THE AWARDS

AUDIE MURPHY THEATRICAL AWARD

This extraordinary honor, named after one of America's greatest military heroes and actors, pays tribute to a seminal performance that has changed the scope of the way the American public views the military. It is also being bestowed in an effort to recognize theatrical performances in military and patriotic-themed roles and to help the family of Audie Murphy preserve his distinguished legacy.

The honor is open to a male or female nominee who has portrayed a soldier or veteran in such a manner as to bring accuracy and emotional impact to that character through their performance or who has demonstrated though a variety of performances the numerous issues and aspects that confront men and women in the armed forces during and after service.

The award may be given for performance in film, television or on stage provided that such performance is widely recognized as accurate and of the highest professional quality.  The award may be given for a performance regardless of the date at which it was first rendered or became known to the public at large.

BEST PATRIOTIC PICTURE AWARD
SPONSORED BY GOODYEAR RUBBER AND TIRE

Each year, American Veteran Awards recognizes patriotic excellence in the motion picture arts and sciences by selecting its "Best Patriotic Picture" from the annual roster of theatrically released films.

With an emphasis on the accurate depiction of military traditions, techniques, and lifestyle, the Best Picture must always express our soldiers and veterans as full, rich human characters. These characters should provide realistic role models, which inspire viewers in a positive manner.

Subject matter relevant to the selection of the Best Picture may be either fictional of factual so long as it demonstrates pride in our country, our armed forces and our service members and veterans.

CORPORATE PATRIOTISM AWARD

This award is given to a company that exhibits exceptional support and dedication to the ideals of the American Veteran Awards in raising awareness and support of our service members and their families. 

The award is open to any American corporation who donates substantial resources  to assisting our veterans or active duty military or who significantly offers public  recognition to our veterans or active duty military in a manner that demonstrates  no financial gain to corporation.

ELVIS PRESLEY PATRIOTIC SONG AWARD

This will be the award in the name of legendary entertainer and veteran known as the "King of Rock and Roll."  This recognition in honor of Elvis in a unique spotlight, "his military service," will pay tribute to the best song that exemplifies patriotism.

Songs are nominated based upon:

1. an original score and lyrics;
2. unique rendition of a red, white and blue classic;
3. or a passionate performance to our troops deployed.

Nominees will perform their song at the show.

ERNEST BORGNINE SPIRIT AWARD

This award is given to an individual or company who extends above and beyond the call of duty to keep the shining spirit of America's past, present and future military alive.

Reflecting the lifetime achievement of Ernest Borgnine, this honor pays tribute to philanthropic service in support of America's service members and their families at the ultimate height.

ERNIE PYLE JOURNALISM AWARD

This award is given to a member of the media to signify professionalism and excellence in reporting or writing on military or patriotic themes. The award recipient reflects the dignity and professionalism of Ernie Pyle and has demonstrated unwavering support and loyalty to the United States of America in the pursuit of fair and accurate reporting.

The award is available to members of both print and televised media and is intended to recognize the lifetime achievement of the recipient or a significant contribution to the journalistic disciplines that demonstrates the highest standard of patriotic excellence.

With both respect and admiration for the common men and women who serve in the U.S. Armed Forces, this award serves as an enduring legacy of its namesake and the humanity beyond the headlines, which he so vividly remarked upon through-out his career.

MILITARY SPOUSE AWARD
SPONSORED BY PROCTER & GAMBLE

This will be an ongoing, annual award.

This award will be open to all military families.

(There will be two Department of Defense (DoD) award recipients who will be honored, in addition to a military retiree (served 20 years or more) and a military veteran (served less than 20 years) recipient award):

• Active duty military awardee
• Army or Air Force National Guard, or Reserve Forces military awardee

Measurable award criteria will include:

• Demonstrate exceptional volunteer work accomplishments
• Exhibit selfless giving to others in the community
• Exude ongoing strength in enduring deployments, family separations and frequent moves
• Fortitude in generating support of other military spouses and their families while "holding down his or her own fort"

NATIONAL DEFENSE SALUTE AWARD

This award is given to the Veteran Administration's Chairman of the "National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans" program.

The award recipient is recognized for his or her dedication in honoring hospitalized veterans; increasing community awareness of VA's role in providing comprehensive medical care to the nation's veterans; and encouraging Americans to visit hospitalized veterans.

SERVICE MEMBER DEFENSE OF FREEDOM AWARD
SPONSORED BY AT&T

This awards program will honor a serviceman or woman from each U.S. Military Service who has been deployed outside the United States in support of U.S. Armed Forces involvement in international conflict, and performed with distinction in defense of freedom. For 2003, honorees would be selected from those deployed in Operation Enduring Freedom and/or Operation Iraqi Freedom. For subsequent years, should this program continue, service members from new deployments and conflicts would be included.

The overarching goal of this award program is to select honorees who are honored for two reasons - first for their own outstanding service and contributions, and second as representatives of the many others in their branch of the Armed Forces, who likewise have performed in this same capacity with excellence and distinction, but not been recognized for their achievement.

Suggested criteria to date include, but are not limited to, the following:

• One person selected from each branch of the Armed Forces: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard.
• Honorees may be active duty, guard, or reserve, male or female, officer or enlisted (equal consideration given to ensure the 5 selected honorees are representative).
• Already have been recognized by his/her unit or service branch with a major service combat award.
• Deployed for at least 100 days in a recent conflict, with 2003 honorees having participated in Operation Enduring Freedom and/or Operation Iraqi Freedom.
• Not previously recognized for an external award.

VETERAN OF THE YEAR AWARD

This prestigious award is given to a prominent veteran based upon his or her career achievements, personal accomplishments, philanthropic pursuits and outstanding character.

The award is open to nominees male and female, regardless of national origin, provided they have served as an active duty member of one of the five branches of the United States Armed Forces.

The annual honor signifies a representative in whom all Americans can look up to as an example of the very best virtues embodied by our proud military traditionsof service and sacrifice.   The award is not based upon distinctions received during active duty service, nor duration of service.  However, individual members of the selection and voting committees may take these factors into consideration. 

Chosen by a select directorship of corporate, entertainment and military leaders and recognized by the President of the United States each year, the "Veteran of the Year" is a shining beacon for America, lighting the path of Vision, Fortitude and Integrity.

WOMAN OF HONOR AWARD

This award is given to a female who demonstrates high moral character and professional achievement in her support of the men and women currently serving in the United States Military.

The award is available to nominees who use their efforts to enhance the status of veterans groups, publicly promote awareness of these groups, publicly promote the active duty military or organizations that support the active duty military and their  families or for exceptional service as a member of the armed forces or for a significant contribution to the armed forces or veterans community.

The efforts of the award recipient must always promote awareness, image and morale(A.I.M.) among the active-duty military and/or veterans and must positively reflect these groups.