2015 Military Child of the Year nominations open

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Operation Homefront has announced that nominations are open for the 2015 Military Child of the Year awards and will be accepted online through Dec. 12, 2014.

This award is presented to an outstanding child from each of the five service branches. This year, the organization will also have a category for children of National Guardsmen. The recipients will each receive a $10,000 award, laptop computer and will be flown with a parent or guardian to Washington, D.C., for a special awards ceremony April 16, 2015.

The Military Child of the Year award recognizes children who stand out among their peers. Ideal candidates for the award demonstrate resilience, strength of character and thrive in the face of the challenges they face as military dependents.

According to the official Operations Homefront website, the average award nominee has:

• Moved five times or more.

• Experienced at least one parent deployed for 18 months or more.

• Volunteered with service groups an average of 75 hours during the year.

• Maintained above-average grades, often with honors.

• Excelled in sports, theatre or music.

• Held leadership positions in school or community groups.

Anyone is able to nominate a military child for this award. Family members, teachers, coaches, counselors and friends are encouraged to nominate the outstanding military children in their lives.

Operation Homefront leads more than 2,500 volunteers with nationwide presence, providing emergency and financial assistance to the families of service members and wounded warriors. The organization has provided aid to thousands of military families since it was founded in 2002. The nonprofit has been recognized for superior performance by other independent groups and has had an estimated 93 percent of donations go directly toward support of those in the military community.

For more information on how to nominate a child in your community, please visit http://www.militarychildoftheyear.org.