More than 40 children were recognized as Home Front Heroes last week in a ceremony at Hickam Air Force Base for the sacrifices and support they provide while their parents are deployed overseas.

Parents who frequently serve overseas were encouraged to nominate their children for the award to show their appreciation.

"We wanted to provide a chance for parents to tell their kids 'thank you,' " said Maria Barrows, director of the Airman and Family Readiness Program, which sponsored the event. "The kids were so proud to have that recognition."

Parents were asked to write short narratives describing the sacrifices made by their children. As they received their awards, the narratives were read aloud before a crowd of proud parents, grandparents and friends.

One of the young heroes honored was Cristian Martinez, a first-grader at Hickam Elementary School. In his narrative, his father, Staff Sgt. Ryan Stark, thanked Cristian for helping to care for his 6-month-old sister.

"As soon as I leave on one of my 'field trips,' Cristian becomes the man of the house," Stark said.

Another of the young heroes was Brad Pitts, an eighth-grader at Aliamanu Middle School.

"It felt good to be honored," said Brad, who was nominated by his father, Senior Master Sgt. Michael Pitts. "My favorite part was seeing the other kids get their awards."

Sgt. Pitts has served three combat tours in Iraq as an explosive ordnance disposal technician, a job that involves inspecting roadside bombs. He has been deployed eight times since 1999 and is expected to leave for another six-month tour in May, said wife Debi Pitts.

"I miss spending time with him playing video games and football," Brad said.

Brad was friends with Senior Airman William Newman, who served alongside his father and was killed in action last June.

"It was the first time he had to deal with the death of someone he was close to," Debi Pitts said. "And it was difficult knowing his father was still there doing the same job."

In addition to doing well in school and helping his mother with household chores, Brad cleans the yards of neighbors whose spouses also have been deployed.

Debi Pitts said she is proud of Brad for helping others and for the sacrifices he routinely makes.

"Our kids are really resilient," Barrows said. "They sacrifice without even knowing it."

The Air Force plans to make the Home Front Heroes celebration a regular event. Barrows said the next ceremony will be June 6.