South Carolina Soldier Selected as Jackson Hewitt National Guard 'Heroes of the Year' Monthly Honoree

PARSIPPANY, N.J., Sept. 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- In an acknowledgement of a history of service to both community and country, South Carolina Army National Guard Staff Sergeant Brent D. Cobb has been named a monthly finalist in the Jackson Hewitt National Guard "Heroes of the Year" campaign. Sponsored by Jackson Hewitt Tax Service(R), an industry leader providing full service individual federal and state income tax preparation, the year-long search honors National Guard soldiers, families and even employers around the country who have made a difference in their states or on foreign shores. SSG Cobb was personally recognized by Jackson Hewitt President and CEO Michael Lister at the Fountain Inn Armory today.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060914/NYTH170 )

"Staff Sergeant Cobb has worked extensively throughout South Carolina to benefit all of its citizens and is highly-regarded as a leader and a mentor," said Michael Lister, President and Chief Executive Officer of Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Inc. "The many awards and honors he has received throughout his career are a testament to his dedication and drive. He is a true embodiment of the citizen-soldier."

SSG Cobb joined the National Guard in 1999 and currently serves as an award-winning Recruiting and Retention Non-Commissioned Officer for 1st Battalion, 118th Infantry Regiment Mechanized, Fountain Inn, SC. He resides in Simpsonville, SC with his wife and their two sons.

While SSG Cobb works with several non-profit organizations in the greater Greenville area, much of his focus involves young people. This includes his ongoing support of at-risk youth programs providing education and career training -- as well as coaching girls' track and wrestling at Greenville's J.L. Mann High School and mentoring students at Eastside High School.

Active in the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC), he co-founded the first annual Southeastern Drill Championship last year, hosting JROTC members from five states and over 40 schools. He spearheaded efforts to designate South Carolina's Official JROTC Day and to have October recognized as the state's official Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS) Awareness Month, shining a spotlight on this genetic disorder caused by the body's inability to produce specific enzymes. SSG Cobb first learned about MPS through his church, where he met a young girl affected by the disease.

He also works to support the efforts of his fellow Guardsmen and women, such as organizing a phone card program with the USO to help families of soldiers deployed in Operation Iraqi Freedom stay connected.

SSG Cobb has won numerous military and community awards and decorations, including the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal and the American Legion Military Excellence Medal. He was the first active military member selected for the Order of the Silver Crescent, a recognition from the South Carolina Governor's Office given to state residents for exemplary performance, contribution and achievement within the community. It is the state's highest award for volunteer and/or community service.

"It is a privilege to be honored as one of the National Guard Heroes," said SSG Brent Cobb. "I do not look at myself as any kind of hero. I just want to be remembered as someone that has made a positive difference in my community and country. I am sure that there are other people that have done the same things that I have or more, and have not received any recognition for their efforts. Those unsung heroes are the ones that really make a difference in the community and country and make our lives better for today, tomorrow and for generations to come."

The Jackson Hewitt National Guard "Heroes of the Year" campaign is a unique opportunity for people to nominate a loved one, friend or neighbor who serves in the Army National Guard. Each monthly honoree has the chance to participate in an opportunity of a lifetime -- to have his or her image featured on a NASCAR race car that will be raced at a 2007 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series Race. This is the first time that a non-celebrity's image will be featured on a NASCAR race car.

The grand prize winner and their family will also enjoy a memorable VIP experience as they cheer on their car trackside at a race. In addition to spotlighting soldiers, the campaign also recognizes families and employers who show exceptional support for, and service to, the core mission and values of the National Guard.

To nominate a friend, family member or neighbor citizen-soldier, family or employer and recognize their dedication to and support of the National Guard's mission, interested parties can go to http://www.supporttheguard.com/. Soldiers, families and employers will be selected for monthly spotlights on the site with a photo and commentary on what makes them true heroes. A grand prize in each category (Soldier, Family and Employer) will be awarded. In each case, those nominated will be judged on service to their community, their support of the values of the National Guard and the unique ways they have enhanced their lives and the lives of those around them through their connection to the Guard.

NO PURCHASE IS NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE DOES NOT IMPROVE A PARTICIPANT'S CHANCES OF WINNING. Open to all legal U.S. residents. Void where prohibited. Sweepstakes ends on December 16, 2006. For full, official rules, go to http://www.supporttheguard.com/.

About Jackson Hewitt

Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Inc. , with over 6,000 franchised and company-owned offices throughout the United States during the 2006 tax season, is an industry leader providing full service individual federal and state income tax preparation. Most offices are independently owned and operated. The Company is based in Parsippany, New Jersey. More information may be obtained at http://www.jacksonhewitt.com/. To locate the Jackson Hewitt Tax Service(R) office nearest to you, call 1-800-234-1040.

Contact: Allison Jackson Melissa Connerton Senior Manager, Communications CooperKatz & Company Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Inc. 212-455-8001 973-630-0681 mconnerton@cooperkatz.com allison.jackson@jtax.com