A years-ago prank by a sibling led to a clarifying moment for University of Colorado Boulder student Caleb Hatch.
“One time, my sibling grabbed my insulin pump and started running around the room,” said Hatch, who lives with Type I diabetes.
“It made me realize how much better my life was because of that small piece of technology. It was the moment that fueled my desire to pursue innovation and to pursue research in order to help communities and improve people’s lives.”
That desire has motivated Hatch to complete three years of college by age 19, participate in a humanitarian project in Nepal, and earn recognition as a National Merit finalist.
Hatch’s latest honor comes from the national nonprofit Operation Homefront, which recently named him 2024 Military Child of the Year for the National Guard.
“That was a real surprise,” Hatch said following an award reception in Washington, D.C. “It’s hasn’t quite sunk in yet.”
A Colorado Springs-based organization dedicated to supporting military families, Operation Homefront recognizes seven young standouts each year, from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and National Guard.
Caleb Hatch hugs his mother, Army veteran Marie Hatch. Shawn Hatch, Caleb's father, is a former Army officer who currently serves at a colonel in the National Guard.
Caleb is the son of National Guard Col. Shawn Hatch and Army veteran Marie Hatch.
“There are a lot of transitions involved in being a military kid, and they take a number of forms,” he said. “There’s the obvious one — that we move around a lot. But my dad has been deployed multiple times, which involves changes in the family dynamics.
“That can be really difficult at times, but I also saw it as a great opportunity. It added a lot to my journey. I’m really appreciative how it has shaped my journey and my passion for what I want to pursue.”
Hatch, whose family has traveled to several states during Shawn’s career, was immediately drawn to the educational opportunities he found at Coronado High School and then at The Classical Academy after a transfer.
“I’ve never seen so many opportunities in my life,” he said. “There were so many things for me to explore at Coronado; I was so excited. And then I learned that I could actually go to (Pikes Peak State College), tuition-free!”
Caleb currently serves in a variety of capacities with the CU Boulder chapter of Engineers Without Borders. As part of the chapter, Caleb was on a team that implemented a spring source protection and water distribution system in a community in rural Nepal.
“The great thing about science is that it can be used to improve the human condition,” he said. “That’s my long-term goal: To use research and innovation to make people’s lives better.”
Hatch is on pace to graduate from CU Boulder next year, after which he intends to pursue a doctoral degree in physics, he said.
“I want to continue to do research to develop technologies that improve lives — the way that little insulin pump has improved my life,” he said.
Hatch and the other Military Child of the Year honorees each received a $10,000 award, a laptop computer and other donated prizes, according to Operation Homefront officials. Hatch said the Washington, D.C., gala was an opportunity to interact with teens who understand the unique experience of living in an active-duty military family.
“(The award) is such a huge honor and privilege, but really, the biggest thing for me has been getting to interact with the other recipients,” he said. “They’re so resilient, and yet so determined to serve their communities. I really admire them.”
Operation Homefront’s Military Child of the Year program is currently in its 16th year, officials said.
“Being Military Child of the Year is a great opportunity for me to represent my community,” Hatch said. “I hope I do it justice.”
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