Feb. 5, 2010
Military children often are referred to as unsung heroes. With grace and resilience, they endure unique challenges including frequent moves, new schools and the stress of a loved one’s deployments.
While their sacrifices take place mostly behind the scenes, many organizations are working to bring these children into the spotlight.
I read today about a special award for military children, ages 8 to 18, offered through Operation Homefront and the Lockheed Martin Corp. People can submit nominations for the 2010 Lockheed Martin Military Child Award through Feb. 25, an Operation Homefront release said.
The top 20 nominations will be posted for public voting beginning March 1. This voting will be a factor in determining the winner, who will be announced March 16, the release said. The winner will be flown with a parent or guardian to Washington, D.C., for a $5,000 award and recognition ceremony.
Anyone can nominate a child, but the nominee must be enrolled in the Defense Eligibility Enrollment Reporting System.
“The sons and daughters of America’s servicemembers learn what patriotism is at a very young age,” said Jim Knotts, Operation Homefront’s chief operating officer, in the release. “Children in military families understand sacrifice and live with the concept of service. This is what the Military Child Award honors.”
To nominate a child, go to https://eballot.votenet.com/operationhomefront/register, to http://www.operationhomefront.net or http://www.homefrontonline.com.
To read about last year’s winner, read the American Forces Press Service article: “Operation Homefront Names First Military Child Award Winner.”
nice article
Thank you for this article. I know what children experience when their parent deploys. Our granddaughters moved out of state, went to a new school, and did not have the support from other military children if they have still been near a base.
They are our true heros!