Maribel Sikes is part of a military family and a dedicated volunteer who believes in the power of community. That mindset and 1,500 volunteer hours landed her the U.S. Army's 2025 Military Child of Year recognition. Maribel's dad is a lieutenant colonel with the U.S. Army and her mom teaches her and her four siblings from home. They both inspired her to give back at a young age. Growing up, she would join them in volunteering on the weekends. “My dad always showed me what it means to serve with how he leads soldiers," Maribel said. "My mom [did too] in the way she leads when she’s teaching all these kids.” By the time she was 15 years old, Maribel started volunteering on her own. She saw a Red Cross table at the cherry blossom festival in Camp Zama, Japan, where she lived with her family, and was immediately inspired. While on base, Maribel started a Red Cross Club, served as a mentor, organized events for soldiers, led a storytime initiative for preschoolers, and even gave her ti...