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DoD News, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, Dec. 16, 2014 – A deadline extension means friends, families and mentors still have a few days to nominate children of military families for Operation Homefront’s Military Child of the Year awards program.

The nonprofit organization will accept nominations at http://militarychildoftheyear.org through Dec. 19, officials said.

Resilience, Strength of Character

The Military Child of the Year Award recognizes children who stand out among their peers, Operation Homefront officials said. Ideal candidates demonstrate resilience and strength of character and thrive in the face of the challenges of military life, they added. Each nominee will receive a written commemoration acknowledging his or her nomination.

Family members, teachers, coaches, counselors, clergy, neighbors and friends van nominate military children for the award.

“I’m looking forward to meeting the extraordinary young people who will receive our 2015 award,” said Tim Farrell, chief operating officer for Operation Homefront. “With our nomination period squarely in the holiday season, we know it’s one of the busiest times of the year for military families, teachers and all the other people who might nominate an outstanding military kid.”

Program Expands to National Guard

This award is presented to an outstanding child from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. For the first time in 2015, an outstanding National Guard child will be recognized as well.

The recipients each receive a $10,000 award and a laptop computer, and are flown with a parent or guardian to the nation’s capital for an April 16 awards gala.

Operation Homefront provides emergency financial and other assistance to military families.