WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Bob Menendez met with Madeleine Morlino of Moorestown, New Jersey and her parents to personally congratulate her on receiving the Military Child of the Year for the Air Force Award from Operation Homefront. Last year, Menendez nominated Madeleine to the U.S. Air Force Academy and she will be attending this fall as a cadet.

“Madeleine is truly an exceptional young woman and I was proud to have the opportunity to congratulate her and her family on this extraordinary achievement,” said Sen. Menendez. “Her commitment to service, our country, her family and community is an inspiration for all of us who share her belief that each of has a responsibility to keep America strong. There is no doubt she will excel as a cadet and in all her future endeavors.”

“It’s an honor to be selected for this award; it means so much to me,” said Ms. Morlino. “During my amazing trip to Washington, it was especially wonderful to meet with Senator Menendez. The recognition from him – and from Operation Homefront – is incredibly flattering, but I’d be remiss to not thank my parents for their support in all my endeavors.”

About Operation Homefront

Operation Homefront is a national nonprofit with more than 2,500 volunteers nationwide that provides emergency and financial assistance to the families of service members and wounded warriors. Operation Homefront has provided assistance to thousands of military families since its inception in 2002. The Military Child of the Year Awards recognize military children who have demonstrated themselves as exceptional citizens, while facing the challenges of military family life.

About Madeleine Morlino

Madeleine was adopted from China when she was 11 months old by Kerry Ann Morlino and retired Air Force Master Sgt. Leonard Morlino. A 17-year-old future U.S. Air Force Academy cadet, with a 4.23 weighted grade point average, she has spent most every day accomplishing something for America — one veteran, indeed one citizen, at a time. For instance, motivated by the challenges her family faced as her father transitioned from military to civilian life, Madeleine set out to ease the transition for other service members. She conceived, organized and led a job expo for veterans in her hometown. The event successfully attracted national and local businesses that were poised to offer veterans meaningful employment. Her outreach to veterans also includes her volunteerism at the Philadelphia-based VA Disabled Veterans Physiotherapy Clinic.

Recipient of the Good Citizenship Award from the Union League of Philadelphia, Madeleine volunteers at the National Constitution Center, Burlington County Animal Association, Soles 4 Souls, Our Lady of Good Counsel Praise Band, and other causes and organizations. Madeleine, who was awarded a seat as a delegate to American Legion Auxiliary New Jersey Girls State, also participated in three physically and intellectually challenging week-long military academy summer leadership seminars.

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