Award Categories
Valor in Service Award
Honors two veterans who served during wartime and now serve fellow veterans and communities through leadership, advocacy, or outreach.
Nomination Criteria:
- Must be a veteran who served in a designated wartime period.
- Actively engaged in community leadership, advocacy, or volunteerism.
- Demonstrates ongoing service to fellow veterans.
- Has made a significant impact through veteran-focused initiatives.
- Must be nominated by a peer, veteran service organization, or community leader.
Guardians of the mind Award
Honors two veterans who work in or advocate for mental health care access
for veterans.
Nomination Criteria:
- Must be a veteran and a licensed mental health provider or advocate.
- Actively improves mental health access for veterans.
- Demonstrates trauma-informed, culturally competent care.
- Leads efforts to reduce stigma and promote healing.
- Nomination must include examples of impact or programs led.
The pillars of Stability Award
Honors two veterans helping fellow veterans access housing, compensation,
or VA benefits.
Nomination Criteria:
- Must be a veteran assisting veterans with housing or VA benefits.
- Works as a navigator, advocate, or claims specialist.
- Helped at least 10 veterans in the past year.
- Demonstrated community trust and measurable outcomes.
The golden Legacy Award
Honors organizations that serve senior citizens and senior veterans with dedication and impact.
Nomination Criteria:
- Must support individuals aged 60+ including senior veterans.
- Offers wellness, meals, transportation, or social programs.
- Intentional outreach to underserved or isolated seniors.
- Minimum two years of consistent operation.
the bridge to recovery Award
Honors organizations supporting both veterans and civilians recovering from homelessness, trauma, or substance use.
Nomination Criteria:
- Must serve veterans and civilians in recovery.
- Offers trauma-informed, person-centered care.
- Demonstrates proven results in prevention and reintegration.
- Engages community in recovery efforts.
The civic champion for veterans Award
Honors a public servant advocating for policies, programs, or services that improve veteran lives.
Nomination Criteria:
- Must be a government official or public agency leader.
- Advocates for or implements veteran-focused policies or programs.
- Demonstrates leadership in addressing veteran issues.
- Collaborates with veteran-serving organizations.
- Recognized for making measurable change for veterans.