Rexford girl wins national honor
A 10-year-old Rexford pianist has placed first in a national virtual Military Kids Have Talent Contest hosted by the Elizabeth Dole Foundation.
Addyson Tabankin, daughter of New York Army National Guard Lt. Col. Shawn Tabankin, placed first in the 10-11 age group after two weeks of national public voting.
Her winning video shows Addyson performing John Williams’ Star Wars Theme.
After two weeks of voting by the American public, Tabankin was announced as a winner in the “Military Kids Have Talent” grand finale, hosted by actor Jocko Sims ("Jarhead," "The Last Ship," "New Amsterdam").
Addyson is like her mom, Jennifer, who learned to play the piano at age 8, although Addyson began playing when she was even younger, at age 5.
The student at Tesago Elementary School in Clifton Park still takes piano lessons and practices, usually focusing on works from musicals and movie themes.
The winners performed as a part of an hour-long segment that premiered on the Elizabeth Dole Foundation’s Facebook page. The national vote determined winners from 36 finalists, all children and survivors of military service members and veterans.
“We created this virtual opportunity because COVID -19 caused many celebrations and milestones to be canceled for military kids and we are delighted by the enthusiastic nationwide response and participation,” said Steve Schwab, CEO of the Elizabeth Dole Foundation. “We congratulate our five talented winners and thank Americans from coast to coast who supported the contestants with their votes.”
Other winners include: Wyatt, Shane, Luke and Heidi Winchester, Fayetteville, N.C., 6 and under winners, dance; Kormeri Sohui Jones, Enterprise, Ala., 7-9 division winner, piano; Raegan Lawson, Greenwood, Ind., 12-14 winner, singing; and Cameron Davis, Jacksonville, N.C., 15-18 winner, singing.
The Elizabeth Dole Foundation empowers, supports, and honors our nation’s 5.5 million military caregivers — spouses, parents, family members, and friends — who care for America’s wounded, ill, or injured service members and veterans at home. Founded by Sen. Elizabeth Dole in 2012, the foundation adopts a comprehensive approach in its support and advocacy, working with leaders in the public, private, nonprofit and faith communities to recognize military caregivers’ service and promote their well-being. The foundation’s Hidden Heroes campaign brings vital attention to the untold stories of military caregivers and provides a network for military caregivers to connect with their peers and access resources. Visit hiddenheroes.org for more information.
Addyson's dad, Shawn Tabankin, a veteran of multiple deployments to both the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, is now on duty in Kuwait with the 42nd Infantry Division.
He enlisted in the Army in 1997 as a private first class in the 82nd Airborne Division. He received his commission as an infantry officer in 2002 through the Army Reserve Officers Training Corps. He joined the New York Army National Guard in order to attend New York Law School.
In 2003, Tabankin took a voluntary leave of absence from law school to deploy to Iraq as a platoon leader with Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 108th Infantry. As a platoon leader, Tabankin conducted combat operations for 11 months, including participation in the October 2004 Battle of Samarra — a four-day, house-to-house fight to clear the city of insurgent forces. Upon return, Tabankin completed law school and began practice as an attorney.
As a guardsman, he completed assignments as the executive officer for Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry Regi
ment, and commander of Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry Regiment. In 2012, Tabankin took a second rifle command with Charlie Company, 2nd Battalion, 108th Infantry Regiment to deploy with the 27th Brigade to Western Afghanistan.
Tabankin became a full-time active-duty member of the New York Army National Guard in 2012. Since then, he served as the force integration officer. Tabankin transferred to the
42nd Infantry Division and currently serves as the chief of plans.
He has earned two Bronze Star Medals, a Purple Heart, a Valorous Unit Award, a Meritorious Unit Award, a Combat Infantryman’s Badge, a Parachutist Badge, and an Air Assault Badge.