Frequently Asked Questions
Heroes in Paradise contest
What is the Best VACATION in the World contest?
Veterans Retreat is honoring the brave men and women of our armed forces by sponsoring the “Best VACATION in the WORLD” contest. Veterans Retreat will treat the winner and one companion to an all expense paid dream vacation the the beautiful and exotic island of Malta.
Where is Malta located?
Located in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, 57 miles south of Sicily.
Who can enter?
Anyone who has served during OIF, OEF, or Desert Storm, who can substantiate an injury sustained while on deployment.
How do I apply?
Contestants will write (or video) a short bio on themselves and their military service. We suggest that they include some background information about who they are, where they are from, branch of service, where they were deployed, what they did on deployment, a little about their injury and recovery, and why they would like to go to Malta.
We are looking for an interesting and compelling story. There are no strict guidelines to follow. Submissions can be in either text (written) or video format (youtube). There is no limit on a minimum or maximum length. Images are greatly appreciated and can be attached to your e-mail submission to heroesinparadise@gmail.com.
How is the winner judged and selected?
The winner will be selected by the board of directors of Veterans Retreat. The judge’s panel will offer recommendations to the board of directors who will make the final decision. Judging is based on subjective interpretation of each contestants story – there is no “right” or “wrong” submission criteria. Entrants are free to tell their story in any way they want, with no limitations on length, format, or content.
How do you determine if a participant is qualified?
Veterans Retreat will ask the winner to provide documentation as verification of winners qualification (copy of DD214, separation documents, VA paperwork, etc.).
When does the winner travel to Malta?
We will schedule the trip immediately after the winner is announced.
How long is the “vacation”?
The vacation will last approximately 2 weeks.
What does the winner need to bring to the resort?
Sunglasses, bathing suit, t-shirt, toothbrush, sandals. We’ll provide everything else.
Can I bring my spouse, child, parent, sibling or significant other?
Yes, the winner can bring one additional person of his/her choosing.
Are there any costs to the winner?
No. There is absolutely no cost to the winner or companion. Veterans Retreat will pay for and coordinate all travel, lodging, food and activities for the entire time the winner is on “vacation”.
What if I need help submitting my entry?
Send us and e-mail to contact@veteransretreat.com or call us as 305.753.7767 and we will answer any of your questions or give you assistance with submitting your entry.
When does it end?
The contest winner will be announced on Veterans Day, 2011.
Will any other winners be selected?
A secondary prize will be awarded to a random winner to be drawn form ALL contestants. The winner of the secondary prize will receive an all expenses paid trip to Miami Beach for a week-long stay with their spouse, their child, significant other, or caregiver.
Why should I apply:
Because you could win the dream vacation of a lifetime. Everyone is a winner. Each person who puts pen to paper or finger to computer terminal will benefit in some way. Someone will win the trip to Malta, someone will win the trip to Miami Beach and everyone will be left with a written journal or digital record or his or her war story. We hope this contest encourages all those who have been wounded in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, to tell their story so that future generations will not forget the sacrifices they have made on their behalf.
