Each year, Military Times honors five "Everyday Heroes" -- service members who demonstrate pride, dedication and courage beyond what is expected. These service members show concern for their fellow service members, their community and the country they serve. Many of the candidates are often overlooked and have gone unrecognized. Nominations may be submitted by any of our readers – including parents, fellow service members, supervisors and commanding officers -- making this grassroots award unique from any other awards given to members of our Armed Forces.

Winners are recognized online, in the Military Times newspapers and at a ceremony in Washington, D.C., which is attended by officials from the service member's command, members of Congress and senior Pentagon officials.

HISTORY
The award was established in 2001 by Army Times Publishing Company (renamed in 2010, Gannett Government Media). The initial program highlighted exemplary achievement by a service member beyond the call of duty, but has since been expanded to include the following criteria:

• High level of professionalism
• Concern for fellow service members
• Commitment to community service

CRITERIA FOR SELECTION
Nominees must be serving in the military (active duty, Guard or Reserve) through August 2012 with exceptional service or achievements occurring between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2011.

SELECTION PROCESS
Gannett Government Media, through the respective marketing and editorial staffs of each service's publication (Army Times, Navy Times, Air Force Times and Marine Corps Times), will make the Military Times Service Members of the Year selections from among the nominations received. Finalists will be contacted in June of 2012.

The Overall Winner of each branch receives the following:

• A week’s trip to Washington, DC for activities and a formal awards ceremony
• All-expenses paid attendance for 2 (transportation to and from Washington, D.C.; lodging and meals; local transportation)
• Formal awards reception and ceremony, and a sponsor after-party on Capitol Hill
• Luncheon with Military Times editors and staff reporters
• Tour of the publishing company and newspaper printing plant
• Professional photographs and video of the awards ceremony
• A feature in the Military Times newspapers and on the Military Times Service Members of the Year Web site