PAWTUCKET, R.I. -- Oct. 29, 2002 -- G.I. JOE®, the toy brand that has embodied heroism and courage for almost 40 years, is searching for kids across America who have performed brave, selfless acts that have impacted the lives of others. From random acts of kindness to regular volunteerism, the G.I. JOE REAL AMERICAN HERO SEARCH, sponsored by Hasbro, Inc., seeks to recognize kids who have demonstrated a willingness to give, in keeping with the spirit of G.I. JOE.
Parents, teachers, kids -- anyone -- can nominate an exceptional child (ages 5-12) by submitting a short essay that details an heroic, courageous, or unselfish deed or service performed by the child. The children described in the essays will be eligible to win the following prizes:
One winner from each state and the District of Columbia (up to 51 total) will be selected from valid nominations as First Prize winners. These winners will receive an official G.I. JOE Certificate of Commendation, a G.I. JOE prize package chosen by Hasbro, and will also be eligible to become one of five Grand Prize winners.
Five Grand Prize winners will receive a two-day trip to our nation's capital next spring, where they will be honored in an awards ceremony. In addition, Hasbro will make a $2,500 donation in the name of each Grand Prize winner to a charity of his/her choice.
For an official nomination form and complete contest rules and details, visit www.gijoe.com.
"G.I. JOE has always stood for courage and heroism, and that's why we're looking to honor some of America's bravest and most inspiring kids," said Brian Goldner, President of Hasbro's U.S. Toys group. "Hasbro and its G.I. JOE brand are proud to acknowledge some of the remarkable, but often unrecognized, feats that children across this country accomplish every day."
Past G.I. JOE REAL AMERICAN HERO SEARCH winners have included Kelvin Harrison of York, PA, who at age seven saved a four-month-old baby from a house fire; Justin Gair Finnegan (then age eight) of Portsmouth, RI, who ran two miles to get help for his grandfather who had broken his leg while they were on fishing trip deep in the woods; and Fred Self, who at age eight saved a childhood friend named Brandon from choking on a piece of candy by performing the Heimlich maneuver on him.
Self, now age 23, is currently attending the College of Veterinary Medicine at Auburn University in Alabama. "Being named one of the Grand Prize winners in the G.I. JOE REAL AMERICAN HERO SEARCH was an incredible thrill for an eight-year-old," said Self. "Considering that what I did at the time just seemed like the natural thing to do, being recognized with an award and personally congratulated by President Reagan was like a dream come true. And the best part is that Brandon is still my best friend."
The contest runs through February 28, 2003. First Prize and Grand Prize winners will be announced in April 2003. The trip to our nation's capital and the awards ceremony will take place in May 2003.
Search Guidelines
From now through February 28, 2003, the G.I. JOE REAL AMERICAN HERO SEARCH will be accepting nominations from anyone (including parents, teachers, community leaders, and kids) for children between the ages of five (5) and 12 who have performed an heroic deed. The nominee must have performed this courageous or unselfish act or service in at least one of the following general areas: community service; help to self or others in attaining personal goals in the face of unusual circumstances; or a lifesaving feat. Complete essay criteria are available at www.gijoe.com.
How to Nominate
To nominate a special child for the G.I. JOE REAL AMERICAN HERO SEARCH, an adult or child must write an original essay (250 words or less) describing the nominee's deed and submit it, along with an official nomination form available at www.gijoe.com, via mail to: G.I. JOE REAL AMERICAN HERO SEARCH, C/O BRATSKEIR & COMPANY, 411 LAFAYETTE STREET, NEW YORK, NY 10003. All nominations must be postmarked by February 28, 2003 and received no later than March 14, 2003.
Introduced in 1964, G.I. JOE was America's first action figure, and remains synonymous with American heroism. The "G.I. JOE - A REAL AMERICAN HERO" theme debuted with the introduction of the 3 3/4-inch G.I. JOE action figures in 1982. The theme was featured in the G.I. JOE VS. COBRA product line, commercials, and animated television show.
Hasbro is a worldwide leader in children's and family leisure time entertainment products and services, including the design, manufacture and marketing of games and toys ranging from traditional to high-tech. Both internationally and in the U.S., its PLAYSKOOL, TONKA, SUPER SOAKER, MILTON BRADLEY, PARKER BROTHERS, TIGER and WIZARDS OF THE COAST brands and products provide the highest quality and most recognizable play experiences in the world.
