“The Armed Services YMCA national essay contest is a great, creative outlet for our young people to express their patriotism and pride in their families,” Sebelius said. “I’m pleased to recognize Callie today for her award-winning essay, which beautifully captures the sentiment of many military families during deployment. I hope Callie’s essay will inspire more Kansans to support our military and their families.”

Callie’s award winning essay will be on display in Governor Sebelius’ office through the end of this month.

This spring, Callie followed in the footsteps of her father and was sworn into the Army National Guard. In honor of the service by Callie and Howard Wheeler, and all other guard members, TriWest Healthcare Alliance (www.triwest.com) will present a check for $10,000 to Governor Sebelius in support of Kansas National Guard members and their families.

“We are grateful to TriWest Healthcare Alliance,” said Barbara Bunting, chair of the Kansas National Guard Foundation. “Donations like this help us continue in our mission to serve the families of America’s Guardsmen and servicewomen, which is increasingly important during this heavy time of deployment.”

Callie Wheeler from Olathe, Kan., won first prize in the 11th-12th-grade category for her essay about how she and her father strengthened their relationship through frequent e-mails during his deployment. 

“Military families require strong people. We are separated from loved ones, and have to carry on with the absence of those who mean the most to us,” she wrote. “My dad was sent to Kosovo when I was transitioning between junior high and high school, at the confusing age of fifteen. It’s when I was beginning to face decisions that could make or break my future. It was the time when I had to find balance between independence, accepting guidance. Fifteen is when I needed a strong role model the most. My role model was absent from the country, but he was not absent from my life.”

The ASYMCA national essay contest asks children of servicemen and servicewomen from all branches of the military to submit essays about why their military parent is their hero. The contest is open to students in grades 1-12. First and second place prizes were awarded in six categories based on grade level, and two honorable mentions were awarded to entries from high school students.

“America’s brave servicemen and servicewomen are role models for many young people across the country, but especially for their own children,” said ASYMCA Executive Director Frank Gallo, Rear Adm., U.S. Navy (Ret.). “Callie’s essay is a brief reminder of the remarkable sacrifices military parents make to balance their responsibilities to their country and their families.”

ASYMCA operates more than 150 program centers around the globe. The ASYMCA has consistently provided educational, recreational, social and spiritual programs to military members and their families since the Civil War. The ASYMCA, an affiliate of the YMCA of the United States, is headquartered in Alexandria, Va. For more information, please visit www.asymca.org.

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