Operation Homefront’s Military Child of the Year® (MCOY) Award, now in its 18th year, shines a national spotlight on the courage, character, and leadership of America’s military children. These remarkable young people—ages 13 to 18—make a profound impact on their families, schools, and communities while navigating the unique challenges of military life. Each year, the award celebrates seven recipients, one representing each branch of the armed forces: Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, National Guard, and Space Force.

Submissions are now open for the 2026 Military Child of the Year® Awards and will close on December 2, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. CST. Families, friends, teachers, and community members are encouraged to nominate outstanding military children who exemplify scholarship, volunteerism, leadership, and extracurricular involvement. LEARN MORE

Every 2026 award recipient will receive $10,000, a laptop computer, and other donated gifts. Operation Homefront will fly each winner and a parent or guardian to Washington, D.C., to be honored during the April 21–24, 2026, awards gala. Senior leaders from each branch of service will personally present the awards, making the event both a public celebration and a heartfelt salute to military families. The gala coincides with the Month of the Military Child, a time set aside nationwide to honor the sacrifices and resilience of military families.

Operation Homefront invites the West Point community and all who value military families to help identify the next group of extraordinary young leaders. Nominations can be submitted through Operation Homefront’s website.

Military children serve alongside their families in spirit, showing resilience and dedication that strengthen our nation. The Military Child of the Year® Award is an opportunity to honor those contributions in a meaningful way.

Nominate a deserving young leader today and help celebrate the remarkable sons and daughters who embody Duty, Honor, and Country.