SAN ANTONIO – Operation Homefront has announced the opening of the 2012 Military Child of the Year Award nomination period.

The award will be given to an outstanding military child from each Service – Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard.

The winners, who each will receive $5,000, will be flown with a parent or guardian to Washington, D.C., for special recognition ceremony on April 5, 2012.

Nominations are being accepted online until Jan. 15, 2012 at www.OperationHomefront.net/MCOY.

Ideal candidates for the Military Child of the Year Award demonstrate resilience and strength of character, and thrive in the face of the challenges of military life.

They demonstrate leadership within their families and within their communities.

“The sons and daughters of America’s service members learn what patriotism is at a very young age,” said Jim Knotts, chief executive officer, Operation Homefront. “Children in military families understand sacrifice and live with the concept of service. This is what the Military Child of the Year Award honors.”

Nominees must:

• Must have valid military ID or currently be enrolled in DEERS.

• Must be between the ages of 8-18.

• Must be able to travel to Washington, D.C., for the ceremony on April 5, 2012.

Finalists must have a background check to confirm the information provided in the nomination and must provide references.

Recipients of the 2011 awards are profiled in the book “Our Youngest Heroes,” available through Amazon.com.

A national nonprofit, Operation Homefront leads more than 5,000 volunteers across 25 chapters and has met more than 430,000 needs since 2002.

A four-star rated charity by watchdog Charity Navigator, nationally, 94 percent of total revenue donated to Operation Homefront goes to programs.

More information is available at www.OperationHomefront.net.