In recognition of Month of the Military Kid, we’d like to introduce some of our exceptional military kids. Meet Henry Finman!
Henry Finman is a third-year undergraduate at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Growing up as the son of a Surface Warfare Officer, he spent time living in Virginia; Rhode Island; California; Okinawa, Japan; and Naples, Italy with his two older siblings. He swam on club and school swim teams across the United States, as well as in Italy and Japan. He has long been interested in music and played guitar and bass with school and local bands in Virginia and Madison. He is studying Accounting at the Wisconsin School of Business and will be interning at the Wipfli Accounting Firm in the Summer of 2026. He intends to return to Madison for a fifth year to pursue a Master of Accounting. His two older siblings graduated from universities into the Navy through Officer Candidate School and ROTC programs, and he is considering a career in the US Navy as well.
Q: What drew you to UW-Madison?
A: Despite growing up between various cities, I’ve always wanted to come to Wisconsin. Both my parents are originally from Appleton, Wisconsin, and my mother and four of my aunts all attended Madison. I have extended family all over Wisconsin, and would always visit Wisconsin in between moves for my dad’s restationing. My parents, now retired, moved back to Appleton to be closer to their family after 30 years of moving in the Navy. Madison has always attracted me as a huge school with opportunity, experiences, and to be closer to my roots.
Q: What is one memorable moment from your time on campus?
A: One of my first football games I attended my freshman year was one of the most memorable welcomes to Wisconsin. It was an amazing experience being surrounded by thousands of fellow Badgers all chanting and cheering. Not only was this game an unexpected Homecoming Game win against Purdue, I also caught a T-shirt from the famous T-shirt cannon, which I still have today.
Q: To be a military kid means to have a direct family connection to someone who has served or is currently serving, often a parent or guardian. Can you share more about who in your life makes you a military kid?
A: My father was a 1992 graduate of the US Naval Academy and would be a Naval Officer until he retired 30 years later in 2022, when I graduated high school. My entire childhood was defined by his career in the Navy and is a core part of how I have always recognized him. As I grew up, I gained a greater understanding of how dedicated and passionate he was about his work and mission. He would fully commit his energy to achieving tasks and overcoming challenges, while working collaboratively with others to make his environment the best possible. The many of his friends and colleagues I met over the years had nothing but the nicest things to say about his accomplishments, work ethic, and friendliness. His dedication and commitment are things I have always aspired to mirror in the things I try to pursue in my life, and to selflessly make things better for those around you. These are the core principles of being a military kid that I try and pursue as I start to make my own way in the world.
Q: Individuals who grow up as military kids have a variety of experiences. What’s one key memory or takeaway you have from your experiences as a military kid?
A: For two years of my childhood, my family lived in Okinawa, Japan. This experience was unlike any other. Japan was a big geographic and cultural change for me. It was unlike any other part of America or Europe I’ve experienced. During this time, we immersed ourselves in the culture of the places we lived and visited. Here is where I learned about the value of leaving your comfort zone to learn and experience new things, whether it’s learning a language, making new friends, trying new foods, or overcoming culture shock and homesickness. From this experience, I have always tried to pursue these new experiences. In fall 2024, I was fortunate enough to apply this firsthand when studying abroad in Barcelona, Spain. I applied my experiences of being a military kid to meet new people, try new activities and foods, and visit new places.
Q: What do you wish more people knew about being a military kid?
A: I feel that there is certainly a stigma or stereotype of military kids, as most people associate the experience of moving throughout your childhood as a constantly sad and depressing experience, with the changing locations, schools, friends, et cetera. And while there are certainly challenges with the change in scenery, I have always felt blessed that I got to experience so many different places, and I am fortunate enough to have friends all over the country and world from my time changing locations. I feel very fortunate to be a military kid and for all of the wonderful people and experiences along the way.
Q: Do you have any advice to share with incoming military-connected Badgers?
A: I would say that college can certainly feel overwhelming and scary when it is a huge change of environment, and for many, the first big move without the assistance of their parents. My only piece of advice is that you will always be rewarded for trying something new, whether from others, yourself, or the experiences you gain. Don’t be afraid to make new memories.