San Antonio –
Operation Homefront is announcing the last call for 2012 Military Child of the Year Award nominations. 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. Nominations are being accepted online until January 15 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, Operation Homefront chief executive officer. "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 have a valid military ID or currently be enrolled in DEERS, be between the ages of eight and 18 and must be able to travel to Washington, D.C., for the ceremony on April 5.
Finalists must also 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.