This week we’re celebrating ten years of awarding medals to little troopers. Every month we award a medal to children who have been especially brave and resilient in the face of adversity.
The Little Trooper of the Month award scheme was established in 2014 to recognise children of our British Armed Forces. To date over 120 military children have been awarded medals, just like their parents.
Louise, founder of our charity, comments: “Our Little Trooper of the Month scheme is so special. It encapsulates what our charity is about, recognising the unique circumstances that many military children face and helping these children to feel included and celebrated, especially during difficult times. There are so many incredible young people out there in our forces community. From carers to fundraisers and children who have been diagnosed with challenging health conditions. Awarding these children with their own medal helps them to realise that they are amazing ‘little troopers’. They should feel very proud of themselves.”
The Little Troopers award winners are all children who have parents serving in the forces. They understand first-hand how challenging life can be growing up with a serving parent. Many of the youngsters have experienced some very challenging life circumstances at home along side periods of separation from their serving parent due to deployments and military exercises. In addition to the separation they also experience frequent house and school moves.
Previous winners have included eight-year-old Rubi Smith from Scotland. Rubi has permanent hearing loss in one ear and has amazed her family by continuing to compete in singing competitions. Another trooper is three-year-old Austin Porter from Chippenham who copes with daily pain caused by chronic pancreatitis. He has undergone surgery on several occasions while his Dad has been deployed overseas multiple times.
Thank you
To tie in with ten years of awarding medals to Little Troopers we’re so excited to announce that global technology business, Thales are sponsoring the award for the next academic year. The sponsorship has enabled Little Troopers to increase the value of the gift voucher that each winner receives to £100. Every Little Trooper of the month receives a gift voucher, certificate and a special Little Troopers medal.
Nominate your Little Trooper of the Month
Anyone can nominate a little trooper of the month. We love to hear from Unit Welfare Offices, Community Development Workers, Schools/Nurseries, Brownies and Scout leaders and their parents!
