

Operation Homefront officials said the award highlights the sacrifices military children make.

"Our Military Child of the Year semifinalists lead with pride, resilience and selflessness," said Jenny Valderas, Operation Homefront's senior director of family support services.

According to Operation Homefront, the Military Child of the Year Award is the nation's premier honor for the children of service members, recognizing their impact on their families, schools and communities and the challenges of frequent moves and parental deployments. Semifinalists are selected by independent volunteer judges who review scholarship, volunteerism, leadership and activities. Each year seven winners, one for each service, receive a $10,000 prize, a laptop and a trip to Washington, D.C., for an awards gala.

The semifinalist recognition has inspired Kristin to keep growing as a leader, student and volunteer, and to look for new ways to support her community.

"This experience has motivated me even more to continue working hard and giving back in any way I can," Kristin said.

The 106th Rescue Wing, based at Francis S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base in Westhampton Beach, N.Y., operates and maintains HC-130J Combat King II search and rescue aircraft and HH-60W Jolly Green II rescue helicopters. The wing is home to a special warfare squadron with pararescuemen and combat rescue officers who specialize in rescue and recovery and deploy for domestic and overseas operations.

Media Attachments

New York Air National Guard Master Sgt. Sara Luna’s daughter, Kristin Luna, places an American flag near a veteran’s grave at Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Center Moriches, N.Y., May 24, 2025. Kristin was selected as a semifinalist for the 2026 Operation Homefront Military Child of the Year Award for her resiliency, leadership and volunteer work.

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