San Diego CA— The San Diego Military Advisory Council (SDMAC) is accepting nominations for the 11^th annual SDMAC Achievement Awards. The awards will recognize individuals and organizations that go above and beyond established mission charters or statements in serving the San Diego-area military and civilian communities. Categories include the Nancy Dix, Esq. Military and Civilian Community Achievement Awards, and the Rear Admiral (RADM) Bruce Boland, USN (Ret.) Lifetime Achievement Award.
To submit a nomination, download and complete the application form on the SDMAC website. Attach a one-page summary with supporting documents that demonstrate the nominee’s exemplary service. Examples of supporting documents include official recognitions, testimonials, multimedia and/or a curriculum vitae (CV), resume, etc. Nominations must be received in PDF format by 5 p.m. PST March 2, 2018. Submit nominations via e-mail to executivedirector@sdmac.org.
Winners will be announced in March followed by a celebration reception and sit-down dinner at the Admiral Baker Golf Course on Thursday April 5th, 2018. For more information, visit https://www.sdmac.org/calendar/event/2018%20Achievement%20Awards/ .

• Click here for the Nancy Dix Military Individual Community Achievement Award criteria & nomination form.
• Click here for the Nancy Dix Military Unit Community Achievement Award criteria & nomination form.
• Click here for the Nancy Dix Civilian Individual Community Achievement Award criteria & nomination form.
• Click here for the Nancy Dix Civilian Organization Community Achievement Award criteria & nomination form.
• Click here for the Rear Admiral Bruce Boland, USN (Ret) Lifetime Achievement Award criteria & nomination form.

“Each year the San Diego Military Advisory Council recognizes organizations in our community that stand out in their support for San Diego’s military and their families” said Mark Balmert, President of SDMAC. “We are extending a call for nominations for our 11^th Annual SDMAC Achievement Awards and look forward to our celebration in April where our community leadership will salute those who help make San Diego America’s Finest City.”
The Community Achievement Awards are named in honor of Nancy Dix, a founding member and former president of SDMAC. In addition to her highly successful career as a partner in the law firm of DLA Piper, Nancy Dix devoted more than 25 years of public service to San Diego supporting veterans and the military, and defense communities. She was the driving force behind the development of the annual SDMAC Achievement Awards, and it was during her tenure as President in February 2007, that the first awards were held. Nancy Dix passed away in July of 2016.
Winners of the 10^th annual SDMAC Achievement Awards included the following:

• NC1 (AW/FMF) Michael Carfaro of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron Seven Five dedicated over 175 hours to San Diego’s Multi-Cultural program, Veteran’s Home of San Diego, and Father Joe’s Village to name a few. Petty Officer Carfaro led a team of 52 Sailors in the completion of over 367 volunteer hours for the San Diego community. NC1 Carfaro also received a Lifetime Volunteer Achievement Award from President Obama.
• The USS Essex (LHD 2) volunteered a total of 243 hours at Chet F. Harritt Elementary School in Santee during 2016. Sailors also volunteered 166 hours at the Thrift Store on Naval Base San Diego and a total of 300 hours at Habitat for Humanity, Father Joe’s Villages, Wounded Warriors, and more.
• Warrior Foundation – Freedom Station provides housing and rehabilitation services to military heroes injured in battle to ensure they continue to be self-sufficient, productive, contributing members of society. Opened in May 2011, the 12-unit housing complex serves as a recovery transition center and offers services in physical and emotional recovery.

SDMAC is seeking sponsorships for the 11^th Annual Achievement Awards dinner. More information on sponsorship opportunities can be found, here. Email executivedirector@sdmac.org for additional information.

About SDMAC

The San Diego Military Advisory Council (SMDAC) was founded in 2004 with the mission to facilitate and advance the partnership between the military, elected officials, civic leaders, and the business community in order to enhance the understanding of the military’s many contributions to the San Diego region. Annually, SDMAC commissions an economic impact study showing the considerable benefits from defense-related spending and presence of the military in San Diego. In 2017, San Diego benefitted from $25 billion in direct defense spending and was supported by more than 340,000 jobs by the military sector. Click here to learn more.