Meet the Guard Teen PaneL

 Annabelle Slinker isn’t just making a difference—she’s setting the standard. As the Junior Ambassador of the Alaska National Guard Youth Council, Annabelle has dedicated herself to supporting her military community and representing military-connected youth across the state. Even though she’s still in middle school, her commitment and leadership already shine like someone twice her age.

Annabelle joined the Youth Council after finishing 7th grade, and in just one year, she’s racked up over 40 hours of volunteer service—more than any other elected member. She hasn’t missed a single meeting, training, or event, and is always the first to raise her hand for new projects. It’s no surprise she’ll be representing Alaska as the youngest Youth Council member at the Region 10 Symposium this summer.

“Annabelle has attended every single CYP event, meeting, training, and activity,” said Lead Child and Youth Coordinator Suzie Mauro. “She’s not just a participant—she’s a leader. We’re so proud of her growth and dedication."

One of Annabelle’s most inspiring moments this year came during April’s Month of the Military Child. When the Youth Council wanted to get local leaders to officially recognize the month and Purple-Up Day on April 11, Annabelle took the lead. With no responses from initial outreach efforts, she wrote a personal email to Anchorage Mayor LaFrance, sharing her story and why it mattered. The result? A signed proclamation.

In her own words, Annabelle describes the Council as “not only a place where I can learn and volunteer—it is also my second family.” She credits the experience with helping her overcome shyness, step into leadership, and connect with other youth who understand the military lifestyle.

Her first volunteer activity was helping at a Fall Festival, where she ran a carnival booth with another Youth Council member. It was a simple job—but one that helped her learn how to work with others and be part of a team. Since then, she’s embraced every opportunity to grow and give back.

Annabelle’s story is a reminder that leadership doesn’t come from age—it comes from action. And in Alaska, this teen on the move is proving just how far those actions can go.

Want to get involved like Annabelle?
Check out your state’s Youth Council or ask your local Child & Youth Program Coordinator how you can make an impact in your community. 

Community service isn’t just about giving—it’s about making an impact, and the South Dakota Army National Guard Youth Council is proving just that!

During their February meeting, the nine Youth Council members put their creativity and compassion to work, crafting thoughtful gifts for Veterans in need. In just one session, they made:

• 8 lavender-infused heat/cool packs for relaxation and stress relief
• 16 dog toys to support service animals
• 25 keychains to add a personal touch to everyday essentials

All of these handmade items were donated to the Veterans Community Project (VCP) in Sioux Falls, an organization dedicated to helping Veterans find permanent stability through high-quality services and resources. The VCP team was thrilled with the donations, knowing they would bring comfort and support to the Veterans they serve.

The Youth Council is already looking forward to their next opportunity to volunteer or create more projects for VCP. Their work proves that small acts of kindness can lead to a great impact!

Are you inspired to make a difference in your community? Find a local organization and get involved—you never know how much your efforts can mean to someone else!

 We are thrilled to celebrate an inspiring milestone for Puerto Rico State Teen Council member, Anamaris Irizarry Torres, who has taken her leadership skills to new heights by joining the Puerto Rico Army National Guard (PRARNG). Now serving as Private First Class (PFC) Irizarry Torres, she enlisted as a Human Resources Specialist (42A) while completing her senior year of high school.

Service and dedication to the nation run deep in her family. Her father, Major Cesar Irizarry, the Commander of the PRARNG Recruiting and Retention Battalion, shared his pride in her decision: “I couldn’t be prouder of her choice to join our organization and make a difference. With both of my children now serving, I feel an even greater sense of pride in our family’s dedication to this nation.”

We congratulate PFC Irizarry Torres on this exciting chapter and thank her and her family for their dedication and service. She is an inspiration to us all, and we look forward to seeing her continued success!

 On October 19, 2024 several members of the Oregon Military Teen Panel made a big impact at the Pre-Deployment Yellow Ribbon event in Medford, Oregon! Madi, Serena, Kendra, Tori, and Kenzi shared powerful stories about their own deployment experiences and introduced families to the Child and Youth Program. They even led the group in an exciting round of “Rock, Paper, Scissors Train,” one of our favorite icebreakers, to get everyone engaged and connected.

We’re so proud of the Oregon Teen Panel members for their leadership and for supporting fellow military families. Great job, Madi, Serena, Kendra, Tori, and Kenzi!

On January 27, 2024, the Oklahoma State Teen Panel spent time volunteering at the Hope Center of Edmond, OK.  Teens spent their time helping sort through and organize donations to the Center's clothing closet.  The Center's director was very appreciative of what the teens were able to do to give back to their community.

On March 23, 2024, the Oklahoma State Teen Panel volunteered their time to work at the Science Museum of Oklahoma.  The teens helped run different interactive exhibits during the Spring Break rush.  Teens also volunteered to do yardwork around the Museum's courtyard gardens.  Thank you to these extraordinary teens!!