193rd Special Operations Wing introduces Child of the Year Award Published July 28, 2013 By Tech. Sgt. Pam Nee 193rd SOW MIDDLETOWN, Pa. -- Any 193rd Special Operation Wing member may nominate a SOW military dependent for the 193rd SOW Child of the Year award. This award is presented to a SOW military dependent who has proven leadership accomplishments, extracurricular activities, and resiliency. A 300 word essay is also required in the child's own words describing this year's topic of what the concept "pay it forward" means to them. Nominee must be a 193 SOW minor military dependent between the ages of 8-18 from one of the 193rd's three air stations. Age categories are 8-12 and 13-18 years of age. Two overall wing nominees will be selected and awarded $300. There will also be two winners from each air station, one from each age category selected to receive $100. If feasible, a military coin and a panel member letter will be presented at their school. Every nomination will receive at a minimum a certificate of achievement. A panel of diverse members consisting of a 193rd SOW Group/Squadron Commander, 193rd SOW Association, 193rd SOW Chief's Council, 193rd SOW First Sergeant's Council, 193rd SOW Enlisted Council, 193rd SOW Family Readiness, and a community leader will select the topic, review the submissions, and make package selections. Award information can be found on the 193rd SOW portal page and L drive in the Family Readiness Group folder, 193 SOW CHILD OF THE YEAR sub folder. The SOW Instruction 36-2805 award will be officially announced at Family Day this year and winners will be awarded at next year's Family Day. Please forward your nominations October through December of each year, panel member requests or any questions to Tech. Sgt. Pamela Nee, MSG/CSS. Thank you to Tech. Sgt. Ryan Roberts,Security Forces Squadron, who helped me put this National level award into a wing level award as an approved Operating Instruction. The award is supported by 193rd SOW Enlisted Council and 193rd SOW Association, who feel honored to support our military children who want to make a positive difference for others. Spark the change, make a difference for others, and respect the ripple!