2006 USO Soldier of the Year Award

1. The Department of the Army announces its participation in the 2006 USO Soldier of the Year award. Each year, the USO honors true American heroes at the USO World Gala in Washington, D.C. The award is presented to an outstanding and heroic junior enlisted member of the Army (Active, Reserve or Guard) regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, or gender.

2. The USO Soldier of the Year award will be presented to a deserving E-5 or below. The recipient will represent the Army’s heroic service, demonstrated through a specific act of heroism within the past twelve months. The USO strongly encourages individuals involved in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom to apply.

3. The awards will be presented on September 28, 2006 at the USO World Gala in Washington, D.C. at the National Building Museum. The selected soldier and one guest will be provided with transportation to and from Washington, hotel accommodations, meals and ground transportation. Efforts will be made to arrange a special White House tour and meetings with members of Congress and military leadership.

4. The period of service for this award is 1 January 2005 – 31 December 2005. Each nomination packet must include the following:

a. MACOM endorsement - one page maximum, paragraph format.

b. Narrative—detailing individuals heroic service, demonstrated through a specific act of heroism. The narrative should document specific actions and commendations justifying the nominee's merit.

c. Biography--limited to one single-spaced, typewritten page (paragraph format). The biography should provide a sketch of the nominee - his/her background, to include military career highlights and personal interests.

d. Picture—One color photograph, no smaller than 5”x7” size, head and shoulders view (without headgear) in Class A uniform.

5. This program gives the Army an excellent opportunity to recognize an outstanding soldier whose heroic actions embody the highest ideals of patriotic service. Maximum participation is strongly encouraged.

6. For Active Duty: please advise subordinate commands that basic cover letter (Subj: Recommendation) must be signed by the Soldier's commander and forwarded through the chain of command to their respective MACOM for endorsement. The MACOMs will forward nominations to USA HRC, ATTN: AHRC-PDO-PA.

8. For ARNG/USAR: submit nominations through command channels to CNGB (ATTN: NGB-ARH-S) or OCAR (ATTN DAAR-ZX) who will consolidate packets and forward nominations to USA HRC, ATTN: AHRC-PDO-PA.

9. For ARSTAFF: submit nominations directly to USA HRC, ATTN: AHRC-PDO-PA.

10. All nominations must arrive at USA HRC, ATTN: AHRC-PDO-PA, 200 Stovall Street, Alexandria, VA 22332-0471, not later than 28 April 2006.

12. Point of contact for this action is awards@hoffman.army.mil.