The Armed Forces Merit Award is presented by the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) in conjunction with the Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl (BHAFB). The award recipient is officially announced annually on Veterans Day. The award is presented to an individual and/or a group who has created, developed and produced a program within the realm of the sport of football that provides care, concern and support for past or present members of the United States Armed Forces and/or their families.
The Armed Forces Merit Award is selected by a panel of individuals from the Football Writers Association of America (a minimum of five members) and the Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl (a minimum of two individuals). Nominations will be sought from various groups and associations, including the American Football Coaches Association, The College Sports Information Directors of America, The National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics, The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame and USA Football. The nominee’s “contribution" is assessed by reviewing various items, including the completion of a nomination form, supporting documents and letters of recommendation.
When considering an individual and/or group for the Armed Forces Merit Award, a nomination form must be submitted along with letters of support for the individual and/or group. In addition to their military-based program, the nominee for the Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl Merit Award is also evaluated on evidence and examples of the following attributes.
• Authentic, Reliable, Motivating, Enthusiastic, Determined
• Fair, Organized, Respectful, Committed, Effective, Selfless
| Associated Groups | Contact | Telephone | |
| Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl | Brant Ringler, Executive Director | brant.b.ringler@espn.com | 817/810-0012 |
| Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl | Tim Simmons, Media Operations | bfishinc@aol.com | 303/678-8484 |
| Football Writers Association of America | Steve Richardson, Executive Director | tigerfwaa@aol.com | 972/713-6198 |
| Football Writers Association of America | Ted Gangi, Webmaster | webmaster@sportswriters.net | 214/909-9314 |
The Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) consists of the men and women across North America who cover college football for a living. Founded in 1941, the membership includes journalists, broadcasters and publicists, as well as key executives in all the areas that involve the game. The FWAA works to govern areas that include game day operations, major awards and an All-America team. Through its web site, the FWAA works to improve communication among those who work within the game. The FWAA also sponsors scholarships for aspiring writers and an annual writing contest. Behind the leadership of president Lenn Robbins of the New York Post and executive director Steve Richardson and a board of veteran journalists, the FWAA continues to grow and work to help college football prosper at all levels. There are now over 1,200 members. More information can be found at www.sportswriters.net.
