Bailey Reese

NOMINEE was just seven when her town was devastated by hurricane Ivan in 2004. At a checkpoint where soldiers were passing out supplies, NOMINEE noticed people complaining and even yelling at the troops, but heard no one saying thanks.NOMINEE went home and got friends to help her make thank you cards for the troops. She then started HeroHugs.org which is now a nationally recognized organization that has sent over 68,000 packages to deployed troops. NOMINEE recognized Hero Hugs had the ability to do more than just thank our troops. NOMINEE travels around the country and speaks to young people about supporting our troops and making a difference in the life of others. NOMINEE is a champion to soldiers like me and she's inspiring others by showing that anyone has the ability to make a huge difference in the world!