An Announcement From EIELSON AFB, AK

EIELSON AFB, AK – The Eielson AFB Youth Center is proud to announce Hunter Onken as our 2025 Youth of the Year! This prestigious honor recognizes Hunter’s outstanding leadership, dedication to service, and unwavering commitment to making a difference in the lives of those around him.

Hunter exemplifies the core values of the Air Force—Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence in All We Do. As the president of the Keystone Club, “Key to Our Future,” Hunter has worked tirelessly to increase membership, launch teen outreach programs, and lead community initiatives that have positively impacted his peers. Whether volunteering, organizing events, or inspiring those around him, Hunter’s influence has created a lasting ripple effect within the Eielson community.

With a steadfast goal of graduating high school early and attending the United States Air Force Academy to become a fighter pilot, Hunter’s determination and leadership skills set him apart. His dedication has earned him the opportunity to represent the Eielson AFB Youth Center at the Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) Military Youth of the Year state competition in Anchorage on March 21-22, 2025. Special thanks go out to the Eielson Youth of the Year official sponsor, Kendall Auto of Fairbanks which is providing support for Hunter’s travel costs.

The Youth of the Year program is BGCA’s highest honor, recognizing outstanding teens who embody the values of leadership, service, academic excellence, and healthy lifestyles. Hunter will compete for the state title, with the opportunity to advance to regional and national levels, where he could be named BGCA’s National Military Youth of the Year—a role that serves as a voice and advocate for millions of young people nationwide.

Please join us in congratulating Hunter Onken on this well-deserved achievement. We are incredibly proud of him and excited to cheer him on as he represents Eielson AFB at the state competition!

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