OFFICIAL RULES. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN.
STARS AND STRIPES Pacific “Share Your Paradise” photo contest (the “Promotion”) is open to current U.S. government ID cardholders or authorized dependents, age 18 or older, who are stationed in the Pacific (Japan, South Korea, and Guam) as of September 21, 2026. Non‑U.S. government ID cardholders are ineligible for participation.
Employees, including news carriers and/or family members, of STARS AND STRIPES, or their partners, affiliates, subsidiaries, distributors, retailers, advertising and promotion agencies are not eligible to participate.
You must have access to the SurveyMonkey entry link to participate in this Promotion. This Promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, or administered by SurveyMonkey. By entering, you agree that you are providing your information to Stars and Stripes Pacific and not to SurveyMonkey.
Entry period:
The entry period for the Promotion begins at 12:01 AM JST on Thursday, September 24, 2026, and ends at 11:59 PM JST on Sunday, October 4, 2026. Entries submitted after 11:59 PM JST on October 4 will be disqualified.
Eligibility:
Void where prohibited by law. No purchase necessary to enter or win.
How to Enter the “Share Your Paradise” Photo Contest:
1. Submit a photo using the SurveyMonkey link provided in Stars and Stripes Pacific promotional materials. Only one photo entry is permitted per eligible participant. Multiple entries may result in disqualification. Any photo deemed inappropriate will be removed at the sole discretion of Stars and Stripes.
2. The submitted photo must depict what the entrant considers “paradise,” which may include island scenery, city life, time with friends, family moments, food experiences, or any other personal interpretation.
3. By submitting a photo, the entrant warrants that the image is owned by the entrant, that the entrant has permission to use any copyrighted elements included, that the entry does not infringe the rights of any third parties, and that all necessary releases have been obtained from any persons appearing in the photo.
4. AI‑generated photos are strictly prohibited. Entries created in whole or in part using artificial intelligence tools or generative image software will be disqualified.
5. Photo editing is permitted only for basic adjustments such as cropping, exposure, contrast, color correction, and minor retouching. Composite images, added elements, or any manipulation that materially alters the original scene are not permitted.
6. By entering, the participant agrees that Stars and Stripes may publish the submitted photo at no cost in Stars and Stripes community papers, on Stars and Stripes websites, on Stars and Stripes social media accounts, and may consider the photo for inclusion in future editions of Destination Paradise magazine, whether or not the entry is selected as a winner.
7. All entries must be submitted via the SurveyMonkey link by 11:59 PM JST on October 4, 2026.
Judging and Selection of Prize Recipient:
The Commander of Stars and Stripes Pacific will serve as the judge for this Promotion. The Commander will evaluate entries based on the following criteria:
Quality (clarity, technical execution) Composition (framing, visual impact) Expression of “Paradise” (how effectively the photo conveys the entrant’s interpretation) A total of one (1) prize recipient will be selected.
All judging decisions are final and not subject to appeal.
Prize:
The prize recipient will receive a $100 Visa electronic gift card.
The prize will be delivered via email to the address provided during entry.
The prize recipient may also be recognized in Stars and Stripes community papers and/or their respective websites (Stripes Japan, Stripes Okinawa, Stripes Korea, Stripes Guam).
Prize Recipient Notification:
1. The prize recipient will be notified on or about October 10, 2026.
2. Notification will be sent via email.
3. The prize recipient must respond within three (3) business days of notification and provide any additional information requested by Stars and Stripes. Failure to respond within the required timeframe will result in forfeiture of the prize, and another recipient may be selected.
4. The prize recipient may be required to sign an affidavit of eligibility. Additional verification may be required and will be identified in writing at the time of notification. Failure to provide required verification within three (3) business days will result in forfeiture of the prize.
5. Personal information collected during the entry process will remain the property of Stars and Stripes and will not be released to third parties. All participants agree that Stars and Stripes may use the information submitted for promotional activities.
6. Stars and Stripes assumes no liability for unclaimed prizes or prizes returned to sender.
Publicity / Required Agreements:
Stars and Stripes may publish the name, rank, location, and photo entry (U.S. military base/city/state) of the prize recipient, and any quotation the recipient is willing to provide. The prize recipient may be required to sign and return a release of liability, declaration of eligibility, and, where lawful, a publicity consent agreement (“Required Agreements”). Failure to sign and return Required Agreements may result in selection of an alternate recipient.
General Terms and Conditions:
By entering, each participant agrees to be bound by these Official Rules and the decisions of Stars and Stripes, which shall be final.
Stars and Stripes and its affiliates, agents, representatives, advertising, promotion, and fulfillment agencies, and legal advisors are not responsible for and shall not be liable for:
late, lost, damaged, misdirected, incomplete, illegible, or unintelligible entries electronic, hardware, software, network, Internet, or computer malfunctions failed or delayed transmissions any condition caused by events beyond Stars and Stripes’ control injuries, losses, or damages arising from participation or acceptance of the prize human error or typographical errors in Promotion materials Maximum liability for any violation of duties relating to this Promotion shall be the value of the prize.
Stars and Stripes reserves the right to suspend or cancel the Promotion at any time.
Stars and Stripes may prohibit any person from participating if Stars and Stripes believes the person has deliberately or repeatedly disregarded Promotion rules.
By participating, each entrant agrees to release and hold harmless Stars and Stripes and its employees, officers, directors, agents, and affiliates from any and all claims arising from participation or acceptance of any prize.
Except where prohibited, disputes shall be resolved individually and exclusively by the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.
Privacy Statement:
AUTHORITY: Section 552a, Title 5, United States Code; Section 3013, Title 10, United States Code; Executive Order No. 9397; Army Regulation 215‑1. PRINCIPAL PURPOSES: Information provided by participants is used to select and contact potential winners and to issue any required IRS Form 1099. DISCLOSURE IS VOLUNTARY: Failure to provide requested information may result in ineligibility.
Name of Prize Recipient:
For the name of the prize recipient, send a self‑addressed stamped envelope by December 1, 2026, to:
Stars and Stripes Pacific
Attn: Engagement‑Marketing Department
Share Your Paradise Photo Contest
APO AP 96301‑9001
