U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, encouraged Texans to nominate individuals for the Citizen Service Before Self Honors, which recognizes and honors those ordinary Americans who become extraordinary through their indomitable courage and selflessness. Citizen Service Before Self Honors are unique because they are presented to unsung heroes by our nation’s most honored heroes—the fewer than 90 living recipients of our nation’s highest award for valor—the Medal of Honor. The recipients comprise the congressionally chartered Medal of Honor Society, which is one of the most exclusive societies.

Citizen Service Before Self Honorees represent the values of courage, sacrifice and selfless service. Sen. Cornyn encourages individuals to nominate any United States civilian who has clearly demonstrated a willingness to sacrifice for others whether through a single act of extraordinary heroism at risk to one’s life or through a prolonged series of selfless acts. The nominee’s actions must epitomize the concept of “service before self” and must be performed “above and beyond” one’s professional area of responsibility or conduct.

Citizens may submit an eligible nominee by completing the nomination form online via the Citizen Service Before Self Honors website. The nomination period ends on Friday, Feb. 18.