The Marine Corps Heritage Foundation will be accepting nominations for its Annual Awards program through January 9, 2015. Actor, Marine Corps veteran and founder of Arts in the Armed Forces (AITAF), Adam Driver, and actress and AITAF’s Artistic Director, Joanne Tucker, will return this year to serve as guest judges of the program. The awards recognize individuals who showcase prominent aspects of Marine Corps history or culture in various creative works. Individuals can nominate works of their own, or others, that they believe deserve recognition.

 The Annual Awards program includes 15 categories, including writing, journalism, photography, poetry and combat art. Submissions will be reviewed by a distinguished and diverse panel of judges. Previous winners of the Annual Awards come from an array of backgrounds – from Active Duty Marines to everyday civilians to world-renowned journalists.

Entering a submission is free. Individuals interested in submitting an entry or nomination should visit http://marineheritage.org/Awards.aspfor category descriptions and details of the submission process. All winners will receive a $1,000 cash prize, a medallion and a commemorative brick along the Semper Fidelis Memorial Park pathway at the Marine Corps Heritage Center. 

 AITAF, which uses the performing arts to honor, educate, inspire and entertain the military and veteran community, first participated in the Annual Awards program last year. Mr. Driver, best known for his Emmy-nominated role in the popular HBO series “Girls,” enlisted in the Marine Corps following the attacks of September 11, 2001.

 Award recipients will be recognized at the awards ceremony that will take place on April 25, 2015 at the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Triangle, Va.

 About the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation:

Dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Marine Corps history, the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation was established in 1979 as a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. The Foundation supports the historical programs of the Marine Corps in ways not possible through government funds. The Foundation provides grants and scholarships for research and the renovation, restoration, and commissioning of historical Marine Corps artifacts and landmarks. Securing the necessary funding for the complete construction of the National Museum of the Marine Corps and Heritage Center, located in Triangle, Virginia, is the Foundation’s current primary mission while continuing to provide program support for the Corps’ historical, museum, and educational activities.