I got this press release today on nominations for 2012 “Military Child of the Year,” a competition sponsored by Operation Homefront.
“Deserving young patriots,” between the ages of 8 and 18 years, can win $5,000. One child from each branch of the service will be chosen. Winners will be flown with a parent or guardian to Washington, D.C., for a recognition ceremony on April 5.
According to the press release, “Ideal candidates for the Military Child of the Year Award demonstrate resilience and strength of character, and thrive in the face of the challenges of military life. They demonstrate leadership within their families and within their communities.”
Nominations are being accepted online until January 15, 2012 at www.OperationHomefront.net/MCOY.
With our high military presence, Kitsap County would seem fertile ground of candidates for Military Child of the Year. I’d be interested to hear from families about how your children handle the challenges of military life, especially the deployment of a parent. Some days, I expect, just coping with day to day life can take a “heroic” effort on the part of youngsters. I’d also be interested to hear readers’ definitions of “leadership within their families and within their communities.”
Here’s the press release:
SAN ANTONIO – Operation Homefront today announced the opening of the 2012 Military Child of the Year Award nomination period. The award will be given to an outstanding military child from each Service – Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. The winners, who each will receive $5,000, will be flown with a parent or guardian to Washington, D.C., for special recognition ceremony on April 5, 2012. Nominations are being accepted online until January 15, 2012 at www.OperationHomefront.net/MCOY.
Ideal candidates for the Military Child of the Year Award demonstrate resilience and strength of character, and thrive in the face of the challenges of military life. They demonstrate leadership within their families and within their communities.
“The sons and daughters of America’s service members learn what patriotism is at a very young age,” said Jim Knotts, chief executive officer, Operation Homefront. “Children in military families understand sacrifice and live with the concept of service. This is what the Military Child of the Year Award honors.”
Nominees must:
Must have valid military ID or currently be enrolled in DEERS
Must be between the ages of 8-18
Must be able to travel to Washington, D.C., for the ceremony on
April 5, 2012
Finalists must have a background check to confirm the information
provided in the nomination and must provide references.
Recipients of the 2011 awards are profiled in the book “Our
Youngest Heroes,” available through Amazon.com.
