SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS -- Operation Homefront recently announced the expansion of the 2011 Military Child of the Year Award and opening of the nomination period. Beginning in 2011, 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 a special recognition ceremony April 7, 2011. Nominations are being accepted online until January 31, 2011 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 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 7, 2011.

Finalists will have a background check to confirm the legitimacy of the information provided in the nomination and must provide references.

Operation Homefront provides emergency financial and other assistance to the families of service members and wounded warriors. A national nonprofit organization, Operation Homefront has more than 4,500 volunteers across 23 chapters and has met more than 267,000 needs since 2002. A four-star rated charity by watchdog Charity Navigator, nationally, $.95 of total revenue donated to Operation Homefront goes to programs. For more information about Operation Homefront, please visit www.OperationHomefront.net.