Nominations are open for the 2026 Hometown Hero Outdoors Person of the Year. Each year, we honor one extraordinary military service member, veteran, or first responder whose courage, resilience, and commitment to others deserve to be recognized.
Who is that person in your life?
Maybe it is someone who has spent decades serving their community. Someone who has overcome incredible challenges and continues to help others. Or someone whose everyday actions have made a lasting difference for the people around them.
We want to hear their story. Nominations close November 20, 2026. The selected honoree will be recognized at A Decade of Honor, Hometown Hero Outdoors’ 10-Year Anniversary Gala, on March 6, 2027, in Stillwater, Minnesota.
What Is the HHO Person of the Year Award?
The Hometown Hero Outdoors Person of the Year award is one of the highest honors our organization can bestow. It celebrates a person who represents the values at the heart of HHO: courage, service, resilience, and community.
Their impact may come from a remarkable career, a lifetime of volunteering, leadership during difficult circumstances, or a personal journey that has inspired others to keep moving forward.
As HHO prepares to celebrate its first decade, this recognition gives us an opportunity to share a story that reminds all of us why service matters—and how one person can continue making a difference long after a deployment or shift ends.
Who Can Be Nominated?
We welcome Person of the Year nominations from across the country for individuals representing:
- Military service members
- Veterans
- Law enforcement
- Firefighting
- Emergency medical services, including EMTs and paramedics
Nominees may be currently serving, retired, or honorably separated from service. They should demonstrate outstanding service through their career, community involvement, or personal journey.
Think about the person who mentors others, supports families through difficult times, brings people together, or continues to give back while facing challenges of their own. Help us understand what makes their contribution extraordinary.
How to Submit a Strong Person of the Year Nomination
Start with the HHO Person of the Year nomination form and share as much meaningful detail as possible. Specific examples help us understand the person behind the nomination.
When telling your hero’s story, consider these questions:
- What is their service background? Describe their military service, public safety career, or first responder role.
- How have they made a difference? Explain whom they have helped and what changed because of their actions.
- What demonstrates their character? Share examples of courage, leadership, compassion, or dedication.
- What challenges have they overcome? Describe the experiences that shaped their journey and how they responded.
- How do they continue serving others? Tell us about their community involvement, mentorship, or ongoing commitment to helping people.
- Why are you nominating them? Explain what their example means to you and why their story deserves to be shared.
A moment you witnessed, a family they supported, or a project they helped build can tell us more than a list of accomplishments alone. Write in your own words and help us see the impact you have seen.
Meet Our Past Person of the Year Honorees
2023: Fort Worth Police Officer Lisa Ramsey
Lisa Ramsey was recognized for her extraordinary dedication to service. Her example reflects the courage, commitment, and resilience that the HHO Person of the Year award celebrates.
2024: Corporal Donald Graves
A World War II veteran and Iwo Jima survivor, Corporal Donald Graves was honored for a lifetime of sacrifice and inspiration. His story connects generations to the service and experiences of those who helped shape our nation’s history.
2025: Philadelphia Police Officer Jonny Castro
Officer Jonny Castro, a U.S. Army veteran and Philadelphia police officer, was recognized for his work through Portraits of Valor. His memorial portraits honor fallen heroes and offer families a lasting tribute to the people they love.
Each honoree has brought a different story to this recognition. Together, they show the many ways courage, compassion, and service can leave a lasting mark.
Gala Attendance, Filming, and Travel Accommodations
The selected 2026 Person of the Year must be available to:
- Arrive in Stillwater on the evening of Friday, March 5, 2027, for the pre-gala event.
- Attend and be honored at the HHO gala on Saturday, March 6, 2027.
- Participate in filming a short feature video before the gala. Filming dates will be coordinated with the selected honoree.
HHO provides travel for the honoree and one guest. Lodging will be provided in the Hotel Crosby Presidential Suite in downtown Stillwater, Minnesota.
Additional guests are welcome to stay within the suite’s capacity. Discounted gala tickets will be available for additional guests who wish to attend, helping reduce the cost of celebrating alongside the honoree.
Why Hometown Hero Outdoors Honors Those Who Serve
Hometown Hero Outdoors is a nonprofit organization supporting military service members, veterans, and first responders through outdoor recreation and community connection.
Through hunting, fishing, and other outdoor adventures, we create opportunities for people to step away from daily stress, spend time with peers who understand their experiences, and build lasting relationships.
Our Person of the Year recognition extends that mission by sharing the stories of people who inspire the communities we serve.
Escape. Heal. Repeat.
Nominate Your Hero by November 20, 2026
There are extraordinary people in our military, veteran, and first responder communities whose stories deserve to be heard. Your nomination can help us find the person we will honor as Hometown Hero Outdoors celebrates a decade of service.
Tell us who they are, what they have done, and why their story matters.
Submit Your 2026 Person of the Year Nomination
Nomination deadline: November 20, 2026.
For questions, contact [email protected] or visit HometownHeroOutdoors.org.
Hometown Hero Outdoors | EIN: 82-3021911
