When Sgt. 1st Class Steven Merrill and his family PCSed to Joint Base Lewis-McChord last September, they didn't know what the future held ... or that it included notoriety. 

His son, Andrew, an 11-year-old student at Hudtloff Middle School in Lakewood, was recently named a semifinalist in the Military Child of the Year competition.

"My platoon leader thought my son was worthy so he sent his name in, but when I found out he was actually selected as a semifinalist I admit I was extremely shocked ... in a good way," Merrill, who is attached to the 585th Engineer Co. (part of the 555th Engineer Brigade), said with a laugh.

Like many military kids, Andrew has moved around quite a bit during his life, yet in spite of having relocated six times and switched schools four times, he remains grounded thanks to his parents. When faced with bullying from his peers after he'd gained some weight, Andrew chose to take the remarks in stride and stand up for other kids being bullied.

"We've definitely instilled those kids of values in him and he's a sensible kid," his father said. "We're very proud of him."

The family - including mom, Kristie - has also made a point of giving back and routinely volunteers together - which has helped Andrew amass 45 hours of community service at places like his church and the Alzheimer charity walk.

"We try to do a lot together as a family," Merrill said. "Especially with me being gone so much we like to spend as much time together as we can."

Operation Homefront will announce five finalists from each branch of service today.

Following that, recipients of the Military Child of the Year Award for each branch of service will be announced March 8, at which time they will each receive $5,000 and be flown to Washington, D.C. for a recognition ceremony in early April.   

The panel selecting the winners is composed of active-duty Servicemembers, teachers, military mothers, Family Readiness Support Assistants and other community members.

"Andrew feels that his telephone interview went really well and we feel he has a good chance," Merrill said. "Definitely as good as anyone else."

There are two other semi-finalists from the area; Amanda Nelson, 12, of Silverdale, who represents the Navy, and Maverick Jennings, 15, of Port Angeles, who represents the Coast Guard.

"If Andrew wins, his mother would go with him (to Washington, D.C.), but I've also discussed it with my unit and we'll try to have a fundraiser or something so I can go too," Merrill said. "I wouldn't want to miss it."