Wendy and John Rocca, of Century 21 Commonwealth in Watertown, have been named finalists for an esteemed volunteerism award.

The Roccas founded Operation American Soldier in 2003 while their daughter was deployed in Iraq. The group sends "cheer" packages and letters of support to soldiers.

More than 30,000 pounds have been sent overseas, filled with snacks, beverages, books and magazines. Each box also contains a letter asking if the soldier knows of anyone else who is not receiving support from home who would appreciate a package.

The Roccas have spent more than $15,000 of their own money on postage and goods, according to a statement.

They are among 10 individuals to be recognized by the National Association of Realtors as finalists for Realtor Magazine’s 2010 Good Neighbor Awards.

"Realtors build communities and understand the importance of helping others," said NAR President Vicki Cox Golder, a Realtor and owner of Vicki L. Cox & Assoc., Tucson, Ariz. "Many organizations are struggling today to do more with fewer resources, which makes the work of volunteers so much more important. The Good Neighbor Award finalists deserve to be recognized for the time, energy and ideas they bring to their community organizations."

For 11 years the Good Neighbor Awards program has recognized Realtors who volunteer to serve the basic needs of some of the community’s most vulnerable individuals.

In November, five winners will be selected from among the 10 finalists and will receive travel expenses to the 2010 Realtors Conference & Expo in New Orleans, national media exposure for their community cause and a $10,000 grant for their charity. The five honorable mentions will receive a $2,500 grant. The winners will be announced in the November/December issue of Realtor Magazine.