We’ve often discussed the problems faced by divorced fathers who serve in the military–to learn more, see my co-authored column Protect Deployed Parents” Rights (Trenton Times & others, 11/9/06). Lloyd, a reader and military serviceman, writes: “Glenn, I found this on the ‘Army Knowledge Online’ website, where my military e-mail account is. It’s the ‘National Fatherhood Initiative/Lockheed-Martin Military Father of the Year’ award, and they are taking nominations. The deadline is January 4, 2008. Perhaps there’s a chance to recognize a military father who has struggled but managed to maintain his relationship with his children post-divorce?”
The announcement, which can be found here, is below. While we’re on the subject of military dads, make sure to take a moment to watch one of the greatest things I’ve ever seen at Soldier”s Home: Tearful Reunion as Sailor Returns from Iraq, Surprises Little Son in Class. The National Fatherhood Initiative (NFI) is seeking nominations of outstanding military fathers to be considered for the 2008 NFI Lockheed Martin Military Fatherhood Award™. The Awardee and his family will be honored at the 2008 NFI Fatherhood Awards™ Gala, to be held in Washington D.C. on April 29, 2008. SUBMIT TO: militaryfa@fatherhood.org DEADLINE: January 4, 2008 Know a military father who deserves a Fatherhood Award™? Please send a brief, 1-2 page explanation that shows how this father meets most or all of the following criteria: Ongoing commitment and dedication to his children Extraordinary efforts to father from a distance during military separation Successfully balancing military life and fathering role Efforts to mentor/strengthen other military fathers and/or military children who are separated from their fathers Nominee must be nominated by someone other than himself Nominations must also include: Name, rank, and service affiliation of the nominee, along with information about his family (number and ages of children, marital status, etc). Nominee’s contact information Information about the nominator (name, connection to the nominee, contact info) Please email nominations to militaryfa@fatherhood.org. Deadline for receiving nominations is January 4, 2008. The Awardee will be announced by February 28, 2008. ELIGIBILITY: Any father who is currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces on Active Duty or in the Reserves/National Guard is eligible to be nominated, whether or not he is currently deployed. NFI’s mission is to improve the well-being of children by increasing the proportion of children growing up with involved, responsible, and committed fathers. A non-partisan and non-sectarian organization, NFI is widely recognized as a leading national voice on fatherhood issues and the premier source for community fatherhood renewal resources. Through the annual Fatherhood Awards™ Gala, NFI honors great fathers and corporations which model and foster responsible fatherhood. Lockheed Martin’s sponsorship of this Military Fatherhood Award™ provides an opportunity to highlight the contributions that an outstanding military father has made in his commitment to his family and country.
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