FORT KNOX, Ky. –
To conclude Month of the Military Child 2022, the U.S. Army Recruiting Command has named the command’s children of the year.
Nevaeh Alber, 7, and Daniel Phillips, 18, both children of Soldiers serving within USAREC, were selected from nominations across the command based on their academic achievements and their volunteer work within their communities.
“We are proud of all our children in USAREC and the many sacrifices they make and the resilience they have to make us better as an Army family,” said Command Sgt. Maj. John Foley during a video with Maj. Gen. Kevin Vereen announcing the two winners on social media.
Neveah, the age 12 and under winner, is daughter of Staff Sgt. Patrick Alber, Army Recruiting Station Shawnee, Oklahoma. Her mother, Sarah Alber, describes her as ambitious and selfless.
“Nevaeh is one of seven children in the Alber household. Since she could walk and talk, she's been fighting for her special needs' big sister, helping, educating and inspiring her,” Sarah Alber said. “Although Nevaeh is young and small, she is mighty, has a heart of gold for service and her family, believes in inclusion for all, and strives to be the best she can be at all times.”
Neveah is the recipient of the Gold Presidential Volunteer Service Award, which requires a minimum of 75 hours of volunteer work within a fiscal year. Her volunteer work included collecting and donating soda can tabs to the Ronald McDonald House Charities; making and donating blankets for children with cancer; collecting and donating over 4,000 diapers, baby wipes and pull-ups to a local parenting center; volunteering at local races and walks; and collecting and donating 5,000 feminine hygiene products to local schools and organizations.
In addition to her volunteer work, Neveah also created an online platform, ‘Birthday Boxes from Nevaeh.’ Collecting sponsorships online, Neveah puts together boxes with toys and birthday cake ingredients for children whose families are facing financial hardships. In the last year, she has made and delivered 365 birthday boxes.
“Navaeh portrays great work ethic and volunteers every chance she gets,” her mother said. “She sets herself to the highest standards and is a great example, always willing to lend a helping hand.”
Phillips, the winner of the 13-18 age group, is the son Sgt. 1st Class Olisa Powell, USAREC Recruit the Recruiter team non-commissioned officer at Fort Knox.
Phillips is a senior at Fort Knox Middle High School, where he is a member of the National Honor Society, the treasurer for the senior class student council, an honor student and a member of the varsity basketball team.
Phillips is also an active volunteer at the American Red Cross in Fort Knox and the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Foundation.
“I volunteer at the Red Cross and am currently doing a project called International Humanitarian Law,” Phillips said. “A couple of students and I will be going around our school to teach kids about IHL and how cultural property gets destroyed during wars.”
Phillips is planning to attend college in the fall to study business and finance. He has received seven acceptance letters and scholarships so far.
“Congratulations to our children of the year,” Vereen said. “We are so proud to have you on our team supporting our Soldiers every day.”