We want to take this opportunity to thank each and every young writer who participated in this project for their outstanding literary contribution and their individual insight into what makes our soldiers and veterans stand out as America's true role models. In honoring their heroes for a debt that can never be repaid, these teens have earned a place as future leaders. It was our original intent to highlight our military member's attributes through the eyes of our nation's youth and these young people have not let us down. In fact, all of those involved in the project are inspired in one way or another having been influenced not only by the stories written by these young people, but by the example they too have lead for the rest of us to follow in remembering those who have given so much.
We also want to thank our judges; Colonel Frank Milling, U.S.M.C.R. and Sgt. Patti Hover Hood, U.S.A.F. for their hard work and their time in reviewing all of the essays. There were several ties which are noted and account for more than the number of awards but will be accommodated; and extra honorable mentions will be given out. The winners list includes the top 10 essays. Each and every participant will be contacted, some through their teachers that submitted for them, and given an award of merit for their hard work and contribution to the essay collection. In the coming weeks we will contact those whose essays will be chosen for inclusion in the finished manuscript. Again, thank you for your incredible stories and be proud that all of you that submitted an essay are now among a select few from your generation who like our brave soldiers and veterans, stepped forward and did the right thing when called upon.
1ST - 3RD PLACE AWARD WINNERS:
First Place Tied - Kaitin Robinson of TN. & Austin Alexander of GA.
Second Place - David Huizenga of MI.
Third Place Tied - Camille Balboa of GA & Cameron Lee of FL.
HONORABLE MENTION AWARDS in alphabetical order by last name - (unless showing a tie):
Sierra Creen of CO.
Megan DeCrescente of CT.
Lori Mendoza of TX
Nick Moore of TX.
Lamar Porter of GA.
Max Brazelton of AL. tied with Charlie Hammerberg of CT.
Ashley Vega of TX. tied with Angela Weishaar of CO.
