Former Ishpeming residents selected from thousands of nominations.

NEGAUNEE -- Honoring a former Ishpeming family for their service to the military--it's how family and friends recognized the Leanes family at Pasquali's restaurant in Negaunee.

Dennis, Kristy, and their six kids were surprised after the Marine family was named Military Family of the Year, in Washington, D.C. last month.  They were one of six other military families nominated.

The other families were really neat people to meet," said mom, Kristy Leanes.  "And then when they announced it was us, we were kind of surprised because the other families were so wonderful.  They were great families."

The former Ishpeming residents have called Camp Lejeune home for four years, after Dennis, a sergeant, reenlisted in the Marines.  And within a short time, each family member was volunteering in different ways.

Thirteen-year-old Jordan fixes old bikes for charities.  His twin sister, Syvannah, bakes cookies for "Wounded Warriors".  Ten-year-old Bethany and nine-year-old Marissa lend a hand to families who have a deployed spouse.  And the youngest, six-year-old Emily and four-year-old Karianne help make bread with their mom Kristy, to welcome new military families to the neighborhood.

And when he's home, Dennis runs Cub Scouts and coaches Little League.

"A lot of times I got to help the kids whose fathers aren't there," said Sgt. Leanes, "to make sure they have somebody to cheer them on, to give them, with their batting practice."

The Leanes received seven nominations to be the Marine Family of the Year.  They were awarded a trip to Washington, D.C. where military leaders chose them as the Military Family of the Year.

Rhonda Gravedoni, Dennis' sister, says she wasn't surprised that they were awarded the national honor.

"This is a once in a lifetime award that my brother and his family have won," said Gravedoni.  'I'm so proud of them; I just have to brag it up."

The Leanes' will be in the Upper Peninsula through Thanksgiving to spend time with family.