Tag: 18612006

CERRITOS, Calif. (KABC) — At just 17 years old, Brandon Kim has had to say “goodbye” a lot.

“From New York to Los Angeles to Texas … back to Los Angeles … you’re forced to be in new environments and places where there are unfamiliar faces or cultural groups, and that’s really difficult when you’re a younger child,” he said.

As the years passed, he’s found plenty of ways to overcome adversity.

“My dad’s gone on training multiple times … we’ve had to adapt,” the teen said. “It’s most important to remember why he’s doing it and what he’s doing it for.”

Brandon and his family have made Cerritos home and the teen has been thriving, even working as an intern for a local congresswoman.

He holds leadership positions in school clubs and activities, and now, he’s one of this year’s Operation Homefront’s Military Child of the Year semifinalists.

“I’m very happy and proud of Brandon,” said his mother, Eun Kim. “He’s been trying for many years.”

Brandon is among 68 teenagers on the list representing seven military branches.

His younger sister Violet says he’s her role model.

“He’s a good guy, and I think Brandon works very hard for his age,” she said.

Brandon’s father serves in the Space Force and the 17-year-old says he wants to follow in his footsteps, applying for the Air Force academy.

“I’m very proud of my father for what he does,” said Brandon. “As a child, I really didn’t understand, and now that I’m older, I can say I have a lot of respect for him and I hope to be like him in the future.”

The final seven award recipients will represent each branch of the military and will be announced in March.

For now, Brandon is offering some advice to other military kids.

“Stay adaptable,” he said. “It’s all for a good cause. In the end, when you mature, you’ll realize it’s a great honor and respect that someone in your family served in the military.”