Stars and Stripes is calling for nominations for its 2011 Heroes edition, a special supplement honoring U.S. service members who have made outstanding contributions to their country.

Past editions of Heroes have exceeded one million copies in circulation and have been distributed in the Washington Post, as well as both the U.S. Senate and the House of Representatives.


U.S. Navy SEAL and Petty Officer 1st Class David Goggins runs 135 miles through Death Valley, Calif., in 2007. Goggins has raised more than $250,000 for the Special Operations Warrior Foundation by running ultra-endurance races, and was one of those recognized in the Stars and Stripes 2010 Heroes edition. Stars and Stripes is now taking service member nominations for its 2011 edition. Photo courtesy of Stars and Stripes

The foreword is traditionally penned by the president.

There are two ways that service members can be accepted for a profile in the Heroes edition.

One type of profile tells the story of a service member who exhibited uncommon bravery in the face of adversity.

The service member will have the opportunity to tell their story, as well as recognize other service members in their unit who helped them achieve their distinction.

To qualify, a service member must have been awarded, at minimum, a bronze star with a valor device.

The second type of profile does not require a specific award, but requires an extraordinary achievement or sacrifice.

One example of this type of profile from the 2010 edition was Petty Officer 1st Class and Navy SEAL David Goggins, who raised more than $250,000 for the Special Operations Warrior Foundation by competing in ultra-endurance events.

To nominate a service member, send an e-mail to Stars and Stripes Yokosuka bureau reporter Erik Slavin at: slavine@pstripes.osd.mil.

Please include the service member’s name and rank, as well as a description of the service member’s accomplishments.

The nominations will be taken worldwide and are competitive, but all nominations meeting the criteria will be considered.

Digital versions of past Heroes editions are available at: http://www.stripes.com/news/special-reports/heroes.