The Sun Millies return to honour Service personnel
31 Jul 09
Following the success of last year's event the Sun Military Awards, dubbed 'The Millies', are returning to honour outstanding members of Britain's Service personnel.
The Sun Military Awards, or 'Millies', return for a second year
[Picture: Courtesy of The Sun]
Prince Charles, a founder and patron of the awards, today urged the nation to do more to remember the Forces' extraordinary sacrifices as he officially launched the awards and invited nominations.
Organised by The Sun newspaper in close association with the Ministry of Defence every award is open to all serving members of the UK Armed Forces, except the Support to the Armed Forces award which is specifically for civilians.
In focusing on the excellence of our Armed Forces, whether it be on operations or routine events, the awards are an opportunity to highlight the high calibre of Service personnel and the achievements of the last 12 months.
Commenting on the awards, Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup, Chief of the Defence Staff, said:
"We live in a complex world, where the threats to our national security, our people and their interests continue to grow and change. But in this uncertain environment, there is one thing we can be sure of - one thing we can rely on: the courage of our servicemen and women.
"We know that they will do their duty; that they will perform superbly on our behalf in the most arduous and dangerous of conditions. They do it for us - for the people of this nation. So imagine how much it means when they know that back home we are taking the time to say 'thank you'.
All the nominees for the 2008 Millies were hosted by the Prime Minister Gordon Brown and his wife Sarah at 10 Downing Street prior to the awards ceremony
[Picture: Arthur Edwards]
"Now in their second year, the Sun Military Awards are an excellent opportunity for everyone to do just that. So I urge you to nominate an individual or a unit for the various awards, and to play your part in the continuing success of the Millies."
Nominations for ten of the award categories can be made from today until Monday 14 September. An 11th category winner will be chosen by a special panel of Millies judges including England football captain John Terry, Sun columnist Jeremy Clarkson, Olympic runner and ex-soldier Dame Kelly Holmes, TV's Ross Kemp and four ex-Service chiefs.
The Millies 09 awards ceremony will be a glittering event at Hampton Court on 15 December and will be broadcast on ITV - last year guests included Their Royal Highnesses The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall.
Nominations will be accepted for actions taken during the period 1 September 2008 to 31 August 2009 and can be made via The Sun website. See Related Links >>>
"I urge you to nominate an individual or a unit for the various awards, and to play your part in the continuing success of the Millies."
Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup, Chief of the Defence Staff
The categories for the second Sun Military Awards 2009 are:
1. Overcoming Adversity
To recognise an inspirational serviceman or woman who has suffered severe injury or illness, and yet has overcome their difficulties with fortitude.
2. Most Outstanding Sailor or Marine
For the individual who has made the most outstanding contribution to the Royal Navy or Royal Marines over the past year.
3. Most Outstanding Soldier
For the individual who has made the most outstanding contribution to the Army over the past year.
4. Most Outstanding Airman
For the individual who has made the most outstanding contribution to the Royal Air Force over the past year.
5. Best Reservist
For a reservist of any rank or Service who has made the most outstanding contribution to any Armed Forces endeavour.
6. Support to the Armed Forces
The winner of this award will be a civilian - a civil servant, contractor, charity worker or member of the public - who has provided exceptional help to the Armed Forces (open to civilians only).
7. Life Saver Award
For an individual or a group, whether a medical professional or not, who has performed an extraordinary life-saving act.
8. True Grit: Home
For an individual or a group who have performed an act of true grit - be it through courage, determination or self-sacrifice - while in the UK.
9. True Grit: Overseas
For an individual or a group who have performed an act of true grit - be it through courage, determination or self-sacrifice - while abroad.
10. Best Unit
The winner of this award can be a major or minor unit that has excelled consistently over the year, for example with achievements on an operational deployment.
11. Judges' Award for Special Recognition
The judges' personal gift for outstanding service by an individual or group not recognised elsewhere (not open to public nomination).
