Student's patriotic essay displayed on Capitol Hill

Fayetteville, N.C. — The Armed Services YMCA, the nation’s leading nonprofit organization supporting military families, will display an award-winning essay from a Fayetteville student.

Drake Burns, a twelfth grader, was awarded honorable mention at a Capitol Hill luncheon on May 13. As part of his reward, Burns received a $100 savings bond for his essay.

His essay will be displayed in the U.S. Senate’s historic Russell Rotunda June 29–July 2.

In his winning essay about his dad, Jeremy Bruns, a member of the U.S. Army, Bruns wrote, “While he is at home, I still think of Dad as a hero, because the actions of a hero do not have to be direct, but may be indirect. While he may not be showing bravery, his ability comes out as he trains those about to deploy, gives support to those already in deployment, and plans the next deployments so that the possibility for mission success is maximized while the possibility for casualties is minimized. His deeds on the home front show true heroism by helping prepare and protect those on the front lines.”

The ASYMCA essay contest, sponsored by Lockheed Martin, asks children of servicemen and women to submit works about why they are proud of their military family.