1. INDIANA VETERANS OF THE YEAR
IndianaVeteransofTheYear.org

2. Three years ago the first Kentucky Veterans of The Year began over lunch between John Mustain and Jim Grahn. The question was how do we get the word out about the work Operation Outreach is doing and how do we honor veterans who continue to serve their nation by serving their communities and neighbors.
On that day, the Kentucky Veterans of the Year initiative was born. There are many “Veterans of the Year” programs across the United States, but the Kentucky Veterans of the Year is the first initiative in the nation in which absolutely every male and female veteran living within the borders of Kentucky is eligible to receive the award.
In 2015, Mike Mustain decided to duplicate the Kentucky Veterans of the Year in the State of Indiana. Mike negotiated a partnership with the Epilepsy Foundation of Kentuckiana and started the Indiana Veterans of the Year. Patterned almost entirely off the Kentucky Veterans of the Year, the Indiana Veterans of the Year is the second initiative in the nation in which absolutely every male and female veteran living within the borders of Indiana is eligible to receive the award.

3. Today we will look at 5 areas of the INVOTY:
INDIANA
VETERANS OF THE YEAR
(INVOTY)
Today we will look at 5 areas of the INVOTY:
1) Why INVOTY
2) HOW INVOTY WORKS
3) JUDGING
4) AWARDS
5) FUNDING

4. Today we will look at 5 areas of the INVOTY:
INDIANA
VETERANS OF THE YEAR
(INVOTY)
Today we will look at 5 areas of the INVOTY:
1) Why INVOTY
2) HOW INVOTY WORKS
3) JUDGING
4) AWARDS
5) FUNDING

5. WHY INVOTY
Most programs for veterans highlight the issues of veterans’ struggles
Drug Abuse
Alcoholism
Homelessness
Post-Traumatic Stress
Traumatic Brain Injury, etc.
The INVOTY wants to recognize the value and contributions of our Hoosier veterans
Focus on the good our veterans are accomplishing in their communities
Focus on our veterans strength, loyalty, and dedication to our State
For just one night the INVOTY wants to
Bring our veterans’ families and friends together
To Honor, Respect, and Thank our Hoosier Heroes

6. Today we will look at 5 areas of the INVOTY:
INDIANA
VETERANS OF THE YEAR
(INVOTY)
Today we will look at 5 areas of the INVOTY:
1) Why INVOTY
2) HOW INVOTY WORKS
3) JUDGING
4) AWARDS
5) FUNDING

7. Nominations are strictly limited to only 250 words
How INVOTY Works:
Nominations are taken online only
You do not have to live in Indiana to nominate a veteran
Only veterans living in Indiana are eligible to receive award
Nominees must meet INVOTY criteria
Indiana resident
Honorably discharged
Not a member of Guard or Reserves
See website for full details
Nominations are strictly limited to only 250 words

8. How INVOTY Works: Who Should I Nominate?
(Con’t)
Who Should I Nominate?
Any Hoosier Veteran is eligible
Things to look for in a veteran
Are they serving their neighbors and communities
Some of the best nominees will not be the most noticeable
Many may not feel “worthy” of being nominated
Some examples of service
Mows neighbor’s yard
Sits with grieving families
Places flags or flowers on gravesites
Big Brothers or Big Sisters
School volunteers
Mentors

9. Today we will look at 5 areas of the INVOTY:
INDIANA
VETERANS OF THE YEAR
(INVOTY)
Today we will look at 5 areas of the INVOTY:
1) Why INVOTY
2) HOW INVOTY WORKS
3) JUDGING
4) AWARDS
5) FUNDING

10. JUDGING All personally identifiable information will be redacted
Judging will be based on current community service
Military service is only considered to determine Veteran status
All military awards, ranks, or tours of service will be redacted
Triple Blind System
Judges will not know who other judges are (4 total)
Judges will receive redacted nominations via
Judges will send their decisions (scores) to a generic
Compiling judge will retrieve judges scores only
The Female and the Male veteran with the lowest aggregate score is determined to be the winners.
As the INVOTY is not awarded by popular vote, multiple nominations are discouraged

11. Today we will look at 5 areas of the INVOTY:
INDIANA
VETERANS OF THE YEAR
(INVOTY)
Today we will look at 5 areas of the INVOTY:
1) Why INVOTY
2) HOW INVOTY WORKS
3) JUDGING
4) AWARDS
5) FUNDING

12. AWARDS
One female veteran will receive the Indiana Veterans of the Year
One male veteran will receive the Indiana Veterans of the Year
Every nominee in attendance will be honored during the banquet
All awards and recognitions are non-monetary
Sponsors will be recognized

13. Today we will look at 5 areas of the INVOTY:
INDIANA
VETERANS OF THE YEAR
(INVOTY)
Today we will look at 5 areas of the INVOTY:
1) Why INVOTY
2) HOW INVOTY WORKS
3) JUDGING
4) AWARDS
5) FUNDING

14. FUNDING
A 501 (c) (3) NON-PROFIT
Funding for the INVOTY is through the generous contributions of:
Corporate Sponsors
Interested individuals
Banquet program advertising
Ticket sales
Memorial contributions
Honorarium contributions
The INVOTY is not a “fund raising” effort, per se, funds will be raised for:
The INVOTY banquet
The INVOTY initiative sustainability
To insure a ticket is available for any veteran financially unable to attend

15. Co-Founder & Vice Chairman JMustain@efky.org
Michael Mustain
Co-Founder & Chairman
John Mustain
Co-Founder & Vice Chairman