Spirit of Hope Award Nominations Deadline Announced

From Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Chief of Naval Personnel is seeking nominations for the 2012 Spirit of Hope award, which must be submitted by March 15.

The award recognizes an individual or organization that epitomizes the values of Bob Hope: duty, honor, courage, loyalty, commitment, integrity, and selfless dedication.

Since 2005, the Navy has nominated one outstanding individual or support organization to receive the distinguished Spirit of Hope Award. Nomination criteria and instructions were announced in NAVADMIN 011/13.

"We are seeking nominations of individuals or organizations that reflect Mr. Hope's service to the spiritual, social, welfare, education, and entertainment needs of our Sailors," said Millie King, Chief of Naval Personnel, Personal Readiness and Community Support Branch program analyst, who is coordinating the Navy's nomination process. "Nominations should describe extraordinary achievements and contributions above and beyond normal duties during 2012."

Originally commissioned by the USO, the Spirit of Hope Award was inspired by Hope's dedication to the men and women of the United States Armed Forces for five decades. Since 1997, this award has been formally presented by the Wiegand Foundation, Inc., during an annual ceremony held in Washington, D.C.

The Spirit of Hope Award is open to active duty, Reserve, veteran and civilian Navy employees or an organization. Members of the civilian community or non-governmental organizations voluntarily supporting Sailors and embodying the Navy's core values are also eligible.

The Navy's Calendar Year 2011 Spirit of Hope Award winner was Mrs. Carolyn Blashek. Mrs. Blashek founded Operation Gratitude out of her home in 2003, just after the start of the Iraq War. The organization has sent more than 875,000 care packages to deployed Servicemembers, their families, and wounded warriors.