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Nebraska Military Volunteer of
the Year Award

The annual Nebraska Military Volunteer of the Year award recognizes one adult and one youth who dedicate their time to the betterment of the community. Werner Enterprises and Cara Loken, 2016 Armed Forces Insurance National Guard Spouse of the Year and 2021 Scheels Hero of the Year for Nebraska, have partnered to identify those individuals who are demonstrating a commitment to civic engagement through philanthropic activities. This service can be displayed in a myriad of ways to include volunteering for the military community, civic organizations, nonprofit entities, or through informal ways that impact the lives of others. Nominations for this award must be received no later than Sunday, April 21, 2024, by midnight Central Time.

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Nomination

Nominee must:

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  • Be a military member, retiree, spouse*, dependent child, or family member of a Nebraska Military member able to provide proof of service,

  • Be stationed or live in the state of Nebraska,

  •  Youth Award, nominees must be 18 years or younger, or,

  • Adult Award, nominee must be 19 years and older.

  • If a previous recipient, it must be at least 10 years from the date of the last award.

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 * A military spouse must still be married at the time the award is presented.​

NOMINATION PROCESS AND DEADLINES

Nominations due April 21, 2024

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  • Nominees Introduced April 26, 2024​​

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  • Winners announced May 3, 2024

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  • Winners officially recognized May 25, 2024, at the Fourth Annual Patriotic Parade in Omaha, Nebraska, followed by an Omaha Chasers Game (Papillion) in the afternoon.

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OUR SPONSOR:

 

Sponsoring the eighth annual Nebraska Military Volunteer of the Year award shows Werner's strong commitment to the military community, especially here in our home state of Nebraska. This award recognizes the great work of military members and their families in making their communities better, which is in line with what we aim to do through our Operation Freedom program. Through this program, we've set up a solid plan to help military members and their families move into civilian jobs, especially in transportation and logistics. Our tagline, “Average Is For Other People,” shows that we aim to work with exceptional individuals, a description that fits well with the recipients of this award. We are proud to sponsor this award.

Application Information

  • Each nomination must include a Nomination Form and a Letter of Support for each nominee.

  • High-resolution photo attached

  • Supplemental materials may include but may not exceed five pages.

    • Examples include letters of recommendation, testimonials, news clippings, etc.

    • These inclusions should be on activities included in the narrative, but can explain further on a single effort if the nominee does multiple activities.

    • Materials must be no larger than 8.5” X 11”. Please do not submit videos, display materials, scrapbooks, etc.

  • Judges may know nothing about the nominee, so “sell” the judges on why your nominee should win. Give specific examples, personal comments and include quotes.

  • Receipt of Nomination Form will be acknowledged via email.

  • Incomplete Nomination Forms and/or incorrect Letters of Support will not be judged.

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  • Type in 12-pt font or neatly print the information.

  • All materials and photos submitted become the property of the Nebraska Military Volunteer of the Year Award and will not be returned.

  • Nominee’ names, photos and nominator information become property of Nebraska Military Volunteer of the Year Award and available for use to media sources and through Werner Enterprises media sites, unless the Nebraska Military Volunteer of the Year Award receives written notification stating otherwise. No personal information will be given out other than names and age (youth).

Delivering Package

Youth

Ages 18 and younger

LETTERS OF SUPPORT- Youth 500 -750 Words Maximum.

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  • Activity – Briefly state the nominee’s responsibilities. Include level of involvement, hours (if possible) and years.

  • Impact- Be specific. What difference has this nominee made in BOTH the military community and community? What changed? Who was affected and how?

  • Mission accomplished – How has the individual met expectations for being a volunteer? How have they gone above and beyond?

  • School – Make sure to include school accomplishments.

Adult

Ages 19+

LETTERS OF SUPPORT- Adult 750-1000 Words Maximum (2=3 pages)

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  • Activity – Briefly state the nominee’s responsibilities. Include level of involvement, hours (if possible) and years.

  • Impact- Be specific. What difference has this nominee made in BOTH the military community and community? What changed? Who was affected and how?

  • Mission accomplished – How has the individual met expectations for being a volunteer? How have they gone above and beyond?

Award Presentation

Award winners will be named on May 3, 2024, in conjunction with National Military Appreciation Month. On May 25, 2024, both awardees will be officially recognized at the Patriotic Parade in Omaha. The event will include an award presentation, flowers, and gifts. You will receive four tickets to the Omaha Storm Chasers game in Papillion on the afternoon of May 25, 2024.

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Questions?  Please contact us using the form below.

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