Remarks by Gen. Steve Nordhaus, Chief, National Guard Bureau at the Operation Homefront Military Child of the Year Awards Gala (As Prepared)

Good evening, distinguished guests, and most importantly, the incredible military families gathered here tonight. I'm General Steve Nordhaus, the 30th Chief of the National Guard Bureau.

My wife Shannon and I are honored to be here to celebrate the resilience and leadership of military children.

All service members owe a debt of gratitude to the families and communities who support them.

National Guard families face unique challenges. Often separated far from other military families, they typically navigate military life on their own…often while supporting civilian careers. Hurricanes, deployments, and short-notice emergencies can pull a Citizen-Soldier or Airman away at a moment's notice.

Tonight, I have the pleasure of recognizing a shining example of one of the many young people who excel while navigating the unique challenges of a National Guard family.

I am proud to introduce the 2026 military child of the year for the National Guard - Lila Morgan.

Lila is the daughter of Courtney and First Lieutenant Larry Morgan of Lithia, Florida. Her father served a combined 15 years in the Marine Corps and the Army National Guard, including 36 months on deployment.

As a Guard kid, Lila knows that service means you're "Always Ready, Always There." She knows that duty can call suddenly--missing birthdays, holidays and those everyday moments that shape a life--But she also knows the pride and purpose that comes with that service.

Lila faced these challenges and developed deep resilience, turning friction into momentum for meaningful change.

She graduated from high school at 16…. At just 18 years old, she is already a senior at the University of South Florida, on track to graduate with a double major in political science and criminology. Just incredible.

She is a cadet Lieutenant Colonel in the Civil Air Patrol, a congressional intern, and a published author.

Her drive doesn't stop there. This fall, she heads to American University for a dual master's in public policy and law degree, with the goal of becoming a judge advocate general in the Army.

Lila's record of service is astounding. In the last 12 months alone, she completed over 1,600 volunteer hours.

When Lila faced rising antisemitism on her campus, she didn't withdraw. She became a leader. Working with university administration and campus groups, she helped expand Jewish life and introduced kosher food options.

That's what the Guard ethos is all about. We don't walk past problems. We solve hard problems.

Lila, I hope you find inspiration in your father's service and the generations before him. In turn, your actions will undoubtedly inspire the next generation of leaders.

You are a testament to the strength of our National Guard families and a fine example of what it means to strive for excellence.

Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in giving a round of applause for an inspiring young leader. Welcome to the stage, the 2026 National Guard Military Child of the Year - Lila Morgan!