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Klamath Falls, OR – The artistry of a young military child, 11-year-old Kaelynn Hartman, was seen soaring new heights on June 23rd. Kaelynn’s creative design was selected to feature as the nose art on the 173rd Fighter Wing’s F-15C Eagle, stationed at Kingsley Field.
“It’s surreal to see my creation on the F-15’s nose,” Kaelynn shared with palpable excitement. “It’s a testament to my dedication and hard work.”
Kaelynn’s artwork, depicting an F-15 set against the potent symbol of the American flag, accompanied by the words “I was raised in the Land of No Slack!”, clinched the top spot among 20 entries submitted in a competition conducted by the Military and Family Readiness office.
Kaelynn says her upbringing played a significant role in inspiring her winning design. “Having been brought up in close proximity to the F-15 and with a deep-rooted respect for our national flag, the idea for my drawing seemed quite natural,” she said. “My parents constantly remind me that I’m being groomed in the Land of No Slack!”
The art competition was held to celebrate April’s Month of the Military Child and welcomed participation from all Oregon-based military children aged up to 17 years. Participants were required to submit designs utilizing the provided design template.
Selecting a winning artwork was no easy task for the judging panel, given the flood of stunning submissions, shared Cecily Gaudinski, 173rd FW Military and Family Readiness Program manager.
“Being a military child is often synonymous with constant change and adaptability. It’s a tough ask!” Gaudinski reflected. “The ‘Nose Art Contest’ is a way to recognize and express gratitude towards our military youth for their resilience and sacrifice.”
Kaelynn is the proud daughter of Staff Sgts. Michael and Ashlyn Hartman of the 173rd Maintenance Group. The proud parents were overjoyed by Kaelynn’s achievement.
Her mother Ashlyn expressed, “We couldn’t be prouder of her,” while Michael added, “We always tell her that diligence and attention to detail can bring rewarding results. Now, she has a vivid demonstration of this principle. She poured thoughtful and concerted effort into this drawing.”
The Hartman family, together with Airmen from across the base, attended a special unveiling ceremony, where 173rd FW commander Col. Lee Bouma awarded Kaelynn with a certificate and commemorative coin.
In Gaudinski’s words, “Team Kingsley is one big family, which means we are committed to supporting not just our service members but their families and children as well.”
The Month of the Military Child, initiated by former Defense Secretary Caspar Weinberger in 1986, continues to be an occasion to honor the courage and contribution of our military children.
Source: US Army National Guard
