Every military family shares a language of its own. It is spoken through deployments, moving trucks, welcome home hugs, and the resilience that grows in between. For children, those experiences shape everyday life, yet they rarely find those moments reflected on the pages of the books they read.
Maria Volodkevich believes that deserves to change.
An Air Force veteran and graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, Volodkevich has launched Operation: Care Package, the debut title from her children’s publishing company, Little Wingmen Press, LLC. Released in April 2026 as the first installment of the Zooming Zoey & Wingman Willie series, the picture book has already sold more than 300 copies, a notable achievement for an independently published children’s title.
Writing the Story She Could Not Find
The idea behind the book came from a simple observation. Military children often experience challenges that differ from those of their peers, yet they remain largely absent from children’s literature.
Rather than presenting military life through uniforms or missions, Volodkevich focuses on the emotional world of the children themselves. Her stories acknowledge uncertainty while highlighting courage, adaptability, and connection.
“Military kids are little heroes who face deployments, new schools, constant moves, and change. They deserve to see themselves in books too,” she says.
That perspective became the foundation of Operation: Care Package, with illustrations by Garry Vaux helping bring the story to life in a way that is accessible to young readers.
Early Success Reflects an Untapped Need
Independent picture books often face an uphill climb in reaching readers. Even so, Operation: Care Package gained momentum soon after its release, selling more than 300 copies globally during its launch period.
The response suggests there is meaningful demand for stories that speak directly to military families. Little Wingmen Press has also sponsored 43 books for military families, extending the book’s reach beyond traditional retail channels.
Distribution has grown through online sales, community partnerships, and military focused events, allowing the book to connect with families where they live and serve.
A Veteran Entrepreneur Receives National Attention
This year brought another milestone for Volodkevich. She was selected from thousands of applicants to premiere on Operation: CEO, the upcoming television show produced by Inside Success TV.
The series focuses on veteran entrepreneurs who are creating meaningful impact within their industries and communities. For Volodkevich, the invitation reflects a growing recognition of both her business and the mission behind it.
The show is expected to air this fall.
Learn More
To learn more about Maria Volodkevich, Little Wingmen Press, and the Zooming Zoey & Wingman Willie series, visit:
Website: www.zoeyandwillie.com
Instagram: @zoeyandwillie
Facebook: Zoey & Willie
