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(Michael Hoffman, age 10, is the son of Maj. Ken Hoffman and his wife, Katie. He and his brothers--Matt, 6, Mark, 3, and John, 5 months, were recognized Friday as a "Home Front Hero," along with children of other Airmen recently returned from deployment.)

A hero is someone who helps others. I really enjoyed the Home Front Hero Medal ceremony. I was nervous when I went up and got my medal. It was kind of like when my dad was gone...I helped out making sure my younger brothers went up with me because they received medals too. It has a red, white and blue ribbon and a medal with a blue star on it.

My Dad put me in for it for helping my Mom while he was deployed to the Philippines for 6 months. He told me to be the man of the house before he left, and I tried very hard to make him proud and to help my mom. He was worried when he left because my mom was pregnant. I haven't been deployed to war zones but I guess if my Mom would have had the baby at home that would be kind of like a war zone, not cool. My baby brother was born while my Dad was deployed...

I also have two other younger brothers. One is 6 and the other is 3. I had to help my mom with those guys too and that can be like a war zone. They can be pretty wild, so I get hurt once in awhile. I also had to keep up with my school work and chores. It was hard and I really missed my Dad. Six months is a very long time.

I didn't know I was a hero like my Dad. Now I know how my Dad feels when he receives his medals. I was proud, but I know it's not the same. I know my Mom and Dad are proud too. I am one of the heroes that stay home and support my Dad and help my Mom when he is gone and send him funny e-mails to keep his spirits up. This medal is cooler than any sports trophy I have, because I got it helping my Mom and Dad while he was doing his job for our country.