"Pictures for Patriots Contest" -- Take Two!

Last year we enjoyed seeing the wonderful “Pictures for Patriots Contest” artwork submitted by K-12 students from all over the country.  But more importantly, the troops loved the artwork, too — so we thought we’d have another contest to find the next cover of our Operation Gratitude magazine!

Here’s what you need to know:

WHO: Students entering grades K-12 may submit original artwork to the “Pictures for Patriots 2012 Contest”

WHAT: Artwork (up to 8″ x 10″ laid out in a vertical format) with a “Patriotic-Thank you Military” theme.  The winning entries will be selected by a panel of Veterans. Enter as often as you wish — the more the better: All appropriate artwork submitted to the contest will be sent in Operation Gratitude care packages!

WHEN: Entries may be submitted now through July 10. (Must be postmarked by July 10, 2012.) Include name of entrant, plus age, grade and full mailing address and contact email address on the back of each entry.

WHERE:  Mail entries to “Pictures for Patriots Contest 2012″
                                                   Operation Gratitude
                                                   c/o 2468 Tapo Canyon Road
                                                   Simi Valley, CA 93063

PRIZES: ALL entrants will receive a special Operation Gratitude Dog Tag just for entering! 

In addition, the top three winning entries will receive these additional prizes:

1st PLACE:
•$100 Target Gift card
•Operation Gratitude Battalion Buddy
•Paracord  “Survival” Bracelet
•Artwork featured on the front cover of the next Operation Gratitude Magazine
•Copy of the Magazine

2nd PLACE:
•Operation Gratitude Battalion Buddy
•Paracord ”Survival” Bracelet
•Artwork featured on the back cover of the next Operation Gratitude Magazine
•Copy of the Magazine

3rd PLACE:
•Paracord ”Survival” Bracelet
•Artwork featured in the next Operation Gratitude Magazine
•Copy of the Magazine

                                                         Please keep in mind:

1. The top two winning entries will appear on the front and back covers of the magazine. Artwork entries that are laid-out in a horizontal (landscape) format will not be considered.

2. Important: We send care packages to ALL branches of the military. Please avoid using phrases like, “Thank you, Soldiers,” which would refer specifically to members of the Army (and thereby leave out the Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard). Instead, consider using the words “Heroes,” “Warriors,” “Patriots” or “Brave Americans.”

3. Artwork must be original and not in violation of any copyrights. Computer-generated art will not be accepted.

4. Help us spread the word about this contest! Invite scout troop, service club and youth group leaders to have their youth participate!

5. Read the Official Rules here: Pictures for Patriots Contest 2012 Rules

QUESTIONS? Send them to opgrat@gmail.com

Thank you and Good Luck!