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 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 traditions of service and sacrifice.

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.

Honoree: Dennis Franz

Other AVA Awards:

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.

With both respect and admiration for the common men and women who serve in the U.S. Armed Forces, this award serves as high distinction of the enduring legacy of the humanity beyond the headlines.

Honoree: Sam Donaldson

NATIONAL VETERAN 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.

Honoree: Hal Linden

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.

Honoree: Robert De Niro

WOMAN OF HONOR AWARD
This new 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 recipient promotes Awareness, Image and Morale (A.I.M.) among the active-duty military and/or veterans, either through her own service or by working to raise the profile of those who do serve in a positive manner. Mrs. Bush is bestowed this award for her dedication as Spokesperson for the Department of Defense program, Troops To Teachers program.

Honoree: First Lady Laura Bush

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. The Disabled Veterans Charities is bestowed this award for their exceptional
ability to support veteran programs via thrift store operations.

Honoree: Disabled Veterans Charities

BEST PATRIOTIC COMMERCIAL AWARD
Each year one select company makes a decision that defies the logic of standard business practices. They make an investment with little or no hopes of promoting their products or services. The commercials that result from this bold re-fashioning of the basic principles of marketing are brief messages that promote not the company, but the country. Each year the Ava's recognizes the very best of these as the recipient of the Ava for Best patriotic Commercial.

Honoree: Boeing Company

The Boeing Company is the largest aerospace company in the world, with a heritage mirroring the history of aviation. It is the world's largest manufacturer of commercial jetliners and military aircraft and the nation's largest NASA contractor.

From unsuccessfully trying to hitch a ride on the novel new "aeroplane" at the first-ever American air meet in 1910, William Boeing and the company that bears his name have been inextricably linked to the ascent of air travel and the history of the United States. From designing the first sea-planes used by this country's Navy in WWI to its current status as an industry leader in space exploration, Boeing is a company as grounded in the roots of our country as the Founding Fathers.

CORPORATE PATRIOTISM AWARD
This award is given to a company that exhibits exceptional support and dedication to the ideals of the American Veteran Awards. AARP is bestowed this award particularly for its Web site on "Remembrances of Pearl Harbor" and its planned involvement with the Veterans History Project.

Honoree: (AARP)

BEST PATRIOTIC PICTURE AWARD
This award is bestowed to the best picture of the year based upon the following determining factors:

• Screenplay written with Vision, Fortitude and Integrity.
• Story plot depicts true tradition of Honor and generates Awareness, Image and Morale for our military
• Film provides a positive portrayal of a military experience in a fictional or non-fictional manner
• Characters come across role models for America's youth to learn from or admire
• Overall exemplifies desire to show pride in our country.

Honoree: "Men of Honor" cast