Operation Homefront Opens Nominations for 19th Military Child of the Year

The program honors one representative from each of the seven uniformed services—the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, Coast Guard, and National Guard. To qualify, nominees must demonstrate exceptional commitment to academics, volunteerism, or the arts while managing the frequent relocations and parental deployments inherent to military life. Submissions are open until December 1, 2026.

This recognition goes beyond a title. Selected recipients receive a $10,000 cash prize, a laptop, and an invitation to an awards gala in Arlington, Virginia, scheduled for April 2027. The organization covers travel and lodging for winners and their families, providing an opportunity to engage with national leaders and fellow honorees. According to retired Rear Adm. Alan Reyes, president and CEO of Operation Homefront, the initiative serves to bring the quiet, often overlooked sacrifices of these youth into the public eye. Teachers, coaches, and family members are invited to submit nominations through the organization's website.