LS1 Christopher Cady, U.S. Navy

From: Bremerton, Washington
Children: 1
Nominated by: Wendy Kruse

Watch Cady's Friends and Family Video >>

> Describe LS1 Cady’s ongoing commitment and dedication to children.

Christopher Cady’s unending love and devotion to his son, Joshua, is extraordinary. Joshua was born with Cytomegalovirus, a virus that his mother contracted while pregnant. The virus left Joshua with profound disabilities, including cerebral palsy and epilepsy. He is deaf and blind and requires a tracheotomy and a feeding tube. Although devastating, Christopher stepped up and met the challenges with courage and ingenuity.

Since Joshua is 100% dependent on a caregiver for everything, Christopher is his son’s arms, legs and voice. Christopher retained full custody of his son after his divorce and remains on active duty. He spends tireless hours caring for Joshua’s fragile medical needs. You can see how adored and loved his dad is, just by looking at Joshua’s face.

> Describe LS1 Cady’s extraordinary efforts to father from a distance during military separation.

Christopher was deployed for several months when Joshua was younger. He created a meticulous plan to care for his son while away, including working with TRICARE to provide nursing care for Joshua. Christopher made sure his son could hear his voice every night and could smell Daddy’s shirt, since Joshua cannot communicate.

Because of the hardships that the deployment placed on Christopher, he was placed on a humanitarian reassignment so that he could maintain care for Joshua. He has been able to spend the last four years at Priority Material Office Headquarters as the Leading Petty Officer. Christopher still must be separated from Joshua at times, but he relies on his detailed support system which ensures that Joshua receives proper care, and allows him to continue his Navy career.

> Describe LS1 Cady’s efforts to successfully balance military life and family life.

Maintaining balance in his challenging life is a process, but it is key in helping Christopher to remain in his extensive military career, while maintaining his family life. As the Procurement Leading Petty Officer at Priority Material Office Headquarters, Christopher dedicates his attention to his job. His focus and organizational skills at his Command make Christopher an exemplary Sailor.

No matter the demands of his military life, Christopher maintains a balance when it comes to raising his son. He concentrates his time and energy on his priorities, and he knows what is truly important to him. Joshua’s face lights up when his daddy comes home! Christopher knows that time is limited with his precious son, and he lives and genuinely cherishes every moment he gets to spend.

> Describe LS1 Cady’s efforts to mentor/strengthen other military fathers and/or military children who are separated from their fathers.

Christopher is a Command Exceptional Family Member Coordinator and helps service members seek out information and resources for their children. On a local community level, he is a mentor for the Military Special Needs Group, the Special Education Advisory Committee, and the Kitsap Fathers Network. Christopher is also active in the Boyer Children’s Fathers Group, where he is an advisor. Christopher is also a facilitator for the Washington Fathers Network, and most recently, has become involved with the National CMV Foundation. Christopher’s passionate involvement in these organizations has truly influenced the participation of our Sailors in their children’s lives. Christopher is not only a tower of strength, but a commanding leader in the Navy special needs community.

> Are there any unique elements to LS1 Cady’s story that make him stand out?

Christopher’s perseverance and dedication continually humble me. His resilience in caring for his son, succeeding in his Navy career, and advocating for other military fathers is an inspiration. His spirit of “we’ll get through anything” reminds us that we’re capable of much more than we think. He demonstrates time and again that an undying and consistent love always pulls us through. His strength, patience, and graciousness are seen every time you look into Joshua’s eyes.

Joshua is the greatest love of Christopher’s life. He knows that someday he will have to say goodbye to his precious son, but he turns the pain of knowledge into advocacy. Christopher empowers other military fathers throughout the world, while cherishing the moments he is blessed to have with Joshua.