ROTC/JROTC Purple Heart Leadership Award
The Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 598 ROTC/JROTC Purple Heart Leadership Award recognizes outstanding cadets who demonstrate leadership, patriotism, academic effort, community service, and respect for the sacrifices made by America’s wounded and fallen service members.
This award is not intended to be a participation award. It is reserved for cadets who lead by example and reflect the values of the Military Order of the Purple Heart: courage, sacrifice, patriotism, humility, service, discipline, and accountability.
Purpose of the Award:
The Purple Heart is one of our nation’s most recognized military decorations. It represents sacrifice, service, and devotion to country.
Through this award, MOPH Chapter 598 seeks to recognize young leaders in ROTC and JROTC programs who demonstrate the character and leadership qualities needed to serve their school, community, and nation with honor.
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for the ROTC/JROTC Purple Heart Leadership Award, the nominee must meet the national award criteria and any additional local standards established by MOPH Chapter 598.
The nominee must:
-
Be an underclassman
Seniors are not eligible. -
Be actively enrolled in an ROTC or JROTC program
-
Hold a recognized leadership position within the cadet corps
-
Demonstrate a positive attitude toward:
ROTC/JROTC
The United States
Military service
Civic responsibility
Fellow cadets -
Maintain a B average or better in all subjects for the previous semester
-
Be active in school, community, or veteran-related service
-
Have no major disciplinary issues during the current school year
-
Not have previously received this award
Chapter 598 Local Selection Standards
In addition to the national criteria, MOPH Chapter 598 gives special consideration to cadets who demonstrate the following qualities:
Servant Leadership: The recipient should be a cadet who leads through service, humility, discipline, and personal example. Rank alone does not determine selection. The award should go to a cadet who makes the unit better and helps those around them succeed.
Character Under Pressure: The recipient should demonstrate maturity, moral courage, accountability, and the ability to remain composed under pressure.
Respect for Sacrifice: Special consideration should be given to cadets who demonstrate respect for wounded veterans, fallen service members, Gold Star families, law enforcement, first responders, and others who have sacrificed in service to the nation.
School and Community Impact: The recipient should be active beyond the classroom and the cadet corps. Examples may include:
Color guard details
Veterans Day events
Memorial Day events
Purple Heart Day ceremonies
Community service projects
Peer mentoring
Tutoring other cadets
Drill team, Raider team, marksmanship, CyberPatriot, or similar team leadership
Veteran support events
Stand downs or service projects supporting veterans and military families
Award Standard
MOPH Chapter 598 believes this award should carry meaning.
The ROTC/JROTC Purple Heart Leadership Award should be presented only to a cadet who clearly reflects the values of courage, sacrifice, patriotism, humility, service, discipline, and accountability.
The selected cadet should be someone whose conduct honors the spirit of the Purple Heart and sets a strong example for others to follow.