Military Child Champion Awards Honor Exceptional Contribution and Dedication

Harker Heights, TX – August 9, 2024 – The Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC) proudly presented the inaugural 2024 Military Child Champion Awards during the opening Gala event of the MCEC Global Training Summit in Washington, DC, on July 29, 2024. Recipients for 2024 are USAA, Wounded Warrior Project (WWP), and General (Ret) Dennis Reimer and Mrs. Mary Jo Reimer. These distinguished awardees have made significant contributions to supporting military-connected children and their families, exemplifying the spirit of service and dedication.

“We created the Military Child Champion Awards to honor exceptional leaders who have gone above and beyond to support our nation’s military children,” said Dr. Rebecca Porter, President and CEO of MCEC. “Their dedication ensures that military-connected children thrive amidst the unique challenges they face.”

About the Military Child Champion Award

Introduced this year, the Military Child Champion Award honors commitment and dedication to military-connected children by individuals, corporations, and organizations. This award highlights outstanding contributions of time, talent, and resources that benefit military-connected children and their families, supporting MCEC’s vision to ensure every military-connected child is college-, work-, and life-ready. The Award is presented in three categories: Corporate, Partner, and Individual.

Corporate Award – USAA: A Legacy of Support for Military Families

USAA has supported military-connected children and their families through MCEC since our earliest endeavors, allowing us to create professional development offerings for educators and other youth-serving professionals that build support and a better understanding of the unique stressors for military families.

Accepting the award for USAA was Tara Payne, Director of Strategic Communications and Reputation Management. “We are incredibly proud to partner with the Military Child Education Coalition and to support their mission to enhance the educational experiences of military children,” said Payne.

“Nearly 1.66 million military families depend on having the resources and the opportunities to thrive, face mental health challenges, and get the support they deserve. This award reflects the collective commitment of our 38,000 USAA teammates who consistently go above for those who go beyond. We’re dedicated to creating programs and initiatives that meet the needs of the military community, especially the military children, providing them with stability, support, and a sense of belonging.

USAA has been proud to collaborate with this coalition since its inception, and we look forward to continuing our support in the future. We’re truly humbled and inspired to carry on the mission with even greater passion and purpose.”

Partner Award – Wounded Warrior Project: Advocating for Wounded Veterans and Their Families

Founded in 2003, the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) began as a grassroots effort to provide comfort items to wounded service members. Today, WWP has evolved into a comprehensive organization offering mental health support, career counseling, long-term rehabilitative care, and advocacy for millions of warriors and their families. WWP’s collaboration with MCEC has been pivotal in supporting military-connected children and families.

In a special video message, Walter Piatt, CEO of the Wounded Warrior Project acknowledged the award. “On behalf of the Wounded Warrior Project, it is an honor to accept the inaugural Military Child Champion Award in the non-profit Partner category,” said Piatt. “For more than 20 years, Wounded Warrior Project made a promise to those we serve to be there for them and their families no matter what.

“Working together to ensure our military children can flourish benefits not just the entire family, but our communities, and the military as a whole. Thank you for this honor and for your unwavering commitment to our military families. Keep the promise.”

Joining to accept the award on stage was Ashley Bunce of the Wounded Warrior Philanthropy, Community Impact, and Partnership Team.

Individual Award – General (Ret) and Mrs. Dennis Reimer: Lifelong Advocates for Military Children

Military Child Champion Individual Awards were presented to General (Retired) Dennis J. Reimer, former Chief of Staff of the Army, and Mrs. Mary Jo Reimer, both of whom have been ardent supporters of MCEC. Their financial support and leadership have significantly impacted military-connected students and, with the establishment of the Suzy Carlton Student Leadership and Civic Responsibility Award, General and Mrs. Reimer continue to grow young leaders.

General and Mrs. Reimer were in attendance, with General Reimer coming to the stage to accept the award. “A tremendous amount of progress has been made in MCEC’s 26 years,” said GEN (Ret.) Reimer. “I have been inspired by the young people who participate in MCEC programs that have come across this stage tonight. They have made a difference in their schools and with their families. They will make an even greater difference when they go out into the world.”

Celebrating Our Champions

“The Military Child Champion Awards celebrate those who have shown exceptional dedication to our cause. All of us at MCEC are grateful for the contributions of USAA, Wounded Warrior Project, and General and Mrs. Reimer. The award winners’ generosity and efforts benefit military families, helping ensure that their children receive the support and opportunities they deserve,” said Dr. Porter.

About MCEC

The Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring quality educational opportunities for all military-connected children affected by mobility, transition, and family separation. MCEC supports military families through research, advocacy, and educational programs designed to help children thrive in the face of military life challenges. Please visit MCEC’s website at MilitaryChild.org.

Media Contact:

Karen Kirk, Director of Marketing and Brand Creative
Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC); [p] 254.953.1923 ext. 1123
Karen.Kirk@MilitaryChild.org