Operation Homefront Opens Nominations for 19th Annual Military Child of the Year® Award Honoring America's Military Children

SAN ANTONIO, Sept. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Operation Homefront® is proud to announce that nominations are now open for the 19^th annual Military Child of the Year® Award, its signature program recognizing the resilience, leadership, and achievements of America's military children.

Each year, this prestigious award recognizes seven outstanding young individuals, one from each branch of the armed forces — Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, Coast Guard, and National Guard. Eligible nominees must be between 13 and 18 years old, be legal dependents of a service member or military retiree, and demonstrate a commitment to excellence in areas such as academics, civic leadership, volunteerism, athletics, and the arts. Nominations will be accepted through December 1, 2026.

Behind every military family's service and sacrifice are children who regularly adjust to new communities, schools, and circumstances while continuing to thrive and give back. The Operation Homefront Military Child of the Year Award celebrates those who have made a meaningful impact through their contributions, determination, and involvement in their schools and communities despite these challenges. The 2026 recipients exemplify the caliber of young people recognized through this program. Collectively, the seven award recipients contributed more than 4,800 volunteer hours in the year leading up to their nominations and experienced a combined 35 military moves. Their achievements and commitment to others embody the tenacious spirit of the military community.

"Each of our nation's 1.6 million military children carries a story of strength, sacrifice, and service that deserves to be recognized," said retired Rear Adm. Alan Reyes, President and CEO of Operation Homefront. "Having experienced military life as a child and having raised two daughters in a military family, I understand the challenges and uncertainty these young people often face through circumstances beyond their control. Serving quietly behind the scenes, they demonstrate leadership, perseverance, and character well beyond their years. Their actions, accomplishments, and support for others make a lasting difference wherever military life takes them. The Operation Homefront Military Child of the Year Award shines a spotlight on their journeys and the contributions they make along the way."

All seven Operation Homefront Military Child of the Year Award recipients will be invited to attend the Military Child of the Year Awards Gala in April 2027 in Arlington, VA, where they will each receive $10,000, a laptop, and additional gifts from Operation Homefront's generous corporate partners.

Operation Homefront will provide airfare and lodging for each award recipient and two family members to attend the gala and spend a few days in the Washington, D.C. area.

Previous recipients have had the opportunity to meet Chairmen of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and their spouses, First Lady Michelle Obama, acclaimed broadcaster Lindsay Czarniak, and other distinguished leaders, celebrities, and philanthropists who have participated as guest speakers and entertainers.

"It felt meaningful being named Military Child of the Year, not just for the challenges I've faced as a military child, but for everything I've accomplished because of them. So much of my childhood happened behind the scenes, the hard mornings without my parents home, constant moves, deployments, and responsibilities that most kids never have to think about. Being acknowledged for those experiences makes me feel understood in a way that is rare. But what means even more is being recognized for the person I've become because of them – resilient, adaptable, responsible, and driven," said Victoria V., 2026 Military Child of the Year representing Coast Guard.

Anyone can nominate a military child—from family members and friends, to teachers, coaches, counselors, and clergy. Everyone is encouraged to recognize the outstanding military children in their lives. Visit operationhomefront.org/military-child-of-the-year to learn more and nominate a child for their respective branch award.

About Operation Homefront: Operation Homefront is a national nonprofit organization whose mission is to build strong, stable, and secure military and veteran families by improving their financial, emotional and social well-being. Recognized for superior performance by leading independent charity oversight groups, 85 percent of Operation Homefront expenditures go directly to programs that support tens of thousands of military families each year. Operation Homefront provides critical financial assistance, transitional and permanent housing, and family support services to prevent short-term needs from turning into chronic, long-term struggles. Thanks to the generosity of our donors and the support from thousands of volunteers, Operation Homefront proudly serves America's military families. For more information, visit OperationHomefront.org.

SOURCE Operation Homefront