
10/09/2025
Turn Care Into Credit: Recognizing the Hidden Heroes Among Us
Across America, thousands of young people quietly carry the weight of service, not on a battlefield, but in their own homes.
These are teen caregivers: sons and daughters of service members, veterans, and wounded warriors who cook meals, help with medication, care for younger siblings, or provide comfort during deployments and recovery.
Until now, most of that work went unseen.
That’s why the Military Children’s Six Foundation (MC6) created the Torch of Care Community Service Hours (TCCSH) program, a national initiative that allows youth caregivers to turn their caregiving into creditable community service hours.
Here’s what that means
Every act of care counts. Helping a parent through recovery, supporting a sibling with special needs, or volunteering at a family readiness event can now be logged as official community service.
Recognition with purpose. These verified hours can be applied toward graduation requirements, scholarship applications, or volunteer awards, ensuring that caregiving is recognized as a service.
Building a culture of compassion. The TCCSH program teaches that service isn’t limited to uniforms, it’s about empathy, strength, and love for family and country.
The program officially launches at the Carrying the Torch of Care Breakfast (April 18, 2026) during the Military Child World Expo 2026, (Army Navy Country Club, Arlington, VA), sponsored by the BlueCross BlueShield Association.
There, teen and adult caregivers will be recognized for their courage and leadership, turning the light they carry into something measurable, meaningful, and lasting.
“Because when a child gives care, they give their heart — and that deserves credit.”
Learn more and get involved:
www.TheMilitaryChildWorldExpo.com