A Southern Utah telecommunications company is seeking nominations to honor local military veterans through a special recognition program that will celebrate their service and community contributions. TDS Telecommunications has announced its search for deserving veterans to receive the St. George Hometown Hero Award, with the winner being recognized during a Utah Tech University football game's military appreciation night.

The TDS Hometown Hero program is designed to honor residents who are making a meaningful difference in their communities, with a particular focus on recognizing unsung heroes who may not receive widespread public attention for their contributions. This fall, the local provider of high-speed internet, phone, and television services is specifically looking for a Hometown Hero who has served in the military or works as a first responder and is actively engaged in bettering the St. George community.

The recognition program offers substantial rewards for the chosen veteran. The winner will receive a $1,000 donation made to a veterans-related nonprofit organization of their choice, providing direct benefit to the broader veteran community. Additionally, the honoree will enjoy a VIP fan experience during Utah Tech's Saturday, September 20 football game, including special on-field recognition during the military appreciation night festivities. The award package also includes a gift basket valued at $200.

According to company officials, the program represents TDS's commitment to supporting community members who demonstrate exceptional dedication to service, both in their military careers and in their ongoing civilian community involvement. The company emphasized that they are particularly interested in highlighting veterans whose contributions may not always receive the recognition they deserve.

"TDS is proud to support community members through the Hometown Hero Award. This time, we will recognize a local veteran for their service," said Cindy Powell, TDS associate manager of field marketing. "Later this year, we will have another opportunity to celebrate our community's outstanding educators with the Hometown Hero Award."

The nomination process is designed to be accessible to community members who want to recognize a deserving veteran in their area. Anyone wishing to nominate a local veteran or military member for this honor can visit the designated nomination link provided by TDS. The company has established September 1 as the deadline for all nominations, giving community members several weeks to submit their recommendations.

The program covers veterans and military personnel from across the Southern Utah region, including those living in St. George, Washington County, Iron County, and Cedar City areas. This broad geographic scope ensures that deserving veterans from throughout the region have the opportunity to be recognized for their service and community involvement.

The timing of the award presentation during Utah Tech University's military appreciation night adds special significance to the honor, as it allows the veteran to be celebrated in front of their hometown crowd during an event specifically dedicated to recognizing military service. The Utah Tech Trailblazers football game provides a highly visible platform for acknowledging the recipient's contributions to both their country and their local community.

This initiative reflects a growing trend of businesses and organizations seeking ways to honor military veterans and first responders who continue to serve their communities after completing their military service. By combining monetary support for veteran-focused nonprofits with public recognition and special experiences, the program addresses multiple aspects of veteran appreciation.

The nomination process encourages community members to look beyond obvious choices and consider veterans who may be quietly making significant contributions to their neighborhoods, schools, charitable organizations, or other community groups. This focus on "unsung heroes" helps ensure that the recognition reaches those who might otherwise be overlooked despite their meaningful service.

For those interested in participating, the nomination link provides a straightforward way to submit information about deserving veterans, including details about their military service and current community involvement. The September 1 deadline gives potential nominators adequate time to gather necessary information and submit comprehensive nominations that highlight the veteran's qualifications for this honor.

The program represents TDS Telecommunications' broader commitment to community engagement and support for those who have served their country. As Powell indicated, this veteran-focused award is part of a larger series of Hometown Hero recognitions that will continue throughout the year, with future awards planned to honor other community contributors, including local educators.