National Military Family Association And The American Heroes Channel Launch National "My Hero Is…" Contest, Allowing Viewers To Showcase The Military Hero In Their Life

SILVER SPRING, Md., Oct. 7, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Military Family Association, a nonprofit that works to strengthen and protect military families, along with American Heroes Channel (AHC), a Discovery Communications network that honors the great defenders of our freedom, while providing a rare glimpse into major events that shaped our world and the trailblazers and unexpected advocates who made a difference, have announced the launch of the "My Hero Is…" contest.  The national competition provides an opportunity for viewers to nominate their own personal military hero and tell why they deserve the honor.  

The contest launched nationally on September 22 at MyHeroIsContest.com, where entrants can submit a video 30 seconds or less explaining who their military hero is and why.  Entrants can nominate anyone associated with the United States military – whether it's an active service member, a veteran or a member of a military family who serves by supporting their military member from the home front.  First place winners of the "My Hero Is…" contest will be featured in an interstitial on American Heroes Channel and will be flown to New York City to take part on the National Military Family Association float in the national Veterans Day parade on November 11.  In addition, students can submit their video on behalf of their local school.  The school with the most number of entries will receive a Veterans Day assembly event hosted by the National Military Family Association, Discovery Education and American Heroes Channel, which will celebrate local veterans within their community.

"American Heroes Channel is proud to partner with such a prestigious organization as the National Military Family Association in an effort to highlight those men and women who truly make a difference each day for our country and its citizens," said Kevin Bennett, EVP and General Manager, American Heroes Channel.  "We are very pleased to have this opportunity to publicly honor our heroes and share what they mean to us.  The "My Hero Is…" contest is a way for people everywhere to showcase their military heroes and tell the stories of how they have made a difference in their lives."

"We are thrilled to partner with Discovery," said Joyce Raezer, Executive Director of NMFA.  "We look forward to working with them to reach out to families, connect them with resources and celebrate their strength."

Discovery Education, the global leader in standards-based digital content and professional development for K-12, will also provide a number of free classroom resources to support integrating Veterans Day into classroom instruction.  Resources like tip sheets on "How to Interview a Veteran" and "How to Tell a Story" will be available for educators and parents on MyHeroIsContest.com to help students with their submissions.  In addition, Discovery Education subscribers can access a Veterans Day content collection that includes engaging multimedia resources and lesson plans for grades K-12.  The collection offers teachers and students an opportunity to explore the origins of Veterans Day and honor the American soldiers who bravely served their country through history. Discovery Education services are available in over half of all U.S. schools and primary schools in England, community colleges, and in 50 countries around the world.

About National Military Family Association
Military families serve our country with pride, honor, and quiet dedication. The National Military Family Association is the leading nonprofit organization committed to strengthening and protecting the families of the men and women currently serving, retired, wounded or fallen. We provide families of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Commissioned Corps of the USPHS and NOAA with information, work to get them the benefits they deserve, and offer programs that improve their lives. Our 44 years of service and accomplishments have made us a trusted resource for military families and the Nation's leaders. To learn more, visit www.MilitaryFamily.org.

About American Heroes Channel (AHC)
American Heroes Channel (AHC) is a network from Discovery Communications that tells timeless stories in which a challenge appears – be it a situation or a villain – and a hero arises.  Currently in 60 million homes, AHC provides a rare glimpse into major events that shaped our world, visionary leaders and unexpected heroes who made a difference, and the great defenders of our freedom. For more information, please visit AHCtv.com, facebook.com/AHCtelevision, or Twitter.com/AHC_TV. American Heroes Channel is part of Discovery Communications (Nasdaq: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK), the world's #1 pay-TV programmer reaching more than 2.7 billion cumulative subscribers in 220 countries and territories.

About Discovery Education
Discovery Education is the global leader in standards-based digital content and professional development for K-12, transforming teaching and learning with award-winning digital textbooks, multimedia content that supports the implementation of Common Core, professional development, assessment tools, and the largest professional learning community of its kind.  Available in over half of all U.S. schools and primary schools in England, community colleges and in 50 countries around the world, Discovery Education partners with districts, states and like-minded organizations to captivate students, empower teachers, and transform classrooms with customized solutions that accelerate academic achievement. Discovery Education is powered by Discovery Communications (NASDAQ: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK), the number one nonfiction media company in the world. Explore the future of education at www.discoveryeducation.com.

SOURCE American Heroes Channel