National nonprofit covers extracurriculars for children of Veterans with presumptive conditions covered by the PACT Act, with support from DAV Charitable Service Trust (DAV CST).
OAKTON, Va., June 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Joaquin is a 16-year-old student athlete whose father, a U.S. Army Veteran, was recently diagnosed with service-connected cancer caused by toxic exposure. With support from DAV CST, Our Military Kids® stepped in to cover Joaquin’s football and baseball fees.
“Playing sports is now most important to Joaquin because he knows it makes his dad happy,” said his mother, Sofia. “This is his outlet and a way for Joaquin and his father to share time together. We weren’t sure if we could afford his football this year. Our Military Kids activity awards are important and needed for situations like this.”
Our Military Kids funds extracurricular activities for children of deployed National Guard, deployed Reserve, and post-9/11 Veterans and service members from any branch receiving care for combat injuries or illness, including those with presumptive conditions outlined in the SFC Heath Robinson Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act.
“As more Veterans seek care for conditions caused by exposure to burn pits and other toxins, Our Military Kids stands ready to support their children in the activities they love,” said OMK Executive Director Kara Dallman. “These activities benefit teens like Joaquin, improve Veterans’ morale, and enhance family wellbeing during a difficult time.”
According to the Our Military Kids 2024-2025 Annual Survey, 93% of service members and Veterans experienced improved morale due to their child’s OMK-funded activity. But without assistance from Our Military Kids, 82% of families would not have afforded the activity at all, or it would have caused financial strain.
Support from funders like DAV CST allows Our Military Kids to continue providing this critical relief to families like Joaquin’s.
Learn more and apply at: ourmilitarykids.org
About Our Military Kids
Our Military Kids® is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit offering extracurricular activity awards to children ages 1-18 of deployed National Guard, deployed Reserve, or post-9/11 combat-injured Veterans in treatment. Our Military Kids activity awards build children’s self-confidence, enhance family wellness, and strengthen a shared sense of community. Learn more: ourmilitarykids.org
SOURCE Our Military Kids
