Every year Operation Homefront gives five extraordinary military kids a chance to shine all on their own. And you could be responsible for nominating one of the next step.
The organization's seventh annual Military Child of the Year awards just opened for nominations. That means the time is now to submit your favorite amazing military child for consideration for 2015. Nominations are open until Dec. 12, 2014 and the awards ceremony will be in April, 2015.
According to the Operation Homefront website, a great candidate for nomination is a child that shows resilience, character and doesn't just survive the challenges of military life, but thrives.
Nominees must be between 8- and 18-years old at the time of nomination. They also must be available to travel with a parent or guardian to the awards ceremony in April. And they have to be a military child active in the DEERS system -- that means Guard, Reserve, Active or Retired or a Survivor.
Winners -- one from each military branch and the Coast Guard -- receive $10,000 and a laptop.
Even if the child you nominate doesn't win, he or she will receive a certificate acknowledging that they were nominated. So this would be a great way to publicly recognize any extraordinary military kid.
So what makes a great candidate? According to Operation Homefront, at least in 2011 the average nominee had:
Moved five times or more.Experienced at least one parent deploy for 18 months or more.
Volunteered with service groups an average of 75 hours during the year.
17% have a sibling in the Exceptional Family Member Program.
Maintained above average grades, often with honors.
Excelled in sports, theater and/or music.
Held leadership positions in school and community groups.
Go here to nominate a military child for this award, and good luck!
Photo courtesy US Air Force.
