'Military Family of Year' named in D.C.

Marine Sgt. Dennis Leanes and his family, of Camp Lejeune, N.C., were named National Military Family of the Year Wednesday night at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. The Smith family from Norfolk was also in the running for the title.

Cmdr. Shep Smith and his family were recognized as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) 'Family of the Year' early this year. The were in D.C., along with Congressman Glenn Nye, to attend the ceremony.

The National Military Family Association recognizes the 'Families of the Year' for the roles they play in their communities and the way they embrace the military lifestyle.

The Smiths, stationed in Norfolk, like to travel, participate in a community theater group, and stay involved in the NOAA Corps community. Shep and wife Tara are also active participants in the NOAA Officers Family Association, helping to keep their small community strong. The family includes two children, ages 10 and 8.

Five other families representing the Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Public Health Services were also in contention:

-- Army Command Sgt. Maj. Kevin Nolan and his family, of Fort Riley, Kan., are the Army Family of the Year. The family is active in its church, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, as well as the children's school and Nolan's command.

-- Navy Lt. j.g. Joshua Caldwell and his family, of Kailua, Hawaii, are the Navy Family of the Year. The Caldwells have overcome many obstacles to get to where they are today. They regularly volunteer in the community and help to support hospital patients, homeless veterans and disabled youth.

-- Master Sgt. Wayne and Tech. Sgt. Thane Ojala and their family, of Las Vegas, are the Air Force Family of the Year. The dual-military family volunteers and says, "It's a good feeling to know we're contributing to something greater than ourselves." They view the challenges of military life as an opportunity to become closer as a family.

-- Coast Guard Petty Officer 1st Class Aaron Udland and his family, of Juneau, Alaska, are the Coast Guard Family of the Year. This family's passion is the Relay for Life fundraiser for cancer research. They've turned volunteering into a whole-family activity and love to spend time together exploring the wonderful activities that Juneau has to offer.

-- Public Health Service Family of the Year Cmdr. Dana Hall and the Horesh family, stationed at Overland Park, Kan., support local food banks because they are "working hard to teach our children that they have a responsibility to actively participate in the improvement of their community."

"They're really all great," said Bailey Toombs, a National Military Family Association spokeswoman. "A lot of them are just really involved in the community and just go above and beyond."

The Leanes family is said to throw themselves into serving their community while Sgt. Leanes is deployed. According to the family, they "have learned not to define ourselves by our challenges, but by our accomplishments."

The National Military Family Association, a nonprofit organization committed to strengthening and protecting the families of the men and women currently serving, retired, wounded or fallen, serves the five branches of the armed forces as well as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Public Health Service.

On the Net:  National Military Family Association

--------------

Compiled from report by Samantha L. Quigley, American Forces Press Service