PARSIPPANY, N.J., April 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Jackson Hewitt Tax Service , the nation's second largest tax preparation service and a proud sponsor of the No. 16 National Guard Ford Fusion, joined Lieutenant General Clyde A. Vaughn, Director, Army National Guard, this week to announce and celebrate the first Jackson Hewitt National Guard "Heroes of the Year" award honoree. A special reception was held at the Army National Guard Readiness Center in Arlington, Virginia, to acknowledge the campaign's first monthly honoree, Staff Sergeant Robert Smette, who was recognized for his exceptional support for, and service to, the core mission and values of the National Guard.
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Staff Sergeant Robert Smette, whose hometown is Makoti, North Dakota, began his military career in 2000 when he enlisted with the North Dakota Army National Guard as a Private. In early 2003, he volunteered to deploy with the 957th Multi-Role Bridge Company in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He currently serves as an air assault trainer at Fort Benning, GA. Staff Sergeant Smette was nominated by his long-time friend Cory Murlock, of Bismarck, North Dakota.
The Jackson Hewitt National Guard "Heroes of the Year" award campaign provides the opportunity for people to nominate a loved one, friend or neighbor who serves in the Army National Guard. Each soldier honoree has the chance to win an opportunity of a lifetime -- their image featured on the No. 16 car to be driven by Greg Biffle at a 2007 NASCAR Nextel Cup Series Race. The winner, selected guests and the nominating party will also enjoy a VIP experience as they attend the race, creating a momentous occasion for all. This is the first time that a non-celebrity's image will be featured on a NASCAR race car! In addition to spotlighting soldiers, the campaign also recognizes families and employers who also show exceptional support for, and service to, the core mission and values of the National Guard.
"Jackson Hewitt is thrilled to have this opportunity to showcase some of America's outstanding National Guard heroes and to give people around the country the chance to play a role in nominating and honoring a soldier," said Michael Lister, President and Chief Executive Officer for Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Inc. "Our first monthly honoree, Staff Sergeant Smette is an incredible young man and soldier. We are honored to have this opportunity to recognize him as an example of all the heroes that are a part of the U.S. military and serve our country so valiantly."
Candidates can be nominated online by going to http://www.supporttheguard.com/ . Soldiers, families and employers will be selected for monthly spotlights on the site with a photo and commentary on what makes them true heroes. A grand prize in each category (Hero, Family and Employer) will be awarded. In each case, those nominated will be judged on service to their community, their support of the values of the National Guard and the unique ways they have enhanced their lives and the lives of those around them through their connection to the Guard.
Individual hero nominations must include a description of why and how the person exemplifies the ideal of a citizen-soldier -- a person who sets the example in and out of uniform. Family heroes may be nominated for their support of the Guard's overall mission, support of a unit and its members and/or actions that enhance the efforts of the Guard within their community. Finally, because there are many workplaces that go above and beyond in their support, there is an opportunity to highlight an employer that actively works to provide support to National Guard employees or Guard families within the community, through donations or contributions, community support, outreach programs or encouraging employee involvement. Grand prize winners will be provided a VIP trip to the 2007 NASCAR NEXTEL race where the Jackson Hewitt National Guard "Heroes of the Year" car will race, featuring the image of the selected National Guard Hero.
No purchase is necessary to enter or win. A purchase does not improve a participant's chances of winning. Open to all legal U.S. residents. Void where prohibited. Sweepstakes ends on December 16, 2006. For full, official rules, go to http://www.supporttheguard.com/ .
About Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Inc.
Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Inc. is the second largest tax preparation service company in the United States with over 6,000 franchised and company-owned offices in 49 states and the District of Columbia. Specializing in electronic filing (IRS e-file), the Company provides full service, individual federal and state income tax preparation and facilitates related financial products. Most Jackson Hewitt offices are independently owned and operated. Jackson Hewitt is based in Parsippany, New Jersey. More information about the Company may be obtained by visiting the Company's Web site at http://www.jacksonhewitt.com/ . To locate the Jackson Hewitt office nearest to you, please call 1-800-234-1040.
Contact:
Allison Jackson
Senior Manager, Communications
Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Inc.
973-630-0681
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