Month of the Military Child: Hannah's story Published May 2, 2026 By Chad Watkins 55th Wing Public Affairs OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. -- Hannah and Hazel’s laughter fills the air on a peaceful Friday afternoon in their backyard. Bubbles spray from a bubble machine, floating around them, enticing giggles that adults have long forgotten how to make. “Let’s bounce on the trampoline!” says Hazel, while Hannah scoots across the grass excitedly. “Do you need your helmet?” asks their mother. Hannah emphatically shakes her head “no”, not wanting to pause the afternoon fun for even a second. Both little girls climb on in the backyard trampoline and begin to furiously bounce, smiling and grinning, eyes shining in the Friday sunlight, enjoying playing the way that all kids like to play. Hannah bounces on a trampoline in her backyard on April 24, 2026. Even with limited mobility from cerebral palsy, Hannah enjoys playing like everyone else. (U.S. Air Force photo by Chad Watkins) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res Hannah isn’t your everyday kid though. Hannah has cerebral palsy. The daughter of Master Sgt. Jennie Shanker and her husband John, Hannah was the victim of what doctors believe was an ischemic stroke while in utero. Hanna lost most of her motor functions on the right side of her body and was prone to seizures, leading to her being considered non-verbal for her early life. Hannah needs special equipment to function in her day-to-day activities—a wheelchair to get around, special clothes and shoes to play in, a helmet in case she has a seizure. Hannah and her family moved to Offutt in December of 2023, in the middle of the school year. “We contacted EFMP (Exceptional Family Member Program) when we were PCSing,” said Jennie, “and they got us in contact with Bellevue Public Schools to find the right placement for Hannah.” Due to her special needs, Hannah can’t attend just any school. Fortunately, Leonard Lawrence Elementary and Ms. Rhonda Stacey were more than able to accommodate. Ms. Rhonda Stacey helps Hannah switch her shoes out after recess at Leonard Lawrence Elementary school on April 22, 2026. Hannah needs special equipment to function in her day-to-day activities—a wheelchair to get around, special clothes and shoes to play in, and a helmet in case she has a seizure. (U.S. Air Force photo by Chad Watkins) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res A special educator in Bellevue for the last 14 years, Rhonda has worked with Hannah since her arrival three years ago. “Hannah is a spunky, fun ham,” said Rhonda. “She really lights up the classroom, everybody loves being around Hannah, even students not in her class.” Hannah has thrived with Rhonda’s mentoring. Where she was once considered non-verbal, now she communicates often and purposefully. Where she once was in a fully special needs classroom, she is now integrated into a normal second grade class, and is on par academically with her age group. “It’s the most rewarding part of the job,” said Rhonda. “She has really blossomed into a wonderful student.” Hannah’s parents beam with pride at the achievements their daughter has made. “It’s amazing what Rhonda has done for Hannah,” said Jennie. “When we arrived at Offutt, we tempered our expectations. Hannah making such exceptional progress verbally is well beyond our expectations. Now we can’t get her to be quiet! It’s absolutely amazing, she greets people, makes eye contact, and is making so many friends.” Some of Hannah’s success can also be traced to two brain surgeries that she underwent in September. The procedures severed her corpus collosum and removed eighty percent of her left temporal lobe, effectively eliminating most of her seizures. Hannah flashes a smile during lunchtime at Leonard Lawrence Elementary school in Bellevue, Neb. on April 22, 2026. (U.S. Air Force photo by Chad Watkins) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res Within a week, Hannah demonstrated a noticeable change in behavior. “Before, the seizures were just so taxing on her,” said Jennie. “They made her tired and irritable. Now she is so much happier without the extra stress on her brain.” That lack of stress is allowing Hannah and her best friend, and little sister, Hazel to focus on what is really important—bubbles in the backyard, playing with the neighbor’s dog, reading a book with mom and dad, taking a stroll through nature, and enjoying childhood as a whole. “Our expectations with Hannah have been exceed here at Offutt,” said Jennie. “From the doctors and the teachers and the M&FRC (Military and Family Readiness Center), Offutt and the community have really provided a lot of stability; we feel lucky and grateful that we were blessed to be stationed here.”