On January 26, Operation Homefront announced the 100 semi-finalists ––20 representing each branch of Service––for the 2012 Military Child of the Year ® Award. For the second year in a row, the award will be given to an outstanding military child from each branch of Service: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard.
Among the finalists are 12 California kids: Ryan P. – Age 18 – Yuba City (Air Force); Eric D. – Age 15 – San Diego (Marine Corps); Mikayla L. – Age 12 – San Diego (Marine Corps); Anastasia B. – Age 10 – Oceanside (Marine Corps); Savannah C. – Age 8 – Paso Robles (Marine Corps); Desiree' W. – Age 13 – San Diego (Navy); Addalyn B. – Age 13 – Newbury Park (Navy); James Nathan R. – Age 9 – Jamul (Navy); Sheridamae G. – Age 12 – San Diego (Navy); Hallie G. – Age 11 – Chula Vista (Navy); and Kasey P. – Age 13 – Ramona (Navy). Sorry Army and Coast Guard fans, those two branches had no finalists.
Each semi-finalist will be interviewed by Operation Homefront staff, and award recipients will be chosen by a committee including active duty military personnel, Family Readiness Support Assistants, teachers, military mothers, and community members.
The recipient of the Military Child of the Year® Award for each branch of Service will be announced March 8. Each award recipient will receive $5,000 and will be flown with a parent or guardian to Washington, D.C. for a special recognition ceremony on April 5, 2012.
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, President & CEO of 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.”
About Operation Homefront: Operation Homefront provides emergency financial and other assistance to the families of our service members and wounded warriors. A national nonprofit, Operation Homefront leads more than 4,500 volunteers across 24 chapters and has met more than 267,000 needs since 2002. A four-star rated charity by watchdog Charity Navigator, nationally, 95 percent of total revenue donated to Operation Homefront goes directly to support service members and their families.
For more information about Operation Homefront, click on this link.
For a complete listing of all finalists, click on this link.
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