Often times individuals who work ‘behind-the-scenes’ helping the troops don’t often get the recognition they deserve. This is because the media tends to focus more on the troops themselves than actual volunteers. Well, in a special ceremony at the Rainbow Room restaurant, any volunteer who has been deemed to offer ‘extraordinary’ support to America’s military, will get acknowledgement that was long overdue.
The award these volunteers will be winning is called Above and Beyond. The sponsor behind the prestigious award is Microsoft, who recently decided to join America Supports You. This is a Defense Department organization that is designed to network both citizens and corporations with military men and women, particularly those who are serving overseas.
Five different categories are available for the Above and Beyond awards. These include: Outstanding Effort, Medical Attention, Youth Leadership, Everyday Difference and USO Promotion and Success. Only one person can win in each of these categories. All together judges had to sift through over 400 nominations. It certainly wasn’t easy trying to decide which individual was the most outstanding volunteer.
Even celebrities have developed interest in the ceremony. For example, actress Joely Fisher along with several celebrities from Friday Night Lights and Rescue Me have decided to attend the event. Additionally several winners of beauty pageants including Miss USA, Miss Teen USA and Miss Universe have also decided to attend.
For the winners themselves, the event allows them a chance to further reflect on the wondrous things they are doing both for the soldier and for their country in general.
