Kela X. Harris standing in front of a Navy airplane. Harris served in the U.S. Navy from 2007-2011 as a Nuke. Navy Nukes operate and maintain nuclear reactors and propulsion systems on submarines and aircraft carriers. At Children’s National Hospital, she is an HRIS analyst in the HR Information Systems team in Human Resources.

Welcome Military Families

Compassionate Pediatric Care & Guidance at Children’s National

Military life means frequent moves, deployments and adapting to new communities. At Children’s National Hospital, we recognize the challenges you face — from coordinating travel clearances and meeting special vaccination requirements to navigating the emotional complexities of separations and reunions. Our team is here to ease the process and offer the understanding, flexibility and resources your family deserves.

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Supporting Service Members and Their Loved Ones

Why do military and State Department families choose Children’s National?

Children’s National is proud to serve families stationed near the D.C. area, with proximity to key installations like Ft. Belvoir, Joint Base Andrews and Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Our lasting relationships with military and State Department families mean you’ll find a welcoming community and a hospital team committed to making your transition and ongoing care as smooth as possible.

What’s more, we provide exceptional care for newborns. If yours experiences serious challenges, our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is one of the best in the United States to help treat babies with illness or prematurity.

How does our team collaborate with military pediatricians?

Your child’s health is our priority. We partner closely with military pediatricians and Military Treatment Facilities (MTFs) to ensure every child benefits from coordinated specialized care. Our experts support care units in the hospital and serve as a trusted resource for families facing complex or rare pediatric conditions, so you always have a team working together for your child’s well-being.

Key Pediatric Healthcare Issues Facing Military Families

Supporting mental and behavioral health needs

Military-connected children may face unique emotional challenges, especially during deployment and reintegration. Our behavioral health specialists offer counseling, resilience training and family support groups to help children adapt and thrive.

Care for children with special health needs

If your child is enrolled in the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) or requires specialized services, our care coordinators partner with military and community providers to ensure seamless access to therapies, equipment and educational support.

Family support and caregiving resources

Juggling military life and care systems like TRICARE and MTFs can be overwhelming. Resources such as Military OneSource, childcare programs and local support groups are here to help. Our social workers can connect you to the right resources — just ask your care team.

Accessing pediatric care across duty stations

Whether you’re seeking care at an MTF or need referrals to civilian specialists, our team works with you to coordinate appointments, transfer records, and ensure your child’s care continues uninterrupted, no matter where you go.

Healthcare coverage and TRICARE eligibility

Understanding TRICARE (a government-managed healthcare program) and the military health system is crucial. We help families with navigating coverage, referrals and authorizations, ensuring your child receives consistent, high-quality care across duty stations and networks.

Answers to Common Military Family Questions

Do active military families get free healthcare?

Active-duty families are generally covered under TRICARE, which provides comprehensive healthcare with minimal or no out-of-pocket costs at MTFs and through the TRICARE network. TRICARE is among the accepted coverage plans at Children’s National.

Do military children get healthcare until they're 21?

Generally, children are covered under TRICARE until age 21 (or 23 if enrolled in college full-time). After that, they may be eligible for other TRICARE plans or must seek alternative coverage.

Do children of military parents get benefits in addition to healthcare?

Yes, children may qualify for benefits such as educational support and access to programs designed for military families.

need support?

We're Here for You

If you’re a military parent, guardian or family caregiver and have questions — or need help navigating pediatric care — please reach out. Talk to your child’s care team about military family support services, or contact your child’s care team at Children’s National for additional help.

Plus, you can explore a curated list of websites geared toward your unique needs. We’re honored to serve those who serve our nation.

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Veterans in Our Ranks

Get to know a bit about some of the veterans who work at Children's National.

Kandace Younger, MPH, CCLS
Kandace Younger, MPH, CCLS, is a clinical coordinator with Child Life and Integrative Care Services at Children's National. She is a reservist medic in the U.S. Air Force with a current rank of technical sergeant. In spring 2026, she began military leave from Children's National to attend Officer Training School with the goal of becoming a 2nd lieutenant.
Jason Cantow, MBA, MS, CRCR
Jason Cantow, MBA, MS, CRCR, is an analytics developer on the Children’s National Information Services' data analytics and reporting team. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1989-1994 as a dental technician (E4).
Jean Fletcher, NP, APRN, CPNP-PC, PMHS
Jean Fletcher, NP, APRN, CPNP-PC, PMHS, is a nurse practitioner in the Addictions Program at Children's National. Fletcher (back row, second from right) began her military service in Reserve Officers’ Training Corps during college. She served a total of 12 years in the U.S. Army Nurse Corps (four active, four active reserve and four inactive reserve), earning the rank of captain before receiving her discharge in 2012.
Tress Goodwin, MD
Tress Goodwin, MD, is an emergency medicine physician and assistant medical director for Emergency Preparedness at Children's National. Dr. Goodwin is also pediatrics director of the Regional Emerging Special Pathogen Treatment Center. She served in the U.S. Navy from 2011-2017, rising to the rank of lieutenant commander. She completed a deployment to Afghanistan in 2015.
Chris Keary, MHA
Christopher Keary, MHA, works as a practice operations administrator for Children’s National Pediatricians & Associates. He retired from the U.S. Navy in 2015 as a chief petty officer (E7).
Kandace Younger, MPH, CCLS
Kandace Younger, MPH, CCLS, is a clinical coordinator with Child Life and Integrative Care Services at Children's National. She is a reservist medic in the U.S. Air Force with a current rank of technical sergeant. In spring 2026, she began military leave from Children's National to attend Officer Training School with the goal of becoming a 2nd lieutenant.
Jason Cantow, MBA, MS, CRCR
Jason Cantow, MBA, MS, CRCR, is an analytics developer on the Children’s National Information Services' data analytics and reporting team. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1989-1994 as a dental technician (E4).