Military Award Ceremonies

Photos capture military award ceremonies and commendations, showcasing the recognition of service members' achievements and duties in various roles.

Gen. Paul Funk, commanding general, United States Army Training and Doctrine Command, presented a challenge coin to Staff Sgt. Sean Chilcote, a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter maintainer, 128th Aviation Brigade, United States Army Aviation Center of Excellence, April 13, 2022, at Fort Eustis, Virginia.

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Joseph McGee, commanding general, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) and Fort Campbell greets Soldiers June 2, 2022, during the D-Day 78th Commemoration Carentan Battlefield Orientation, at the Theatre de Carentan, Carentan, France. The D-Day airborne assault into Normandy was the largest use of airborne troops during World War II. Paratroopers of the U.S. 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions, the British 6th Airborne Division, the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion, and other attached Allied units took part in the assault.

Gen. Paul Funk, commanding general, United States Army Training and Doctrine Command, presented a challenge coin to Staff Sgt. Sean Chilcote, a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter maintainer, 128th Aviation Brigade, United States Army Aviation Center of Excellence, April 13, 2022, at Fort Eustis, Virginia.

Headquarters Detachment, Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center held an award ceremony for Annual Training 2022 at Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center, Mississippi, August 5, 2022.

Lt. Gen. Stephen N. Whiting, Space Operations Command commander, greets Guardians, Soldiers and civilians at the Wideband Satellite Communications Operations Center (WSOC) in Landstuhl, Germany, Sep. 12, 2022. On Aug. 15, 2022, the WSOCs mission responsibility transferred from the U.S. Armys 53rd Signal Battalion to the U.S. Space Forces Space Operations Command, under Space Delta 8s 53rd Space Operations Squadron. The transfer marked the first time that all Department of Defense military satellite communication functions were unified under a single military service.

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Thomas F. Spencer, commanding general of the 42nd Infantry Division, New York Army National Guard (left), presents a 42nd ID challenge coin as a token of appreciation to Spc. Stephen Snyder, avionic mechanic for Delta Company, 3rd Battalion, 142nd Aviation Regiment, Assault Helicopter Battalion, attached to 36th Combat Aviation Brigade (center), during an office visit at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, Nov. 23, 2022. Accompanying Snyder and presenting remarks on Snyder's deployment achievements to Spencer is First Sgt. Edward K. Rose, first sergeant of Delta Company, 3-142nd AHB. 36th CAB, mobilized as Task Force Mustang, provides full-spectrum Army aviation operations for the Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve mission to advise, assist, and enable partnered forces in the enduring defeat of ISIS.

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, board a plane to deploy to the U.S. Army Europe and Africa area of operations, from Fort Hood, Texas, July 13, 2022. The Fort Hood-based 3ABCT, 1CD will go to Europe to reassure NATO allies, deter Russian aggression and to be prepared to support a range of other requirements in the region.

U.S. Army Sgt. David Berger, a laboratory technician assigned to U.S. Army Health Clinic Vicenza, receives a coin from Maj. Gen. Todd R. Wasmund, U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) commanding general, at Caserma Ederle, Vicenza, Italy, Feb. 2nd, 2024. Berger was chosen by his peers as one of the most deserving of a SETAF-AF coin in the laboratory as Wasmund showed his appreciation for the members of U.S. Army Health Clinic Vicenza during the U.S. Army Nursing Corps 123rd birthday celebration. SETAF-AF provides U.S. Africa Command and U.S. Army Europe & Africa a dedicated headquarters to synchronize U.S. Army activities in Africa and scalable crisis response options in Africa and Europe. Army

Maj. Gen. Sean C. Bernabe, outgoing commanding general of the 1st Armored Division, receives the first fired canon round casing from 1st Lt. Tristan Rodriguez, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Field Artillery Regiment, during the division's change of command ceremony at Fort Bliss, Texas, July 14, 2022. The casing is a symbol of the honors rendered.

Maj. Gen. Michael J. Leeney, Commanding General of Task Force Spartan, congratulates Sgt. Grayson Johnson of the 138th Field Artillery Brigade during the Combat Action Badge ceremony, Jordan, Feb. 13, 2024. The Combat Action Badge (CAB) is a United States military award given to soldiers for being present and actively engaging or being engaged by the enemy. Army

U.S. Army Col. Martin Wohlgemuth, Area Support Group-Kuwait commander, has a laugh during his visit with Lt. Gen. Patrick Frank, U.S. Army Central Commanding General, at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait on Aug. 19, 2022 during his visit to the base. Wohlgemuth showed Frank around the base to update him on the units and projects going on around camp.

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Jordan St. Clair, a 103rd Rescue Squadron pararescueman and team leader of the Tamar mission of the 106th Rescue Wing, Francis S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base, Westhampton Beach, New York Air National Guard, receives The Air Force Commendation Medal for heroism for actions at sea, at a ceremony on base, June 4, 2022.

Command Sergeant Major Michael Burns, 7th Infantry Division Operations Sergeant Major for the Yama Sakura 83 Exercise, and Command Sergeant Major Isa Nakamura, Bilateral Training Section Operations Sergeant Major for the Japan Ground Self-Defense Forces Western Army, are interviewed by Sgt. 1st Class Tom Foster, Mass Communications Supervisor from the 117th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, for a story during Yama Sakura 83 at Camp Kengun, Japan, Dec 10, 2022. The two Sergeants Major epitomize the spirit of Yama Sakura through their friendship built on their shared vision of peace, and prosperity not just for the region but the world.

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. John V. Meyer III, commanding general of the 1st Infantry Division and Fort Riley pins the rank of brigadier general on U.S. Army Col. Geoffrey A. Norman, deputy commanding officer of support of the 1st Infantry Division during his promotion ceremony at Poznan, Poland, June 1, 2022. The 1st Infantry Division is among other units assigned to V Corps, Americas forward deployed corps in Europe that works alongside NATO allies.

Chief Warrant Officer 5 Daniel Jacques is pinned a Meritorious Service Medal during his retirement ceremony at the Army Aviation Support Facility, May 15, in Concord, NH. Jacques retired after 40-years of service to the New Hampshire Army National Guard. Throughout his tenure he served as a U.S. Army Aviator, deploying seven times in support of various operations as a pilot. (Photo by U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Courtney Rorick, 114th Public Affairs Detachment)

SCHRIEVER SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Chief Master Sergeant of the Space Force Roger Towberman, paid a visit to Schriever SFB, Colorado, 7 September, 2022. During the visit, Towberman answered many questions from USSF Guardians on career and service issues.

11 Soldiers of the 35th Infantry Division Artillery were promoted to the ranks of Sergeant and Staff Sergeant during a ceremony at the Division Headquarters in Leavenworth, Kansas, January 7, 2024. The Soldiers were promoted by Capt. Hans Stephensen and Acting 1st Sgt. Andrew Eicholtz.

Command Sgt. Maj. Joseph Hjelmstad, command senior enlisted leader of the Iowa National Guard, congratulates Staff Sgt. Lorik Ramaj, a Kosovo Security Force member assigned to a civilian affairs company, on his graduation from a U.S. Air Assault course at Camp Dodge in Johnston, Iowa, on Sept. 9, 2022. Over 200 students participated in the 12-day course held at Camp Dodge, which trains service members in sling load operations and rappelling. The Iowa National Guard is partnered with the KSF as part of the DOD State Partnership Program, which offers unique opportunities for joint training and cooperation. Ramaj and one other KSF soldier became the first KSF members to graduate from a U.S. Air Assault course.

U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Justin Seals, the 378th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron operations flight superintendent, shakes hands with Chief Master Sgt. Phillip Mullins, the 378th Air Expeditionary Wing A/1,6,7 senior enlisted leader, at Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Leaders with the 378th AEW gathered to congratulate Seals on his selection for the rank of chief master sergeant.

Gen. Anthony Cotton, United States Strategic Commandcommander, left, greets Lt. Col. Erik Greendyke, 40thHelicopter Squadron director of operations, at Malmstrom AirForce Base, Mont., June 28, 2023. Cotton visited Malmstromto award the 40th HS the 2022 Omaha Trophy for the manymission-essential accomplishments they had in their 4,060hours of flight last year.

U.S. Army Soldier Staff Sgt. Marcel Arseneau, assigned to Bravo Company, 186th BSB, 86th IBCT (MTN), Vermont National Guard, relinquishes the NCO Sword for the 1st. Sgt. change of responsibility ceremony at B. Maintenance, Camp Johnson, Colchester, Vt., January 6, 2024. Outgoing 1st. Sgt. John Grimes hands responsibility to incoming 1st. Sgt. Nicole Baker.

U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Patrick D. Frank, commanding general of U.S. Army Central (right), receives greetings from Staff Sgt. David R. DiDomenico, administrative noncommissioned officer from 2nd Battalion, 149th Aviation Regiment, General Support Aviation Battalion, assigned as "Task Force Roosevelt" to 36th Combat Aviation Brigade, 36th Infantry Division, at Udairi Landing Zone on Camp Buehring, Kuwait, Sept. 17, 2022. 36th CAB, mobilized as Task Force Mustang, is deployed in support of the Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve mission to advise, assist, and enable partnered forces in the enduring defeat of Daesh, the common Arabic term for IS or ISIS, within designated areas of Iraq and Syria.

Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost, U.S. Transportation Command commander, right, salutes Tech. Sgt. Travis Wilkins, 730th Air Mobility Squadron support section non-commissioned officer in charge, left, during a leadership tour of Yokota Air Base, Japan, May 17, 2022. The USTRANSCOM team has made it a priority to meet with the military members that make the transportation mission succeed every day and have traveled to installations concerning cargo and personnel movement throughout the Indo-Pacific theater of operations. The 730th AMS mission is to provide critical en route services to deployed forces worldwide, supporting passengers and critical cargo movement.

U.S. Space Force Gen. John W. "Jay" Raymond, left, Chief of Space Operations, shakes hands with U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Tom James, right, commander of the Joint Task Force-Space Defense, during his visit to the organization at Schriever Space Force Base, Colorado, Sept. 6, 2022. During the visit, Raymond and his team learned about the JTF-SD's protect and defend mission and its critical command and control networks. The JTF-SD, and its National Space Defense Center, provide unprecedented unity of effort with the Department of Defense, Intelligence Community and National Reconnaissance Office to protect and defend against threats in the space domain.

Maj. Gen. David Hodne, commanding general, 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson, awards an Army Commendation Medal to Staff Sgt. Preston Charles, a combat engineer assigned to 4th Security Force Assistance Brigade, Security Force Assistance Command, April 19, 2022, during the Combatives Recognition at Fort Carson, Colorado. The Lacerda Cup is an all Army combatives competition that tests Soldiers capabilities in hand-to-hand combat by facing each other in a fight won by submission, points, or knockout.

Maj. Jeffrey Erwin, outgoing commander of the 7th Munitions Squadron, relinquishes command on Dyess Air Force Base Texas, 16 Jun 2022. Arming bombs and installing munition fins depends on the weapon size, purpose, and mission requirements.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Maurice L. Williams, command chief, Air National Guard, receives a brief about the KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft by Tech. Sgt. Robert Drogus, crew chief, 171st Maintenance Group, 171st Air Refueling Wing, Pennsylvania National Guard, June 11, 2022, near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Williams is visiting Air National Guard bases around the country ensuring the voices of the enlisted force are heard.

Leadership from the 142nd Operations Group (OG) and the Operations Support Squadron conduct a redesignation ceremony, changing the Operations Support Flight to the Operations Support Squadron (OSS), Sept. 9, 2022, Portland Air National Guard Base, Oregon. During the Ceremony the guideons were switched out to visually represent the change from Flight to Squadron. 142nd OG commander, Col. Aaron Mathena, plans to continue growing the OSS to be the most it can be. Currently the squadron is comprised of 40 members but the intention is to expand it to 50 in the near future. The function of the OSS is to provide training and development, planning, scheduling and to manage life support activities in support of flying operations.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Michael Loh, director, Air National Guard, thanks Master Sgt. Brent Garrison, after presenting him with a coin of excellence, 168th Medical Group, 168th Wing, Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, August 9, 2022. Garrison was recognized as an expert Resource Advisor and Medical Readiness NCOIC, ensuring expeditious medical processing and increasing unit readiness while navigating an ever-changing environment during the global pandemic.

U.S. Army Lt. Col Nathan Speanburg, outgoing commander, 572nd Brigade Engineer Battalion, 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Mountain), Vermont Army National Guard, receives an Army Meritorious Service Medal during a change of command ceremony held at the Rutland Southern Vermont Regional Airport, North Clarendon, Vt., July 10, 2022. U.S. Army Col. Leonard Poirier, commander, 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Mountain), Vermont Army National Guard, presents the medal.

U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Simon Doran, director of Strategy and Plans Division, Headquarters Marine Corps, listens to a briefing by U.S. Space Force Master Sgt. Maurice Erickson, right, 1st Sgt. for the Joint Task Force-Space Defense during his visit to the organization at Schriever Space Force Base, Colorado, Sept. 29, 2022. Doran received a mission brief from U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Tom James, commander of the JTF-SD. The JTF-SD, in unified action with mission partners, deters aggression, defends capabilities, and defeats adversaries throughout the continuum of conflict.

Maj. Gen. Kenneth S. Hara, The Adjutant General for the State of Hawaii, right, receives a briefing from Maj. Vance Johnson, battalion operations officer assigned to 1st battalion, 297th Infantry Regiment, Alaska Army National Guard, during a command visit to the Tactical Operations Center (TOC) during the Exportable Combat Training Capability program on Camp Roberts, California, July 19, 2022. The TAG and staff visited with each TOC to assess multi-echelon performance and to ensure training is conducted safely and to standard.

Lt. Col. Trond Ruud receives the Army Acquisition Corps flag from Col. Scott Madore during an assumption of charter ceremony that established Product Manager Small Arms Fire Control (PdM SAFC), on Fort Belvoir, August 12. The establishment of the product management office concludes phase three of Program Executive Office (PEO) Soldiers reorganization efforts, following the disestablishment of Project Manager, Soldier Maneuver and Precision Targeting in July.

A 5-Soldier team from the Illinois Army National Guard's 6th Battalion, 54th Security Force Assistance Brigade will deploy to the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command Area of Responsibility. Logistics Advisor Team 6611 will team up with the 5th SFAB at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, before deploying. Pictured is Brig. Gen. Rodney Boyd, the Assistant Adjutant General - Army of the Illinois National Guard and Commander of the Illinois Army National Guard talking to Sgt. Ross Ward of Chicago at the team's Aug. 7 mobilization ceremony on Rock Island Arsenal, Ill.

U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 4 Christopher Fernandez, an information services technician with the 369th Sustainment Brigade, smiles in front of the brigade formation while Col. Seth Morgulas, the brigade commander, speaks about Fernandezs achievement during a promotional recognition ceremony at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, Nov. 5, 2022. Fernandez was promoted from the rank of chief warrant officer 3.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. John Allen, right, Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center commander, coins U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Devin Mazza, 52nd Logistics Readiness Squadron Air Force Forces Transportation Training Center-Europe instructor, at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, Feb. 8, 2024. AFFTTC-E trains Airmen on EU driving standards, ensuring the safe and effective movement of cargo through the European theater. Air Force

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Courtney Freeman, U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center command chief, coins Airmen at the Joint Base Charleston Naval Weapons Station, Oct. 20, 2022. Freeman and Maj. Gen. John Klein, U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center commander, visited EC units to see first-hand how they organize, train and equip warrior Airmen and to recognize exceptional performers.

Sgt. Maj. Christopher Coleman was promoted to his current rank by both of his sons during a ceremony at the Division Headquarters in Leavenworth, Kansas, January 7, 2024. Sgt. Maj. Coleman is no stranger to the Kansas National Guard, having moved to Kansas three years ago with his wife Margaret, and deploying with the 35th ID in 2022 in support of Operation Spartan Shield overseas.

Maj. Gen. David Hodne, commanding general, 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson, awards an Army Commendation Medal to Sgt. Nicholas Vane, a cavalry scout assigned to 1st Battalion, 41st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Inf. Div., April 19, 2022, during the Combatives Recognition at Fort Carson, Colorado. Vane was part of the team that placed 1st out of 13 other teams across the Army during the Lacerda Cup competition, which was held in Fort Benning, Georgia.

Gen. Charles A. Flynn, the U.S. Army Pacific Commanding General, visited Soldiers at the Division Sustainment Brigade Sustainment Bistro at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, Nov. 3, 2022. The Soldiers were recognized for their hard work and dedication throughout Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center rotation 23-01.

Col. Steve Mattingly, 138th Field Artillery Brigade commander, addresses Soldiers of the 1-158 Inf. Reg. C. Co and the 138th Field Artillery Brigade during the Combat Action Badge ceremony, Jordan, Feb. 13, 2024. The Combat Action Badge (CAB) is a United States military award given to soldiers of the U.S. Army for being present and actively engaging or being engaged by the enemy. (

Lt. Gen. John D. Lamontagne, U.S. Air Forces in Europe - Air Forces Africa deputy commander, meets Brig. Gen. Otis C. Jones, 86th Airlift Wing commander, team at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, March 22, 2023. Lamontagne toured the 86th Airlift Wing to meet Airmen and learn about their contribution to the mission.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Mikael Sundin, 1st Air Force Command Chief, tours the Aerospace Control Alert F-16 hangars at the Ohio National Guards 180th Fighter Wing. Sundin visited the 180FW to speak with Airmen and reinforce the importance of the 180FWs role in NORADs Homeland Defense mission, maintaining robust capabilities to defend the airspace over Canada, Alaska, and the continental U.S.

131st Force Support Services Commander Lt. Col. Timothy Sullivan, right, salutes Col. William Miller, 131st Mission Support Group commander, during the units change of command ceremony Aug. 4, 2022, in Knob Noster, Mo. Sullivan was also presented with the Meritorious Service Medal during the ceremony.

U.S. Army Soldiers with the Pennsylvania National Guards 56th Striker Brigade Combat Team, 28th Infantry Division, prepare to board a plane at Harrisburg International Airport on Jan. 1, 2024. The Soldiers are leaving their homes and families for about a year to deploy to Africa to support U.S. Africa Command and partner forces with security objectives in the region. Maj. Gen. Mark McCormack, the commanding general of the 28th Infantry Division, Brig. Gen. Laura McHugh, the Deputy Adjutant General-Army, Command Sgt. Maj. Shawn Phillips, the State Command Sergeant Major, and other officials greeted Soldiers as they boarded their planes to leave Pennsylvania.

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Timothy P. Herrington was recognized for more than 28 years of service to the Mississippi Army National Guard during a retirement ceremony held at Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center, Mississippi, August 6, 2022. Herrington previously served as a commissioned officer obtaining the rank of colonel. Herrington was present the Legion of Merit, the Mississippi Magnolia Cross and was promoted to the rank of brigadier general. His wife, Carmen, was presented the Mississippi Magnolia Necklace and a certificate of appreciation. (U.S. Army National Guard photos by Sgt. Jovi Prevot)

Command Sgt. Maj. Anguiano of the 176th Medical Brigade bids Sgt. Donley a farewell during his retirement ceremony on June 4, 2022, in Seagoville, Tx.

Airman 1st Class Blake Silvis, a locksmith assigned to the 380th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron, renders a salute to Lt. Gen. Gregory M. Guillot, the Ninth Air Force (Air Forces Central) commander, June 3, 2022 at Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates. Guillot coined five select Airmen for exemplifying the 380th AEWs motto of Always mission ready, Never Second Best.

Chief Master Sgt. Jerry Ratliff, 386th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron fire chief, gets promoted during a ceremony at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait. He was promoted by Lt. Col. Sylvester dAgrella, 386th ECES commander, on Sept. 17, 2022. Ratliffs family was able to watch his promotion ceremony via cellphone streaming. Nearly 100 firefighters, friends, fellow chiefs and leaders took part in the ceremony. Ratiff, who is deployed from the 132nd Civil Engineer Squadron, Iowa Air National Guard, joined the top 1-percent of enlisted members upon promoting to his new rank.

1/11th Brigade Fires Support team and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Exchange gifts at the close of Yama Skura 83, Camp Higashi-Chitose, Japan, December 12, 2022. Continued, face-to-face interactions with our allies and partners are the foundation of our bilateral and multilateral relationships. (U.S. National Guard phot by Randall E. Corpuz)

Col. Paul D. Howard, Signal School Commandant & Chief of Signal, receives mission briefs from 2d Theater Signal Brigade leadership, staff and battalions during a short visit to USAG Wiesbaden Sept. 26, 2022. The U.S. Army Signal School trains, educates, and develops highly skilled Signal Soldiers across the Army to support the full range of Multi-Domain Signal Operations. The Chief of Signal manages the Personnel and Branch Proponency for the Signal Corps.

Lt. Gen. Stephen Whiting, commander of Space Operations Command, left, is greeted by Chief Master Sgt. Charles Shurchay, Senior Enlisted Leader of Space Base Delta 2, right, to begin his visit to the delta at Buckley Space Force Base, Colo., 12 Dec, 2022. As commander, Lt. Gen. Whiting leads the generation, presentation and sustainment of combat-ready intelligence, cyber, space and combat support forces and serves as the U.S. Space Force Service Component to U.S. Space Command.

Maj. Gen. Sean M. Salene, the U.S. Central Command's Director of Strategy, Plans, and Policy (J-5), speaks with Colonel Brian T. Hobbins, the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing deputy commander, September 27, 2022 at Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates. Salene met with key leaders at the U.S. Embassy Abu Dhabi and the 380th AEW. Meetings focused on how U.S. Forces in the UAE coordinate with their Emirati Partners to maintain regional security.

Lt. Gen. Tony D. Bauernfeind, Commander of Air Force Special Operations Command, and Chief Master Sgt. Cory M. Olson, Command Chief of AFSOC, along with members of the 1st Special Operations Wing stand ready to showcase the AFSOC and 1 SOW missions to President Mario Abdo Benítez, of the Republic of Paraguay, at Hurlburt Field, Fla., March 31 2023. Paraguay and the United States have been allies under the Rio Treaty, an agreement signed by several countries in the Americas for defense solidarity, since 1947.

Maj. Gen. Bob D. Harter and Brig. Gen. Jason Kelly share a laugh with the Honorable Kevin Shwedo after the assumption of command ceremony yesterday for Maj. Gen. Harter, who officially assumed command of the 81st Readiness Division on September 20, 2022, at Ft. Jackson, South Carolina. Harter most recently served as the Deputy Chief of the Army Reserve at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C.Distinguished guests at this event included Lt. Gen. Jody J. Daniels, Chief of the Arm Reserve and Commanding General of U.S. Army Reserve Command; the Honorable Kevin Shwedo, Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army, South Carolina; Maj. Gen. Van McCarty, South Carolina Adjutant General; Mrs. Jennifer Harding, South Carolina State Chair, Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve; Mr. George Sharpe, Staff Representative from the office of U.S. Senator Tim Scott; Mr. Sam Brick, United States Army Reserve Ambassador; Brig. Gen. Jason Kelly, Commanding General, U.S. Army Training Center and Fort Jackson;

Sgt. Maj. of the Army Michael A. Grinston speaks with Squad Seven, representing the U.S Army Reserve, during the Army Best Squad Competition on Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Oct. 1, 2022. The "Squad" extends beyond a traditional infantry squad to any small-unit group of Soldiers, connected by a squad leader, who has the most direct impact on their lives. Soldiers never fight alone, the unbreakable bonds forged through shared hardship and unending support for one another are the hallmark of our most successful small units.

Richard Wynne, a Background Investigator with the Department of Corrections for the state of California, led the presentation at the recruiting event at Camp Roberts in the late afternoon of July 16th. Wynne, a former 49th Military Police Brigade Noncommissioned Officer sees the value of his military career and wants more people like himself to join his team. Less than 7% of veterans are Correctional Peace Officers in the state of California and I am here to fix that. said Wynne.My intent is to increase the number of veterans in the department. Senior leadership in the California Military Department has teamed with us to make it more efficient for Guardsmen to join our team. Normally it takes 15 months to hire a new Correctional Peace Officer but with the advantage of being a California National Guardsmen we can cut that down to 9 months and that starts today with the entrance exam.

From left to right: U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Cesar Salilican, MSgt. Ramchand Francisco, and Capt. Timothy Nolan, Tagalog interpreters attached to the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, are awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal by U.S. Marine Corps Col. Thomas Siverts, commanding officer, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, at Camp Rudolfo Punsalang, Palawan, Philippines, Oct. 14, 2022.

U.S. Army Sgt. Daniel J. Littleton, a CBRN specialist and motor pool specialist assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 149th Aviation Regiment, General Support Aviation Battalion, 36th Combat Aviation Brigade, 36th Infantry Division (right), receives a congratulations by Col. Scott P. Nicholas, commander of the 36th CAB, "Task Force Mustang," during a command and staff meeting held at the Task Force Mustang headquarters in Camp Buehring, Kuwait, Sept. 22, 2022. Littleton, a native of Lewisville, TX, was recognized as Task Force Mustang's "Hero of the Week" and was presented a Certificate of Achievement by the brigade command team for his valuable contributions in coordinating, tracking, and moving his entire company's rolling stock with a relentless work ethic, in order to support of 2-149th GSAB's "Task Force Roosevelt" readiness.

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Tom James, left, commander of the Joint Task Force-Space Defense, and U.S. Space Force Brig. Gen. Brian D. Sidari, right, the new intelligence director of U.S. Space Command, pose for a photo at Schriever Space Force Base, Colorado, Aug. 11, 2022. During his visit to the JTF-SD, Sidari received a mission brief and was indoctrinated on the organizations mission. The JTF-SDs mission is, in unified action with mission partners, to deter aggression, defend capabilities and defeat adversaries throughout the continuum of conflict in order to maintain space superiority in the USSPACECOM area of responsibility.

U.S. Air Force Gen. James Hecker, U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa commander, greets Italian air force Col. Marco Schiattoni, ITAF base commander, during a visit to Aviano Air Base, Italy, Oct. 6, 2022. Gen Hecker is responsible for the air and missile defense of 30 NATO alliance member nations while commanding U.S. airpower across more than 19 million square miles.

U.S. Space Force Lt. Gen. Stephen N. Whiting, Space Operations Command commander, receives a mission brief from the 53rd Space Operations Squadron Detachment C staff at the Wideband Satellite Operations Center in Landstuhl, Germany, September 12, 2022.

Lt. Gen. Patrick D. Frank, the commanding general of U.S. Army Central, meets with Lt. Col. Paul J. Mendoza, the commander of the 4-3 Air Defense Artillery Regiment, July 28, 2022, at Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates. The 4-3 ADA's mission is to neutralize aerial threats, in partnership with their host nation counterparts, and provide air and missile defense for critical assets.

The official guests enter the theater at the start of the Transatlantic Expeditionary District' Assumption of Command ceremony, July 21, 2022, at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait. Maj. Gen. Kimberly Colloton, Commanding General of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Division, presided over the time-honored transfer of authority and command ceremony as Lt. Col. Peter Ammerman, the outgoing commander, front, passed the unit colors to Lt. Col. Richard T. Childers, the incoming Expeditionary District Commander, at rear. (Photo by Ahmed Magdy, ASG-Kuwait Training Support Center)

Command Sergeant Major Michael R. Weimer, Command Sergeant Major, U.S. Army Special Operations Command, presents a green beret to a graduate during a Regimental First Formation at Fort Bragg, North Carolina August 18, 2022. The graduation ceremony marked the completion of the Special Forces Qualification Course where Soldiers earned the honor of wearing the green beret, the official headgear of Special Forces.

Col. Steve Mattingly, 138th Field Artillery Brigade commander, pins the Combat Action Badge onto Staff Sgt. Daniel Gardea of the 1-158 Inf. Reg. C. Co. during the Combat Action Badge ceremony, Jordan, Feb. 13, 2024. The Combat Action Badge (CAB) is a United States military award given to soldiers of the U.S. Army for being present and actively engaging or being engaged by the enemy. (

U.S. Army Col. Stephen Capehart, commander of the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, and U.S. Army Col. Brian E. McCarthy, commander of 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, pose for a photo after a transfer of authority ceremony at Zagan, Poland, June 23, 2022. This ceremony marked the end of an 11-month rotation for the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division Soldiers, and the beginning of the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Divisions rotation.

Master Sgt. Holly Ramsey, an administrative assistant assigned to the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing special staff, receives a challenge coin from Lt. Gen. Gregory M. Guillot, the Ninth Air Force (Air Forces Central) commander June 3, 2022 at Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates. Ramsey was recognized for standing up the administrative cell during the wing's transition from group commanders to a wing level A-Staff.

Soldiers from the California National Guards San Bernadino-based 1-185th Infantry Regiment arrived home at Los Angeles International Airport today, Oct. 15, 2022, after a one-year deployment to Poland. During their deployment, the 1-185th was part of Battlegroup Poland, a NATO lead operation that enforces NATO and a multinational military presence in Northeastern Europe. Their specific mission was to train with other nations to demonstrate an alliance and the ability to respond as one force against any potential aggression.

From right: U.S. Air Force Col. James M. Clark, Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center, Detachment 9 incoming commander, shakes hands with U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Tom Wilcox, Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center commander, during a change of command ceremony on Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, July 14, 2022. Clark is responsible for providing contracting, logistical, personnel, infrastructure and installation security services and support to the 11th Wing, its 72 mission partner units and more than 17,000 military and civilian employees and their families throughout the National Capital Region.

011216-F-4539R-502. Base: Prince Sultan Air Base Country: Saudi Arabia (SAU) Scene Major Command Shown: CENTAF

221003-N-UB993-1016SAN DIEGO (Oct. 3, 2022) Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy James Honea speaks with Sailors after an all-hands call at Naval Air Station North Island, Oct. 3, 2022. Honea conducted his second fleet visit to answer questions and discuss his priorities of warfighting competency, professional and character development, and quality of life.

SCHRIEVER SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Chief Master Sergeant of the Space Force Roger Towberman, paid a visit to Schriever SFB, Colorado, 7 September, 2022. During the visit, Towberman answered many questions from USSF Guardians on career and service issues.

Maj. Gen. Andrew Gebara, right, 8th Air Force and Joint-Global Strike Operations Center commander, is briefed by a member of the 28th Bomb Wing at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., Oct. 17, 2022. Gebara connected with Airmen across Ellsworth gaining insight into projects supporting the future arrival of the B-21 Raider.

U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer Four Abraham Garcia, the director of the Warrant Officer Training Division, 1st Battalion, 210th Aviation Regiment, briefs Maj. Gen. Michael McCurry, U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence Commander, on current and future operations of warrant officer training at Fort Eustis, Virginia, September 6, 2022.

Maj. Gen. Jeffrey T. Pennington, 4th Air Force commander, gives his welcome and perspective remarks during his visit July 11, 2022, at Travis Air Force Base, Calif. The opportunity allowed the 349th Air Mobility Wing to showcase its people, mission, accomplishments, and innovation efforts.

Lt. Col. Rodney Hodge, commander of the 298th Support Battalion, Mississippi Army National Guard, speaks with Maj. Gen. Janson D. Boyles, the adjutant general of Mississippi, at the Smith-Wills Stadium in Jackson, Mississippi, Sept. 2, 2022. Nearly 600 Mississippi National Guardsmen were set up across seven sites through Jackson for people to collect bottled water, hand sanitizer and non-potable water from water buffalo trucks.

Lt. Col. Rodney Hodge, commander of the 298th Support Battalion, Mississippi Army National Guard, speaks with Maj. Gen. Janson D. Boyles, the adjutant general of Mississippi, at the Smith-Wills Stadium in Jackson, Mississippi, Sept. 2, 2022. Nearly 600 Mississippi National Guardsmen were set up across seven sites through Jackson for people to collect bottled water, hand sanitizer and non-potable water from water buffalo trucks.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Weldon Hobbs, 355th Comptroller Services Portal Squadron commander, provides his experiences when Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, was hit with Hurricane Michael, during an annual contracting exercise held at Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona, April 28, 2022. Participants of the exercise encountered scenarios involving others posing as various customers and contractors.

U.S. Air Force Maj. James Miracle, 361st Expeditionary Attack Squadron Commander, relinquishes command to Maj. Nathan Timsuren, 361st Expeditionary Attack Squadron incoming commander, during a change of command ceremony at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia, Oct. 7, 2022. A change of command ceremony is a tradition that represents a formal transfer of authority and responsibility from the outgoing commander to the incoming commander. The 361 EATKS operates and maintains remotely piloted aircraft in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.

The United States Army's most qualified uniformed interrogation teams met at Fort Bragg, North Carolina to compete in the inaugural Army Interrogation Olympics to determine the Army's Best Interrogation Team of the Year. Military Intelligence Soldiers from Regular Army, Army Reserve, and Army National Guard components met and thrived in an austere field environment while refining and improving individual and collective HUMINT, analytical, leader, and Soldier skills. The competition was hosted by the 525th Expeditionary Military Intelligence Brigade from August 8 to 10, 2022.

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Michael Garshak, adjutant general, Idaho National Guard, listens to U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Michael Loh, director, Air National Guard, during a meeting at Gowen Field, Boise, Idaho, Aug. 20, 2022. Loh met with various senior leaders answering questions and addressing concerns.

Mr. Wyatt Stinnett, 173rd Medical Group, was coined by the Oregon Adjutant General, Major General Michael Stencel, Apr. 4, 2023 at Kingsley Field in Klamath Falls, Oregon. Stinnett was recognized for his drill status guardsman roll as the medical group first sergeant and leadership within his section as a drill status guardsman and Title 5 civilian.

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Jeffrey Broadwater, deputy commanding general of V Corps, speaks to U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) during a visit with U.S. Sen. Jack Reed of Rhode Island at Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base, Romania, June 30, 2022. The delegation traveled to Romania to engage with U.S. forces and NATO partners to gain a better understanding of U.S. strategic efforts in Europe and engage with Soldiers from Rhode Island.

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr., left, speaks with Air Force and Space Force ROTC cadets and newly commissioned officers during a meeting at the Pentagon, Arlington, Va., July 18, 2022. The group is part of a summer internship program at the Pentagon.

The Air Force District of Washington team speaks with Brig. Gen. Thomas Harrell, Air Force Medical Readiness Agency commander, after the 2022 Medic Rodeo opening ceremony at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M., Aug. 15, 2022. The Medic Rodeo, hosted by the 27th Special Operations Wing, creates a ready medical force by testing the knowledge and skills of medics across the Air Force.

FORT BLISS, TEXAS - Sgt. Maj. Jason Hopkins is inducted into The Order of Military Medical Merit at a formal ceremony hosted by Maj. Gen. Sean C. Bernabe, Commander of 1st Armored Division and Fort Bliss, May 13, 2022. The Order of Military Medical Merit (O2M3) is awarded to a member of the Army Medical Department (AMEDD) who through dedicated application of talent, effort, and spirit, has made a significant contribution having an impact on the whole of the Army. Sgt. Maj. Jason Hopkins is currently serving as the 1st Armored Division Chief Medical Noncommissioned Officer and is a U.S. Army Combat Medic Specialist.

U.S. Space Force Lt. Gen. John Shaw, left, deputy commander for U.S. Space Command, and Honorable Frank Calvelli, Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for space acquisitions and integration, center, greet U.S. Space Force Chief Master Sgt. Jeramey Conley, command senior enlisted leader for the Joint Task Force-Space Defense during a visit to the organization at Schriever Space Force Base, Sept. 7, 2022. Calvelli received briefings on the organizations mission including its three core functions of space domain awareness, indications and warning and space superiority operations. The JTF-SDs mission is, in unified action with mission partners, to deter aggression, defend capabilities and defeat adversaries throughout the continuum of conflict in order to maintain space superiority in the U.S. Space Command area of responsibility.

The Commanding General of the 335th Signal Command (Theater), U.S. Army Reserve Maj. Gen. John H. Phillips, passes the unit guidon to the incoming Commander of the Joint Enabling Capabilities Command Army Reserve Element, Col. John J Kaikkonen, during the JECC ARE change of command ceremony, Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia, Aug. 5, 2022.

U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Robert W. Hartzog (right) command sergeant major of Task Force Mustang - 36th Combat Aviation Brigade (36th CAB), meets Task Force Rough Rider Soldiers of the 3-142nd Assault Helicopter Battalion, stationed with Task Force No Mercy of the 1-101st Attack Helicopter Battalion, at Erbil International Airport in Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq, on Sept. 14, 2022. The command team of Task Force Mustang conducted an office visit with Task Force No Mercy to align leadership intent and values required as an aviation task force supporting Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve.

U.S. Air Force Col. Kristoffer Smith, 20th Fighter Wing commander, right, shakes the hand of a veteran during a Veterans Day ceremony in Sumter, S.C., Nov. 11, 2022. Each year, 30 local veterans are recognized during the ceremony, commemorating their time spent in service to the nation.

U.S. Army Europe and Africas Command Sgt. Maj. Jeremiah E. Inman gives coins to instructors at the 7th Army Noncommissioned Officer Academy on Grafenwoehr, Germany, April 19, 2022. The Soldiers received the coins to commemorate their exceptional performance.

Maj. Jeffrey Irwin, right, outgoing 378th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron commander, receives the Meritorious Service Medal from Brig. Gen. Robert Davis, left, 378th Air Expeditionary Wing commander, during the 378th EMXS change of command ceremony at Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, April 6, 2022. The Meritorious Service Medal is awarded to members of the armed services who distinguish themselves by outstanding service to the United States.

This week our Iron Eagles public affairs team attended the annual public affairs symposium in Wiesbaden, Germany. For A Year of Lessons Learned there they heard from keynote speakers such as Former USAREUR Commander Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Ben Hodges, DCG for USAREUR-AF Lt. Gen. Andrew Rohling, and Army Chief of Public Affairs Maj. Gen. John Rafferty. Throughout the symposium the teams spoke on many topics covering everything from Russia/Ukraine to the 2023 communication strategy. Big things are in store for the future of Army communications

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Kristopher Berg, 11th Air Force Command Chief, recognizes three Airmen with a coining during a base visit at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Sept. 30, 2022. Berg also met with first sergeants to discuss the Arctic mission.

U.S. Army Cpt. Matthew Orders, an advisor to 5th Security Forces Assistance Brigade (SFAB), greets members of the Maldives National Defense Forces at Central Area Command, Kahdhoo, Maldives, May 14, 2022. SFAB trains and advises foreign security forces to improve partner capabilities and facilitate achievement of U.S. strategic objectives.

Col. Ed Matthaidess, the Commander of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), awards coins to Soldiers from 2BCT for their hard work and dedication during a combined arms maneuver live fire exercise (CAMLFX) on Jan. 31, 2023, at Mihail Kogalniceanu, Romania.

A guest congratulates U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Anthony R. Hale, right, the deputy chief of staff for Intelligence during his promotion ceremony, at the Patriot Room of the Pentagon in Arlington, Va., Jan. 3, 2024. Hale was promoted to the rank of lieutenant general during the ceremony, officiated by Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army Gen. Randy A. George.

General Randy George, Chief of Staff of the Army, meets with paratroopers from the U.S. Army 82nd Airborne Division 2nd Battalion, 505th Infantry Regiment during the 2024 NASCAR Daytona 500 in Daytona Beach, Fla., Sunday, Feb. 18, 2024. The 82nd Airborne Division is based at Fort Liberty, N.C. and is known as the All American division.

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Jacob Bonniwell, 133rd Aircrew Flight Equipment, sizes an Airman for an M69 Joint Service Aircrew Mask Strategic Aircraft (JSAM-SA) in St. Paul, Minn., June 9, 2022. Bonniwell attended M69 equipment training where he had the opportunity to ask questions and receive information about the M69 JSAM-SA.

Tech. Sgt. Martin Garland, Jr., left, 66th Security Forces Squadron Commander Support Staff noncommissioned officer in charge, receives a commanders coin from Lt. Col. Eric Heigel, 66th Air Base Group inspector general, prior to a safety inspection during Safe + Sound Week at Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., Aug. 15. Safe + Sound Week is held every August to recognize successful health and safety programs.

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