Military Award Ceremonies

Images capturing the emotional moments of military personnel receiving awards and promotions, highlighting family involvement and military traditions.

The family of U.S. Air Force Col. Asheleigh Gellner, the vice wing commander of the 182nd Airlift Wing, Illinois Air National Guard, pins on her new rank at a promotion ceremony in Peoria, Illinois, Sept. 11, 2022. Gellner has 22 years of military service and transferred to the wing after graduating the U.S. Naval War College.

The 168th Wing hosted a Dining Out event in Fairbanks, Alaska, for Airmen to keep Air Force traditions alive and continue morale-building ceremonies. The Air Force Dining Out event started approximately in the 1930s with Army Air Corps General H. Hap Arnolds Wing Dings. The guest speaker at the 2022 168th WG Dining Out was Gregory D. Gadson, a motivational speaker, retired Colonel in the United States Army, and former commander of the U.S. Army Fort Belvoir Garrison. He is also a bilateral above-the-knee amputee.

220615-N-VI040-1035 NAVAL AIR FACILITY ATSUGI, Japan (June 15, 2022) Cmdr. Joseph M. Holt is pinned with a Command Ashore insigniaby his wife, relieving Marine Corps Lt. Col. Kevin M. Ryan as Commanding Officer of Fleet Readiness Center (FRC) Western Pacific, during a change of command ceremony held onboard Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan. FRC Western Pacific is a global maintenance, repair, and overhaul solution dedicated to sustaining and optimizing the performance of U.S. military aviation assets.

220429-N-GK686-1168 NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA, Italy (Apr. 29, 2022) Capt. Aaron Shoemaker, Naval Air Station Sigonella commanding officer gets pinned with the Command Ashore pin by his mother during his change of command ceremony on NAS Sigonella, Apr. 29, 2022. NAS Sigonellas strategic location enables U.S., allied, and partner nation forces to deploy and respond as required, ensuring security and stability in Europe, Africa and Central Command.

The family of U.S. Air Force Col. Asheleigh Gellner, the vice wing commander of the 182nd Airlift Wing, Illinois Air National Guard, pins on her new rank at a promotion ceremony in Peoria, Illinois, Sept. 11, 2022. Gellner has 22 years of military service and transferred to the wing after graduating the U.S. Naval War College.

2nd Lt. Ilya Chupreta of Des Plaines, Illinois, has his new rank pinned on by his parents, Michael and Irina Chupreta. Twenty-two Illinois Army National Guard Soldiers and one U.S. Army Reserve Soldier graduated from the 129th Regiment (Regional Training Institute) on Aug. 21, fulfilling the leadership and military education requirements to be commissioned as U.S. Army officers. The Illinois National Guard's Officer Candidate School transforms enlisted noncommissioned officers and qualified civilians into U.S. Army officers. The future leaders complete more than 661 hours of classroom and field instruction, must meet the commissioning standards of the U.S. Army and be examined, and approved by a federal recognition board.

Chief Yeoman Jessica Brynes, assigned to Naval Information Forces, is donned with a chief petty officer combination cover and advanced to the rank of chief petty officer during a ceremony October 21. During the ceremony, 20 newly appointed chiefs were ceremoniously pinned to the rank of CPO by family members and fellow chiefs.

Indiana National Guard Maj. Gen. Dan Degelow, center, receives his two-star rank from his wife, Lisa, as Maj. Gen. Dale Lyles, left, watches during Degelow's promotion ceremony at Stout Field, Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024.

While in Las Vegas for Super Bowl LVIII the Joint Armed Forces Color Guard and drummers from The U.S. Navy Band visited with over 200 JROTC students from Sierra Vista High School and Bonanza High School. The color guard shared their experiences in the military and why they continue to choose to serve. Students also had the chance to ask the service members questions and get some tips and tricks about presenting the colors.

Chief Master Sgt. Thaddeus Gravely celebrates his retirement with his wife Juliana Gravely after 30 years of service. Gravely's last assignment was as the Senior Enlisted Leader for the 37th Training Group, the largest technical training group in the Air Force.

Family of U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Toland Taylor, maintenance division officer, Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron 1 (VMX-1), recieve gifts during his retirement ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, Oct. 14, 2022. Taylor retired after 21 years of service in the Marine Corps.

A retirement ceremony is held for U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Heidi Bunker, the eleventh Ohio state command chief, on September 10, 2022, at Robert S. Beightler Armory in Columbus, Ohio. Her retirement followed a change of authority ceremony.

Chief Warrant Officer Four Timothy Collins is congratulated for his promotion and his accomplishments during his promotion ceremony at the Wellman Auditorium on Boone Center in Frankfort, Kentucky, Jan. 22, 2024. He enjoyed the support from everyone. (Kentucky Army National Guard

220926-N-ML137-1036 HANAPEPE, Hawai`i (Sept. 26, 2022) Capt. Brett Stevenson, commanding officer of Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF), Barking Sands, and Command Senior Chief Petty Officer William Kalmbach, salute colors carried by students with Waimea High School Junior Reserve Officer’s Training Corps during a memorial ceremony for the World War II era 100th Infantry Battalion on the parade grounds at Kaua`i Veterans Cemetery. PMRF is the world’s largest instrumented multi-environment range capable of supporting surface, subsurface, air and space operations simultaneously.

2nd Lt. Bryce Murdick is pinned his new rank by his sister and mother during the Officer Candidate School graduation, held at the Edward Cross Training Center, in Pembroke, NH, Sept 11. Murick will serve as an intelligence officer with the 3643rd Brigade Support Battalion upon completion of the Basic Officer Leadership Course.

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Lucia Gutierrez, funeral director from Marine Barracks Washington D.C., consoles family members of Medal of Honor recipient Pfc. Robert E. Simanek at Great Lakes National Cemetery, Holly, Michigan, on Aug. 12, 2022. Simanek displayed extreme courage and unselfishness on a patrol during the Korean War as he threw himself on top of a grenade to save his fellow Marines from serious injury or even death. Simanek was gravely injured by his heroic actions, but his bravery inspired those who observed him.

031212-M-4213L-002. Base: USMC Recruit Depot,Parris Island State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: H+S BN

GREAT LAKES, Il. (Mar. 15, 2023) Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Noah Alonso, assigned to Naval Station Great Lakes, is promoted to the rank of second class petty officer under the meritorious advancement program (MAP). Opened in 1911, NSGL is the Navys largest training installation and the home of the Navys only Boot Camp. Located on over 1600 acres overlooking Lake Michigan, the installation includes 1,153 buildings with 39 on the National Register of Historic Places. NSGL supports over 50 tenant commands and elements as well as over 20,000 Sailors, Marines, Soldiers, and DoD civilians who live and work on the installation.

240210-N-PN185-1016 - Pearl, Mississippi (Feb. 10, 2024) - Musician 1st Class Justin Juarez, from San Antonio, Texas, poses with members of the audience following the United States Navy Bands 2024 national tour concert at Peal High School. The Navy Band will travel 2500 ground miles over 18 days to 7 states, giving 12 public concerts as well as 5 concerts for students in schools. Navy

U.S. Army Staff Sgt Luis Balli, from Headquarters Support Company, Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault,) presents Lt. Col. Benjamin Everetts wife, Catherine, with a bouquet of yellow roses, welcoming her to the Gladiator Battalion family during the change of command ceremony, June 13, 2022 at Fort Campbell, Ky. (U.S. Army Photos by Sgt Tanis Kilgore, 40th Public Affairs Detachment)

221130-N-EJ241-1013Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Carly McBeath, assigned to U.S. Navy Support Facility (NSF) Diego Garcia, receives her collar devices during a frocking ceremony at Diego Garcia Nov. 30, 2022. NSF Diego Garcia provides logistic, service, recreational, and administrative support to U.S. and allied forces forward deployed to the Indian Ocean and Arabian Gulf.

U.S. Marines with the Marine Corps Base Quantico color guard stand ready to present colors during the 47th Marine Corps Marathon Hall of Fame dinner at the DoubleTree hotel in Arlington, Virginia, Oct. 28, 2022. The dinner serves to induct new participants into the MCM Hall of Fame and recognize honored guests.

Guests stand for the national anthem during a Department of Defense Pride celebration at the Pentagon, Arlington, Va., June 7, 2022. Guests spoke about the importance of diversity, inclusion and the contributions of LGBTQ service members in the military.

Chief Sonar Technician Christopher Hess, assigned to the Zumwalt-class destroyer USS Michael Monsoor (DDG 1001), answers questions on a ship tour during Portland Fleet Week in Oregon, June 11, 2022. Portland Fleet Week is a time-honored celebration of the sea services and provides an opportunity for the citizens of Oregon to meet Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen, as well as witness firsthand the latest capabilities of today's maritime services.

030725-F-1851U-001. Base: Ramstein Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Collin D. Barry, the guest of honor, gives his remarks during the military family dance night held at The Clubs at Quantico, Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, Nov. 2, 2022. The dance provided the opportunity for children to celebrate the Marine Corps birthday as well as share in the experience of a night like the experiences of the actual Marine Corps birthday ball.

Naval Support Activity Mid-South and tenant commands pinned 40 new chief petty officers during the ceremony on Oct. 21, 2022, in Millington Tennessee. NSA Mid-South is the human resources center of excellence for the Navy; home to Navy Personnel Command, Navy Recruiting Command, Navy Manpower Analysis Center and other development commands including the 21st Century Sailor Command and My Navy Career Center.

U.S. Air Force Col. Jessica R. Spitler, 30th Medical Group commander speaks to a veteran at the Solvang Veterans Memorial Hall, Solvang, Calif., May 30, 2022. She interacted with the guest and event organizers that were in attendance at the ceremony.

U.S. Army Soldiers with the 102nd Cavalry Regiment, 44th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, New Jersey Army National Guard, initiates their deployment at the 102nd Cavalry Regiments fairwell ceremony at the Westfield Armory, Westfield, New Jersey, on Jan. 14, 2024. More than 1,500 NJARNG Soldiers will deploy in support of U.S. Central Commands Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve. CJTF-OIR advises, assists, and enables partnered forces until they can independently defeat Islamic State of Iraq and Syria - ISIS - in designated areas of Iraq and Syria, in order to set conditions for long-term security cooperation frameworks. It is the largest deployment of New Jersey Army National Guard Soldiers since 2008.

104th Fighter Wing honor guard members bring forward bouquets of flowers during a change of command ceremony June 12, 2022, at Barnes Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts. A change of command ceremony is a military tradition that represents the formal transfer of responsibility of a unit from one commanding officer to another.

Maj. Bryce R. Greenwood's gold oak leaf clusters are pinned onto his uniform by Susan Weiler, his mother, and Elizabeth Greenwood, his spouse, during his promotion ceremony at Fort Novosel, Ala., Feb 9, 2024. Army

Lt. Col. Thomas E. Parker, 312th Airlift Squadron, celebrates with his family during a ceremony at Travis Air Forces Base, California, September 9, 2022. The mission of the 312th Airlift Squadron is to train and provide qualified C-5 Galaxy aircrews to fly worldwide airlift missions and augment the active duty forces under various readiness conditions up to and including full mobilization.

110519-N-AD372-373WASHINGTON (May 19, 2011) Chief Aircrew Survival Equipmentman Amy Davis, U.S. Fleet Forces Sailor of the Year, receives her chiefÕs anchors from family members during the Sailor of the Year pinning ceremony at the Navy Memorial.

Newly promoted Capt. Robert Saffell, a cyber network defense manager with the Wisconsin National Guard's Detachment 1, 176th Cyber Protection Team, poses for a photo with his wife and daughter following a promotion ceremony at Joint Force Headquarters in Madison, Wis., on May 13, 2022. Saffell received a rare direct commission from the rank of specialist to captain. Wisconsin National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Amber Peck

2nd Lt. James Williams of Lombard, Illinois, has his new rank pinned on by his spouse Katie and mother Lee Williams. Twenty-two Illinois Army National Guard Soldiers and one U.S. Army Reserve Soldier graduated from the 129th Regiment (Regional Training Institute) on Aug. 21, fulfilling the leadership and military education requirements to be commissioned as U.S. Army officers. The Illinois National Guard's Officer Candidate School transforms enlisted noncommissioned officers and qualified civilians into U.S. Army officers. The future leaders complete more than 661 hours of classroom and field instruction, must meet the commissioning standards of the U.S. Army and be examined, and approved by a federal recognition board.

U.S. Air Force Col. Chris Robinson, 375th Air Mobility Wing Commander, and from Col. Kyle Baldassari, 375th Communications Group commander, furl the 375th CG guidon during the 375th CG inactivation ceremony on Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, July 29, 2022. The furling and unfurling of guidons serves as a symbolic gesture for the activation, inactivation and realignment of units in the military.

U.S. Space Force Tech Sgt. Michelle Holt, Military Training Instructor, 1st Delta Operations Squadron, bumps fists with a basic military training Guardian graduate during a coining ceremony on June 22, 2022, at the Pfingston Reception Center on Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas.

ETC(SW/AW/IW) Nicole Eisenmenger, assigned to Naval Computer and Telecommunications Area Master Station Atlantic (NCTAMS LANT) and her husband, PSC(SW/AW/EXW) Ahren Eisenmenger, who is assigned to Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic (COMNAVAIRLANT), pose for a photo opportunity after their re-enlistment on Thursday, May 2, 2022. The dual re-enlistment ceremony occurred on the Battleship Wisconsin. The ceremony was hosted by the Hampton Roads Naval Museum, one of ten U.S. Navy museums within the Naval History and Heritage Command.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. James B. Conway, the outgoing commanding officer of the 12th Marine Corps District, and his family listen to speeches given during a change of command and retirement ceremony at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California, July 15, 2022. Conway, the outgoing commanding officer, relinquished command of the 12th Marine Corps District to Col. Mike E. Ogden, the oncoming commanding officer. A change of command ceremony is a time-honored tradition which formally signifies the transfer of command and entails the total accountability, authority, and responsibility from one individual to another.

Outbound Marine Barracks Washington Sergeant Major, Jesse J. Dorsey, commanding officer Col. Robert A. Sucher, and incoming Sergeant Major, Jimmy F. Richard, stand at attention during a relief and appointment ceremony at MBW, Jan. 29, 2024. Sgt. Maj. Jimmy F. Richard who relieved Sgt. Maj. Jesse J. Dorsey, enlisted in the Marine Corps in 2001, deployed and participated in numerous operations, completed eight cycles as a drill instructor, and recently served as the sergeant major of Recruiting Station, Jacksonville, FL.

Lt. Col. Roseman Deas II takes command of the 106th Air Refueling Squadron from Lt. Col. Shaun Southall at Sumpter Smith Joint National Guard Base, Alabama, Aug. 13, 2022. Deas was the director of operations of the 106th ARS before taking command. Southall had been commander for approximately two years.

031111-F-3992M-001. Base: Tyndall Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: AETC

COLTS NECK, New Jersey -- Capt. Ed Callahan, Naval Weapons Station Earle Commanding Officer, overseas and administers the oath of enlistment for DC1 Dalton Leibhart at the C-2 traffic circle here June 17, 2022.

220330-N-PU674-1024 PENSACOLA, Fla. (March 30, 2022) Rear Adm. Pete Garvin, commander, Naval Education and Training Command (NETC), right, congratulates Aviation Support Equipment Technician 1st Class Beatriz Cruz during the 2021 Military Instructor of the Year (MIOY) ceremony in the NETC headquarters courtyard. Cruz, an instructor for the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit North Island, was selected as the Midgrade Enlisted MIOY.

A U.S. Army Drill Sergeant Academy Soldier gifts Judy Jackson a bouquet of yellow roses during an assumption of responsibility ceremony for her husband June 2, 2022, at the post theater. Judys husband, Command Sgt. Maj. Rickey G. Jackson, assumed responsibility as he became the U.S. Army Drill Sergeant Academys 32nd commandant.

Officer Candidate Chantal Worthy, is pinned during an Officer Candidate School (OCS) graduation ceremony at Camp Blanding Joint Training Center, August 27, 2022.

220608-N-QP737-2010 ATLANTIC OCEAN (June 8, 2022) Adm. Daryl Caudle, commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command meets with Sailors during a Sailor recognition event aboard George H.W. Bush, June 8, 2022. The George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group (CSG) is underway completing a certification exercise to increase U.S. and allied interoperability and warfighting capability before a future deployment. The George H.W. Bush CSG is an integrated combat weapons system that delivers superior combat capability to deter, and if necessary, defeat America's adversaries in support of national security.

NAVAL STATION MAYPORT, Fla. (July 8, 2022) Captain Brian Binder, commanding officer of Naval Station Mayport, receives his command pin from his wife during the base change of command ceremony at Naval Station Mayport, July 8, 2022. Naval Station Mayport is the largest operational command in Navy Region Southeast.

U.S. Coast Guard Training Center Cape May holds a Memorial Day Weekend Sunset Parade for Coast Guard Gold Star families, May 29, 2022, in Cape May, N.J. The Coast Guard Gold Star Program is the Coast Guard's official program for providing long-term support to surviving families of Coast Guard members who die while in an Active status.

ETC(SW/AW/IW) Nicole Eisenmenger, assigned to Naval Computer and Telecommunications Area Master Station Atlantic (NCTAMS LANT) and her husband, PSC(SW/AW/EXW) Ahren Eisenmenger, who is assigned to Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic (COMNAVAIRLANT), pose for a photo opportunity after their re-enlistment on Thursday, May 2, 2022. The dual re-enlistment ceremony occurred on the Battleship Wisconsin. The ceremony was hosted by the Hampton Roads Naval Museum, one of ten U.S. Navy museums within the Naval History and Heritage Command.

Left to right, Carlos Del Toro, the Secretary of the Navy. Oksana Markarova, the Ambassador of Ukraine to the United States. Gen. Eric M. Smith, the Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps stands in front of the American flag on the USS Fort Lauderdale in Fort Lauderdale FL., July 30, 2022

Spc. Lawrence Austin, Jr. and Amanda Goodwin, children of Lawrence Austin, Sr., dons the robe on Austin, Mississippi Military Judge, during his investiture at Grenada County Court House, Grenada, Mississippi, September 10, 2022. Austin is tasked with overseeing the Mississippi National Guards Military Justice program and presiding over Courts Martial and administrative proceedings.

Chaplain James F. Fisher was promoted to colonel by Maj. Gen. William "Bill" Green Jr., U.S. Army chief of chaplains, during a ceremony on Feb. 2, 2024, at the Fort Hamilton Garrison Chapel in Brooklyn, N.Y. Fisher serves as chief of the Strategic Initiatives Group with the Office of the Chief of Chaplains, and as senior chaplain of the Protestant Cornerstone Fellowship at the garrison. Family members joined Green in celebrating Fisher's promotion. Army

Sasebo-based Sailors and family members recite the Pledge of Allegiance of the United States of America during a naturalization ceremony at Commander, Fleet Activities Sasebo Sept. 28, 2022. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and Region Legal Service Office Western Pacificcollaborated to conduct the naturalization ceremony at CFAS allowing Sailors to become U.S. citizens.

U.S. Marines with 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, present flowers to Lance Cpl. Shane P. Martins family members during a command post dedication ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Jan. 19, 2024. The battalion dedicated the command post to honor Martin, who was killed in action July 29, 2010, while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

Newly promoted Brig. Gen. Thad Collard (third from left) poses with his family after a Nov. 11 promotion ceremony at the U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. Also pictured are, from left to right, daughter-in-law Devyn Collard, son Jack Collard, wife Denise Collard, and sons Cadets Carson and Troy Collard. Collard, Army Reserve Medical Commands new deputy commanding general, also fulfills the role of Assistant Surgeon General for Mobilization, Readiness and Reserve Affairs, Office of the Surgeon General.

A Family member of a Soldier assigned to 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, left, receives a volunteer appreciation award from Col. Andy Kiser, Commander of 2SBCT, right, during a ceremony at Ft. Carson, Sept. 14. The brigade held the ceremony to honor the selfless service of volunteers within the Brigade. U.S. Army photo by Maj. Jason Elmore.

021007-D-9880W-101. Base: Pentagon State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Lieutenant Col. Robert Moeller, the Army Reserve Medical Command's chief of Military Justice, presents red roses to his wife Susan, watched by their son Matthew, at the colonel's Feb. 15, 2024, promotion ceremony held at the command's Pinellas Park, Fla., headquarters. When he is not mobilized, Moeller works as staff prosecutor for Pasco County, Fla. Army

U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 5 Nelson A. Graveley, 21st Theater Sustainment Command Senior Ground Maintenance Warrant Officer, has his new rank pinned on his uniform by his mother and sister at Daenner Kaserne, Germany on August 31, 2022. A ceremony was held for Graveley as he promoted from Chief Warrant officer 4 to Chief Warrant Officer 5 after 25 years of service.

U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Brian Goggin leans down so his family, Susan Goggin and Jim Goggin, can pin on his second lieutenant rank insignia during a commissioning ceremony held inside the auditorium of the Regional Training Institute at Camp Nett, Niantic, Connecticut, Sept. 6, 2022. Goggin will be an infantry officer.

Welcome Mercury 7! On January 9, 2023, the Mercury Brigade welcomed the new BDE CSM, Command Sgt. Major Nicholas M. Curry. It is an honor to have him and his family join this Brigade and be a leader to the Soldiers here. His influence and guidance have already been felt throughout the ranks, and we wish CSM Curry continued success in his time here.

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Thaddeus E. Lesesne, a recruiter with Recruiting Sub Station Kissimmee, Recruiting Station Tampa, and family members congratulate Pfc. Darren J. Alvarez Lopez, a native of Orlando, Florida, with Platoon 2037, for graduating Marine Corps recruit training as the company honor graduate for Echo Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina, May 27, 2022. Alvarez Lopez earned this distinction over 13 weeks of training by outperforming other recruits in his company during a series of training events designed to test their basic Marine Corps skills.

Past and present Soldiers attend the 213th Regional Support Group's Dining Out at The Meadows in Hellertown, Nov. 5, 2022. Then event was the 213th RSG's first since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. The evening program included toasts and an award ceremony. Brig. Gen James McCormack, the Assistant Adjutant General-Army of the Pennsylvania National Guard, Col. Frank Montgomery, commander of the 213th RSG and other distinguished visitor shared remarks during the event. (Photo by, Staff Sgt. Brandon Nelson)

Visit of Secretary Dirk Kempthorne to the Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C., to view Marine Corps Evening Parade, deliver remarks, and attend reception at the site, a National Historic Landmark

Command Sgt. Maj. Morgan L. Evans, Jr., outgoing U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence G-3 operations sergeant major, is appointed laterally to command sergeant major from the rank of sergeant major, during a ceremony at Fort Rucker, Ala., Aug. 11, 2022.

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Ryan Scott, 2-10 AHB Commander, conducts his last flight as battalion commander on Fort Drum, Ny. July 15, 2022. Lt. Col. Scott was pinned his Master Aviator Wings afterwards, after completing 15 years of service and 2,000 flight hours.

From left to right: Norfolk Naval Shipyard Apprentice Director Colby Tynes, 2022 Apprentice valedictorian and Shop 31 Inside Machinist Linda Matthews, and Shipyard Commander Capt. Dianna Wolfson.

From left, NASA Public Affairs Officer Dustin Cammack, Military Order of the Purple Heart National Adjutant Ernie Rivera, Military Order of the Purple Heart Department of Florida Commander Christopher Vedvick and NASA Public Affairs Officer Derrick Matthews are photographed inside Kennedy Space Centers Training Auditorium during a Veterans Day observance ceremony on Nov. 7, 2019. During the event, Kennedy was named a Purple Heart Entity by the Military Order of the Purple Heart, becoming the first NASA center to receive this designation for support and services provided to veterans through the Florida spaceports Veterans employee resource group. Attendees included Kennedy employees and more than 20 Purple Heart recipients. Following the award presentation, Vedvick, a combat wounded veteran, spoke about his experience serving in the United States Army before retiring, his involvement in the Military Order of the Purple Heart and the purpose of the organization.

William Clarkson, a Museum Educator at the Hampton Roads Naval Museum, provides a guided tour to high school students and chaperones from a Navy JROTC group that visited the museum on Wednesday, April 20, 2022. The museum is located on the second floor of the Nauticus building in Downtown Norfolk, Virginia and is one of ten U.S. Navy museums within the Naval History and Heritage Command.

GREAT LAKES, Il. (Mar. 15, 2023) Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Noah Alonso, assigned to Naval Station Great Lakes, is promoted to the rank of second class petty officer under the meritorious advancement program (MAP). Opened in 1911, NSGL is the Navys largest training installation and the home of the Navys only Boot Camp. Located on over 1600 acres overlooking Lake Michigan, the installation includes 1,153 buildings with 39 on the National Register of Historic Places. NSGL supports over 50 tenant commands and elements as well as over 20,000 Sailors, Marines, Soldiers, and DoD civilians who live and work on the installation.

Lt. Col. Daniel Ortwerth, strategy plans officer for the 157th Combat Operations Squadron, is pinned by his wife during his retirement ceremony, May 15, 2022, at Jefferson Barracks Air National Guard Base, St. Louis, Missouri. Ortwerth served for 28 years.

The Wickham Family poses for a group photo with U.S. Marine Corps Col. Michael L. Brooks, the base commander of Marine Corps Base Quantico, after winning second place in the United Service Organizations (USO) Amazing Race competition at Butler Stadium on Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, April 29, 2022. The top three finishers were awarded gift baskets that had candy, prizes, and gift cards.

Col. David Helfrich, the Illinois National Guard Joint Staffs Strategic Planner, is pinned with his new colonel rank by his family during his promotion ceremony at the Illinois State Military Museum in Springfield, Illinois, on Dec. 15, 2022. Helfrich expressed gratitude for his familys and friends support throughout his military career and is excited to embrace his new rank and responsibilities.

030926-M-5916B-003. Base: Marine Corps Base, Quantico State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Army Central's Commanding General, Lt. Gen. Ronald Clark, left, poses for a photo with Julia Smoak, the oldest member of the University of South Carolina chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, in Columbia, S.C., May 11, 2022. USC NSDAR is a non-profit, non-political womens volunteer service organization that serves its community through historic preservation, patriotic endeavors, and promotion of education.

030312-F-4132J-042. Base: Savannah International Airport State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ANG

The family of U.S. Air Force Col. Asheleigh Gellner, the vice wing commander of the 182nd Airlift Wing, Illinois Air National Guard, pins on her new rank at a promotion ceremony in Peoria, Illinois, Sept. 11, 2022. Gellner has 22 years of military service and transferred to the wing after graduating the U.S. Naval War College.

030716-D-5011J-040. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Fort Stewart State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Col. John Misenheimer, garrison commander, listens to the keynote speech during the 30th anniversary of the dedication of the Buffalo Soldier Monument.In conjunction with Buffalo Soldiers Day (June 28), Fort Leavenworth hosted a ceremony for the 30th anniversary of the dedication of the Buffalo Soldier Monument.Learn more at: https://home.army.mil/leavenworth/index.php/about/visitor-information/attractions/buffalo-soldier-commemorative-area

Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro, right, awards a coin to Aviation Electrician's Mate Airman Noah MacKrille, assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 129, during his first visit to Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington April 11, 2022. NAS Whidbey Island is the sole naval aviation support in the Pacific Northwest and home to all Navy tactical electronic attack squadrons flying the EA-18G Growler in addition to eight Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance squadrons flying the P-3 Orion, P-8 Poseidon and EP-3E Aries.

Active duty volunteer LS2(SW) Charles Fowler, assigned to USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), presents a commemorative pin and coin to Virgil Greene, who served aboard USS Newport News (CA 148) as a Second Class Boiler Technician from 1969-1973 during the Vietnam War. Greene was visiting the Hampton Roads Naval Museums exhibit, The Ten Thousand-Day War at Sea: The U.S. Navy in Vietnam, 1950-1975. The museum is located on the second floor of the Nauticus building in Downtown Norfolk, Virginia

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY SOUDA BAY, Greece (Dec. 9, 2022) Chief Logistics Specialist Tanay Mondragon, assigned to Naval Supply Systems Command Fleet Logistics Center (NAVSUP FLC) Sigonella, Site Souda Bay, is presented with a Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal by Lt. Cmdr. Dale Lessner, Officer in Charge, NAVSUP FLC Sigonella, Site Souda Bay, during a Retirement Ceremony at Naval Support Activity (NSA) Souda Bay on Dec. 9, 2022. NSA Souda Bay is an operational ashore installation which enables and supports U.S., Allied, Coalition, and Partner nation forces to preserve security and stability in the European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility.

GREAT LAKES, Il. (Sep. 14, 2022) Naval Station Great Lakes and tenant commands reconize command ombudsmen during a ombudsman appreciation ceremony at the National Museum of the American Sailor. Opened in 1911, NSGL is the Navys largest training installation and the home of the Navys only Boot Camp. Located on over 1600 acres overlooking Lake Michigan, the installation includes 1,153 buildings with 39 on the National Register of Historic Places. NSGL supports over 50 tenant commands and elements as well as over 20,000 Sailors, Marines, Soldiers, and DoD civilians who live and work on the installation.

PEARL HARBOR (Dec. 7, 2019) Pearl Harbor survivor Don Long receives an American Flag during the 78th Anniversary Pearl Harbor Remembrance Commemoration. The commemoration provided service members, veterans, family members, and the community a chance to honor the sacrifices made by those who were present Dec. 7, 1941. Since the attacks, the U.S. and Japan have endured more than 70 years of continued peace.

Promotion Ceremony for Sgt. Jordan Knudsen to Staff Sgt.

U.S. Army Soldiers with Able Company, Recruiting and Retention Battalion, New Jersey Army National Guard, teach Cub Scouts how to properly fold the American Flag in a military funeral ceremony at Conlon Hall, Bergen Field, New Jersey, Feb. 6, 2024. Teaching the flag folding ceremony to the Cub Scouts of America is believed to teach the youth of Bergenfield the history and traditions involved in rendering honors at a funeral. Army National Guard

Gen. Chance Saltzman has his new rank pinned on him by his family during during his promotion to general at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Nov. 2, 2022. Saltzman will relieve Chief of Space Operations Gen. John W. Jay Raymond as the second CSO, the senior uniformed officer heading the Space Force.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Allison Barfield, left, an administrative specialist assigned to the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit Cherry Point, is presented a gift by Ed Hughes, a member of the New Bern Military Alliance, during a Service Person of the Quarter event at the New Bern Golf and Country Club, New Bern, North Carolina, June 9, 2022. Barfield was recognized and selected by the New Bern Military Alliance for her positive impact on the local community. Service Person of the Quarter celebrates Marines and Sailors that go above and beyond to invest in the installation and local community with their time and talent.

The 1st Armored Division Chaplain Lt. Col. Light Shin delivers the invocation during the El Paso Chamber of Commerce's State of the Military event August 4, 2022 at the Paso del Norte Hotel. This is event is usually held annually, but has not occurred since 2019 due to COVID restrictions. Standing next to Shin is the chamber's Chief Executive Officer Andrea Hutchins.

120827-N-QD949-078BETHESDA, Md. (Aug. 27, 2012) Rear Adm. Frank A. Morneau presents the Bronze Star medal to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician 2nd Class (Diver) Taylor J. Morris, a quadruple amputee, during a ceremony at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Morris is enrolled in Navy Safe Harbor, the Navy's wounded warrior support program.

Lt. Col. Brian Montgomery, right, commander of the "Can Do Battalion," 3rd Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, presents an American flag to Marie Hinerman, left, the sister of Cpl. Donald L. Menken, during the interment of Mencken's remains at Green Acres Cemetery in Ermine, Kentucky, May 14, 2022. Menken was a 3rd ID Soldier in the Korean War serving with the 3rd Bn., 15th IR, and was reported missing in action after being wounded by artillery fire while guarding Outpost Harry on June 10, 1953, on a road to Seoul, Republic of Korea, in what is now the Demilitarized Zone and his remains were unaccounted for until Feb. 2, 2022, and then repatriated to the place Menken called home.

221021-N-IV962-2437SAN DIEGO (Oct. 21, 2022) - Chief Information Systems Technician Shalisha Sims receives her chief petty officer combination cover during a ceremony aboard amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8), Oct. 21. Chiefs are recognized for exemplary technical expertise within their rating, superior administrative skills, and strong leadership ability. Makin Island is a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship homeported in San Diego.

040211-F-5253G-042. Base: Baltimore State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Army Brig. Gen. Jason Benson, the Assistant Division Commander - Maneuver of the Minnesota National Guards 34th Red Bull Infantry Division, is promoted during an event at the Minnesota State Capitol on January 13, 2024. The promotion comes as Benson and more than 500 fellow Red Bulls prepare for an upcoming deployment to the Middle-East later this year.We do not promote people to brigadier general because that of which they have already done, said Army Maj. Gen. Charles Kemper, 34th Infantry Division Commander. "We promote them based on the potential they have to lead.

Family members of David J. Mounkes apply his new brigadier general officer rank during a promotion and change-of-command ceremony held at the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Ky., Aug. 13, 2022. Mounkes assumed command of the Kentucky Air Guard at the event, taking on the role of assistant adjutant general for Air from Brig. Gen. Jeffrey L. Wilkinson, who is retiring.

230405-N-EH998-1246 NORFOLK, Va. (April 5, 2023) Sailors assigned to the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Nitze (DDG 94) greet their families upon returning to Norfolk Naval Station, April 5, 2023. USS Nitze returns to homeport after an eight-month deployment in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the 2nd, 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operation.

Rear Admiral Eric Ruttenberg, U.S. Pacific Fleet Reserves, director of maritime operations, presents a folded flag to Vanessa Helming, a relative of U.S. Navy Shipfitter Third Class Francis Hannon, during an interment ceremony at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Honolulu, Hawaii, Oct. 13, 2022. Hannon was assigned to the USS Oklahoma when the ship was attacked by Japanese aircraft during World War II. Hannon was accounted for on Aug. 28, 2017. DPAA's mission is to achieve the fullest possible accounting for missing and unaccounted-for U.S. personnel to their families and the nation.

U.S. Marines with 9th Marine Corps District award children of service members with certificates of appreciation during the Month of the Military Child at Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart, Lake Forest, Ill, April 6, 2022. Over the weeks of April it is a time to honor the children of military members and to recognize the important role military children play in the armed forces community, and the sacrifices made by military families. (U.S. Marine Corps photos by Cpl. Ethan M. LeBlanc)

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sergeant Robert Simms, canvassing recruiter of Recruiting Sub Station Mesquite, is awarded the Centurion helm on Sept. 30, 2022 for his valiant efforts in Marine Corps Recruiting Command (MCRC). SSgt. Simms contracted 101 enlisted individuals into the Marine Corps as a canvassing recruiter of Recruiting Sub Station Mesquite. This achievement recongnizes him as a Centurion in the recruiting field and earned him a custom helm given to him by the Recruiting Station Dallas Command.

Sacramento District Commander Col. James Handura had the honor of addressing students, family, and friends during the Society of American Military Engineers Sacramento Posts scholarship event. Col. Handura joined National Guard Brig. Gen. Michael Herman in handing out $34,500 in scholarship checks to award high school and college students who are studying engineering or related technical disciplines.

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