The Young Heroes program is a community support program sanctioned by the Michigan National Guard and run by volunteers from Air and Army National Guard units. Through Young Heroes, military members present medals for heroism to youngsters. These children range in age from 2 to 17 and demonstrate exceptional courage during treatment for life-threatening illness or injury.

In a special ceremony, the Young Hero receives the Young Heroes Medal of Honor and certificate. The ceremony may be held in a hospital, home, church, Scout program, school assembly, military installation, or wherever the family desires. The ceremony closes in a formal salute that conveys the great respect the military members have for the brave Young Heroes who fight unseen enemies.

Past recipients of the Young Heroes Medal of Honor have courageously fought cancer, heart disease, cystic fibrosis, spinabifuda, or the results of severe birth defects, burns, or accidents, to name only a few. The remarkable thing about these special children is that they seek no sympathy, just understanding.

Many Young Heroes children are happy success stories, having overcome their illness or injury. For those who lose their valiant battle, the medal serves as a reminder of the dignity and valor of an extremely courageous child.

Anyone can refer a potential Young Hero. Children are referred by family members, friends, hospital social workers, support groups, nurses, teachers or physicians­--anyone who knows the child and can verify the youngster has indeed faced or is facing a life-threatening illness or injury with courage.