A Steady Beat of Resilience and Leadership Rock Drummer Earns Military Child Honor When Noelani Martinez pounds out a rhythm on her drum set, she’s not thinking about anything — she’s just jamming. But the teen has plenty to think about. The Brennan High School senior is the beat behind San Antonio’s School of Rock House Band and the recipient of the Military Child of the Year award from the Air Force. Martinez and six other children of service members were honored by the nonprofit Operation Homefront in April 2024 for embodying strength, resiliency, and service. The year before their nominations, the six performed over 3,500 hours of volunteer service, and Martinez herself earned top accolades for ROTC leadership, was part of a first-place winning drill team, and is in the top 2% of her graduating class. Noelani’s father, retired Colonel Melchizedek “Kato” Martinez, spent 29 years in special operations and tactical communications roles. Due to his career, Noelani and her three siblings have traveled the world, calling places as varied as the Netherlands and Hawaii home. “It’s amazing to be able to make friends from various places in the world and share our experiences,” she said of her life as an Air Force “brat.” But the Martinez family suffered a devastating loss: Noelani’s mother, Gail, was killed, and she and her siblings were severely injured during an April 2016 terrorist bombing of the Brussels, Belgium, airport. At just 9 years old, Noelani was the one comforting her siblings as they awakened from comas. Summing up his daughter’s strength in the face of adversity, her father said, “She continues to bear both the physical and emotional scars of that tragic day, but rather than allow it to defeat her, she uses the pain to fight on and honor her mother’s love.” In an interview with an Ohio TV station, Noelani said she hopes the Child of the Year honor illuminates the challenges of military family life, particularly the frequent household moves that require starting over again and again. Her advice to other military kids is, “Give yourself grace” to get through the challenging parts.
... continued from Cover Parenthood has also shaped the way I approach my work. When I meet clients navigating some of the most challenging times in their lives, I can’t help but think of my own family. It’s a reminder to cherish the health and well-being of the people we love. That perspective pushes me to serve my clients with the same care and dedication I give my family. Now, as I approach the stage where my kids are becoming full-fledged “adults” (Bowie, my second daughter, just having registered to vote!), I’ve realized that parenthood is never really “done.” My father and mother are still in their 80s and 70s, and they still worry about all of us, just as I know I’ll always worry about my kids. But I’ve also come to see parenthood as a partnership. Marta and I are here to guide, support, and let them know they’re loved, no matter what stage of life they’re in. Parenthood isn’t always easy, but it’s the most fulfilling journey I could ever have imagined. It’s taught me the value of service, the importance of relationships, and the beauty of life’s unexpected moments. As I reflect on the joys and challenges of being a father, I feel immense gratitude, not just for my kids but for the lessons they’ve taught me along the way. —Bert Parnall
HOMEMADE SHAMROCK SHAKES
Inspired by TheKitchn.com
No need to make a McDonald’s run for this refreshingly minty treat. Make your own St. Patrick’s Day Shamrock Shakes at home (They’re even better than Mickey D’s!)
Ingredients
Milkshake • 1 pint vanilla ice cream • 2/3 cup whole milk
Toppings • Whipped cream • Green sprinkles • 2 maraschino cherries
• 1/2 tsp peppermint extract • 8 drops liquid or 4 drops gel green food coloring
Directions 1. Put 2 tall drinking glasses into the freezer to chill. 2. Allow ice cream to slightly soften for 10–15 minutes. 3. In a blender, add milk, peppermint extract, green food coloring, and softened vanilla ice cream. 4. Blend on lowest setting and work up to medium speed for 1 minute or until smooth and pourable. 5. Pour evenly into frosted glasses, and top with garnish of your choice. Serve immediately.
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