Description

The AUSA Volunteer Family of the Year Award recognizes an exceptional Army family whose dedicated volunteer service significantly contributes to Army well-being and the well-being of the local community. 
 

Eligibility

• Regular Army
• Army National Guard
• U.S. Army Reserve
• Army Retiree
• Army Civilian
• Surviving Army Family Member

Previous national award recipients, current AUSA chapter officers and their families are not eligible.
 

Submission Process

• Local AUSA chapters begin to solicit nominations from chapter members or from partners in the military community beginning March 2026.
  • All nominations, whether originating with the chapter or an outside organization, must go through the local chapter to be considered a legitimate nomination.
• Chapter leaders send all nominations received to their Region President via AUSA website:
  https://www.ausa.org/national-award-nomination-form
  • Deadline for Chapter POC to send nominations to their Region President is 1 June 2026
• Region Presidents review nominations, approve, and submit one nomination for consideration at the national headquarters no later than 1 July 2026.
• The deadline for Region Presidents to send to AUSA National is July 1, 2026.
• All nominations submitted to AUSA National must be approved by the Region President.
   

Who may submit a nomination packet to the chapters?

All nominations must be submitted to a Region President through a local AUSA chapter. However, chapters may solicit nominations through: 

• Unit chaplains;
• BN and BDE SFRG’s;
• ACS Volunteer Coordinators;
• Joint Family Support Assistance Program State Offices;
• Garrison Commands; or
• Any other sources you have.

Please remember, you are responsible for verifying the legitimacy of the nomination before forwarding to your region president.
 

Deadlines

1 June - Chapter must submit nomination form for Region President review.
1 July - Region President must review and approve one nomination for approval by National Awards Committee.
 

Nomination Packet

• Please use the AUSA 2026 AUSA Volunteer Family of the Year Award Application Form included in this packet.
• Nominations that do not follow the appropriate format will be returned for revisions as needed.
  Your cooperation on this mater is especially important.
• Do not include pictures, award certificates or letters of recommendations in your submission packet.
   

Selection Criteria

Please use the following criteria when seeking families to nominate:

• At least two members of the nominated family must show continuous volunteering from April 2025 - April 2026 within their community, installation, or unit programs (not necessarily at the same location) beyond what would be expected because one’s position in a unit or place of employment.
• The AUSA Family Readiness Directorate believes that the entire family supports the efforts of dedicated volunteers in the family unit. It is not necessary for each family member to provide specific volunteer service but at a minimum two family members must have a proven record of volunteering activities for the family to be nominated.
• Nominated family members must have demonstrated outstanding leadership in planning, organizing or directing a major event or program that has resulted in a tangible benefit to the community or to Army families.
• At least one nominated family member must have a demonstrable pattern of volunteering, leadership, and achievement which has been recognized by other awards which begin at Brigade or installation level.
   

Judging for AUSA Volunteer Family of the Year Award

All nominations sent by Region Presidents will be reviewed by a panel of judges selected by the Family Readiness staff. The top three nomination packets will be sent to the AUSA National Awards Commitee for final selection. The winning family will be notified by General Brown or his designee.

Family Involvement
The AUSA Volunteer Family of the Year Award recognizes an Army family that views volunteerism as a family value. Although not every family member is required to volunteer the more the family as a whole contributes, the better.

Items to consider:

• How many family members volunteer?
• Look at individual family members’ position(s) of leadership and the responsibilities held in that leadership role.

Impact on Community
Rate the nomination based on the total impact on the community.

Items to consider:

• Has this family forged new frontiers in the activities they are involved in?
• Does this family demonstrate a passion for the activity or organization?
• Has this family inspired others in such a way that there is increased awareness or involvement by local community members?

Awards and Recognitions
Honors and awards represent significant achievements over the past three years (April 2023 - April 2026). Use the following as a guide for assigning points to the Awards and recognition Section. This list is not inclusive. Use it as a guide and use your best judgement. Consistency is key.

Samples of Awards and point value:

• Significant: HQDA or MACOM level Awards, “of the year” awards
• Excellent: Commanding General Awards, “outstanding volunteer”, AUSA Chapter Award
• Good: Certificates of appreciation, coins

Essay
The essays should be clearly written and well organized. An excellent essay depicts the families passion and drive.
 

Submit nomination here:
https://www.ausa.org/natonal-award-nomination-form

FAQ

• How will the Chapter know their nomination has been received?
  All nomination packets must be submitted to the National HQ by 1 July 2026. Your Region President will receive a confirmation email.
• Where can I find families to nominate?
  Please feel free to spread the word that your chapter is accepting nominations for the 2026 AUSA Volunteer Family of the Year to your contacts (i.e. on installations, National Guard and Reserve units, the state Joint Family Assistance Center, the Army Volunteer Corps coordinators office, and unit chaplains). Simultaneously, the AUSA Family Readiness office will promote the award. All nominations must be submitted through local AUSA Chapters and sent on to Region Presidents to be considered.
• Who may I contact at HQ if I need help or information?
  All of us in the Family Readiness Directorate are here to help, but your primary POC for the AUSA 2026 Volunteer Family of the Year Award will be Thea Green. She can be reached at tgreen@ausa.org.

Previous Recipients