AMERICAN VETERAN – THE POWER OF ONE©                                                                                                             ESSAY PROJECT

 

Our veterans gave Americans the ultimate gift, their service to protect our country which includes risking life and limb.  By choosing to serve our country they are by nature humanitarians.  In learning how veterans have served in war or what has happened as a result of their service we can learn the true meaning of great courage and strength of character.  By following a veteran’s path in life, we can better understand the true meaning of sacrifice.  As we gain knowledge of their experiences, we in turn share in their journey and are guided by the examples they have set for us©.  

                                                    

DIRECTIONS:  This essay project is open to all teens in Middle and High School

You may select a veteran who has served in WWII or any preceding period all the way through the current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.  The veteran might be a member of your family or a person you have known growing up, as long as you admire them for inspiring you or they exhibited the ability to be a role model.  If you do not have someone to write a story about we have veterans and soldiers available to match you with a hero to interview.  Make sure you explore how that person has shown the “power of one” and has made a difference in the lives of others.  The essay collection's 2nd edition will be published in a featured book in 2011 if there are enough essays to publish.

 

Save this form as a MS Word file by copying & pasting it to a blank MS Word document and complete the permission form below, sign & date it, sending it back via e-mail along with your essay to: info@americanvetpowerof1.com             

If you can not save as a Word file just e-mail us and we will give you our address.

 

Deadline for finished essays is: November 15th, 2010 - Important Note:

If you need a deadline extension please contact us to accommodate your request- extension deadline is Dec. 1st, 2010.

I have read the essay project rubric and I am aware some of the American Veteran essays will be chosen for publication in a collection to honor all American Veterans.  The author of the best essay will receive a place in Mission Quest, a summer camp experience offered (2010) at Warner Robins Aviation Museum.  2nd place essay will receive a $50.00 cash award.  All essays chosen will be awarded a certificate of Merit.  All contact information provided by the essay entrant will not be shared with any entity of any kind except for prize fulfillment.

 

Participating Teen’s Signature_______________________ Date_____________

 

Parent or Guardian Signature________________________ Date____________

Email address:____________________________________________________

 

ESSAY PROJECT DUE ON OR BEFORE OCTOBER 15, 2009

AMERICAN VETERAN – THE POWER OF ONE©

 

Guidelines and Instructions:  Name:                                                                                                             

 State of residence                                                                         Age:______

 

*Include the signed permission form above and your contact information when you submit your essay.

 Format and Presentation- no more than 1000 words.

     Basic essay format, informal format, story format.

     Grammar, sentence structure, spelling and punctuation.

     Picture of veteran- optional but preferred in uniform -can scan image and send via e-mail.

     Must be typed in black ink.

Biographical Data

     Life span, place of birth, education, etc.

     Childhood experiences as they relate to story, goals of veteran if known. example: "As a youngster he enjoyed learning about   

     marksmanship which lead to his joining the Marine Corps".

     Research sources of your information (website address, book's name, person consulted about veteran, etc.)

Achievements

     Military and life activities and accomplishments (branch of service, rank, division or unit served with, war served in if any,

     awards or metals, and occupation after service.)

     What did this veteran do that affected other people's lives?  (events, acts of courage or compassion, humanitarianism.)

Author's inspiration

     Why did you choose this person?

     Why are his/her actions and characteristics worth following?

     How did he/she make a difference in your life or lives of others?

     What important role did the military play in this person's life?

Helpful Hints

     Have fun and be creative with your project; choose someone you truly like and admire, or want to pursue some of their    accomplishments.

     Use your curiosity about the person to find out a specific life changing event or triumph in that person's military career.  Most people will appreciate the opportunity to share their experiences.  If the veteran is no longer alive, question some one who know the veteran. 

     Have another person proof read your finished essay and see if they find it both interesting and well written.  Welcome their constructive criticism or any ideas they offer that will make it the best it can be.

     Make sure your essay addresses the guidelines and instructions in the rubric.

In Their Honor