San Antonio – September 07, 2026 -- Operation Homefront has opened nominations for its 19th annual Military Child of the Year Award, with submissions accepted through December 1, 2026, for teens who will each receive $10,000, a laptop, and additional gifts if selected.
Seven Winners Represent Every Branch of the Military
The award recognizes one recipient from each of seven branches — Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, Coast Guard, and National Guard. Eligible nominees must be between 13 and 18 years old and legal dependents of a service member or military retiree, demonstrating excellence in academics, civic leadership, volunteerism, athletics, or the arts.
2026 Recipients Logged Thousands of Volunteer Hours and Dozens of Moves
This year's seven award recipients collectively contributed more than 4,800 volunteer hours in the year before their nominations and experienced a combined 35 military moves. Retired Rear Adm. Alan Reyes, President and CEO of Operation Homefront, said the nation's 1.6 million military children carry stories of strength and sacrifice that deserve recognition, noting that many demonstrate leadership and character while facing circumstances beyond their control.
Winners Will Travel to Arlington for an April 2027 Gala
All seven award recipients will be invited to the Military Child of the Year Awards Gala in April 2027 in Arlington, Virginia. Operation Homefront will cover airfare and lodging for each recipient and two family members to attend the gala and spend several days in the Washington, D.C. area.
Past attendees have met Chairmen of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and their spouses, former First Lady Michelle Obama, and broadcaster Lindsay Czarniak, among other guest speakers.
A 2026 Recipient Describes What the Honor Means
Victoria V., the 2026 Military Child of the Year representing the Coast Guard, said the recognition felt meaningful not just for the challenges she faced growing up in a military family, but for who she became because of them — resilient, adaptable, responsible, and driven.
Anyone Can Submit a Nomination
Family members, friends, teachers, coaches, counselors, and clergy can all nominate a military child for the award through the program's website.