Military Award Ceremonies

Images depicting military personnel receiving awards and certificates during formal ceremonies, showcasing leadership and teamwork in various branches.

GUAM (July 15, 2022) -- From left, Rear Adm. Benjamin Nicholson, commander, U.S. Naval Forces, Marianas and Joint Region Marianas, presents Cmdr. Gillian Medina with an award during her change-of-command ceremony onboard U.S. Naval Base Guam, July 15. The command provides operational, engineering, logistics, contracting, medical, and administrative support to all MSC ships operating in the Western Pacific. Military Sealift Command Far East ensures approximately 50 ships in the Indo-Pacific region, are manned, trained and equipped to deliver essential supplies, fuel, cargo, and equipment to warfighters, both at sea and on shore. Under Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy's largest forward-deployed numbered fleet and routinely interacts and operates with 35 maritime nations in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific Region. (U.S. Navy photos by Shaina O'Neal)

Air Force Col. Kurt Muller, commander of the 673rd Civil Engineer Group based on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson awards Alaska Army National Guard Sgt. 1st Class Reed Vukelic, acting first sergeant of the 207th Engineer Utilities Detachment, with a certificate of appreciation on Camp Carrol, Aug. 5, 2022. Vukelic led his Soldiers during a joint field training exercise on JBER and enhanced intra-agency training cooperation between the 207th EUD and 673rd CEG.

Maj. Gen. Michel M. Russell Sr., commanding general, 1st Theater Sustainment Command, recognizes Brig. Gen. Lance G. Curtis, commanding general, 3rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command, ahead of a transfer of authority ceremony at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, May 4, 2022. Russell presented Curtis an award for serving as the deputy commanding general for 1st TSC in his tour of duty leading the 1st TSC operational command post. During the ceremony, 3rd ESC transferred the mission to the Birmingham, Alabama, based 135th Expeditionary Sustainment Command.

Col. Tammy McElhaney, left, 4th Mission Support Group commander, presents the Meritorious Service Medal to Lt. Col. Raymond Kerr, outgoing 4th Civil Engineer Squadron commander, as he relinquishes command of the 4th CES during a change of command ceremony at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, July 22, 2022. The Meritorious Service Medal is awarded as a decoration for achievement during peacetime or in lieu of the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious achievement in a designated combat theater.

U.S. Army Col. Ronald Iammartino Jr, Commander, 2d Theater Signal Brigade, presents a Certificate of Achievement to U.S. Army Spc. Brent Johnson during a short ceremony July 29, 2022 at USAG Wiesbaden, Germany. Johnson was recognized for his contributions to making the 2d Theater Signal Brigade's Change of Command ceremony a success. (U.S. Army photos by Candy Knight)

Let's give Tech. Sgt. Francis Angeles from the Mathies NCO Academy a shout-out for being chosen as the Warrior of the Week during this week's staff meeting! Angeles was recognized for his leadership and professionalism as he stepped into fulfil the role as the Mathies Noncommissioned Officer Academy faculty development supervisor, where he currently leads six peers and serves as a liaison for 12 bases across the United States. He was instrumental in the success of the MNCOA first dual-modality course, where he retooled eight processes for student registration in which compliance skyrocketed from 68% to 95% during its first rollout. This directly led to saving one hour for 110 students and 10 instructors during Day 1 in-processing. He also streamlined an internal process for the Master Instructor Program application process, resulting the first MNCOA instructor receiving the badge. Finally, Angeles compiled results and data from three end of course surveys, which resulted in multiple ch

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY SOUDA BAY, Greece (Jan. 11, 2024) Master-at-Arms 1st Class Justin Chinana, assigned to Naval Support Activity (NSA) Souda Bay, Greece, receives a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal from Capt. Odin J. Klug, commanding officer, NSA Souda Bay, during an awards ceremony on Jan. 11, 2024. 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.

U.S. Marines pose for a photo with Berlinda Castillo during the Volunteer Appreciation Ceremony on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 3, 2023. The Volunteer Appreciation Ceremony provides units in the Camp Lejeune area the opportunity to recognize Marines, Sailors, and family members who earned a Presidential Volunteer Service Award or made a significant impact through their volunteer efforts.

Chief Warrant Officer 4 Elden Engelhard, Aviation Tactics and Mission Survivability Officer, stands for a photo after being presented the Order of Saint Michael - Bronze Award for his contributions to the Army Aviation community, by Col. Richard Tucker, 1st Aviation Brigade commander, during a ceremony at Fort Rucker, Alabama, September 19, 2022.

GUAM (July 15, 2022) -- From left, Rear Adm. Benjamin Nicholson, commander, U.S. Naval Forces, Marianas and Joint Region Marianas, presents Cmdr. Gillian Medina with an award during her change-of-command ceremony onboard U.S. Naval Base Guam, July 15. The command provides operational, engineering, logistics, contracting, medical, and administrative support to all MSC ships operating in the Western Pacific. Military Sealift Command Far East ensures approximately 50 ships in the Indo-Pacific region, are manned, trained and equipped to deliver essential supplies, fuel, cargo, and equipment to warfighters, both at sea and on shore. Under Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy's largest forward-deployed numbered fleet and routinely interacts and operates with 35 maritime nations in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific Region. (U.S. Navy photos by Shaina O'Neal)

SILVERDALE, Wash. (Apr. 28, 2022) -U.S. Navy Capt. Robert Figgs (left), commanding officer, Trident Refit Facility, Bangor (TRFB), and Meritorious Service Medal recipient, Cmdr. Brent Dillow (right) pose for a photo. Dillow received the medal for outstanding meritorious service. TRFB supports the nations strategic deterrence mission repairing, incrementally overhauling, and modernizing Pacific Fleet strategic ballistic missile submarines during refits.

Airman Kyle Stolz, 168th Maintenance Squadron, 168th Wing received the Alaska Domestic Emergency Ribbon upon returning home from assisting communities affected by the remnants of Typhoon Merbok in Nome, Alaska, Sept. 30, 2022. The Alaska Joint Task Force members removed more than 180,000 pounds of debris and logged more than 3,000 work hours across 32 communities. (Alaska National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Julie Avey)

220616-N-YD328-0053 NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY SOUDA BAY, Greece (June 16, 2022) Master-at-Arms First Class Ryan C. Regan receives a flag letter of commendation from Navy Capt. Rafael C. Facundo, commanding officer, Naval Support Activity Souda Bay, Greece, on behalf of Rear Adm. Christopher Gray, Commander, Navy Region Europe, Africa, Central, during an Awards at Quarters ceremony in the base gym on Jun. 16, 2022. Naval Support Activity Souda Bay is an operational ashore base that enables U.S., Allied, and Partner nation forces to be where they are needed when they are needed to preserve security and stability in the European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility.

220506-N-KN989-1001 JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii (May 6, 2022) Rear Adm. Timothy Kott, Commander, Navy Region Hawaii presents Master-at-Arms 1st Class Lamar McNeal with the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal after being selected as Commander Navy Region Hawaiis 2021 Shore Sailor of the Year. Commander Navy Region Hawaii is the regional coordinator for all shore-based naval personnel and shore activities in Hawaii - as well as the Navys representative to the Hawaii community.

U.S. Air Force Col. Matthew Altman, 47th Mission Support Group commander, awards a Meritorious Service Medal certificate to Lt. Col. Crystal Glaster, 47th Force Support Squadron commander, at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, on July 20, 2022. The MSM is a military award presented to military members who have distinguished themselves through outstanding meritorious achievement or service.

U.S. Army Maj. John Shay, a chaplain with the 47th Chaplain Detachment, is awarded the Meritorious Service Medal at Camp Ripley, July 10th, 2022. Shay provided religious support to the 1/34th Armored Brigade's 5,200 Soldiers for more than four years, improving long-term readiness and spiritual fitness for the Brigade. (Minnesota National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Mahsima Alkamooneh)

Capt. Travis Morgan, from the 9th Attack Squadron, accepts the Company Grade Officer of the Quarter Award during the 49th Wings 1st quarter awards ceremony, June 10, 2022, on Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico. Quarterly award winners were selected based on their technical expertise, demonstration of leadership and job performance.

Col. Scott Kindberg, U.S. Army Sustainment Command chief of staff, presented Julius Cortez, logistics management specialist at ASC, with a Highly Productive Achievement Award Sept. 22. Employees receive Hi-Pro awards by being nominated by their peers for going above and beyond their day-to-day duties.

U.S. Air Force Col. Jerrymar Copeland (left), 354th Maintenance Group commander, hands a Dedicated Crew Chief award certificate to Staff Sgt. Mason Dewitt, 18th Aircraft Maintenance Unit dedicated crew chief, on Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Jan. 11, 2024. Load competitions are held throughout the year to prepare weapons crews for wartime. The winning team is picked based on speed, accuracy, and number of deductions.

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Victor A. Andrews, 3d Battalion, 58th Aviation Regiment, receives the 2021 and 2022 Air Traffic Control Manager of the Year Awards during the Army Aviation Senior Leader Forum at Fort Rucker, Alabama, Jan. 25, 2023. Presenting the award is Maj. Gen. Michael McCurry, U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence commander and Army aviation branch chief, Chief Warrant Officer 5 Myke Lewis, chief warrant officer of the branch, Command Sgt. Maj. James Wilson, branch command sergeant major, retired Maj. Gen. William T. Crosby, Army Aviation Association of America president, and an industry partner. The award is one of several Army Aviation Association of America National Functional Awards presented annually for a specific area or specialty within the Army Aviation community.

YOKOSUKA, Japan (May 23, 2022) - Rear Adm. Richard Seif, commander, Submarine Group Seven, presents a certificate of appreciation to Mass Communication Specialist Petty Officer 2nd Class Mario Coto for his support raising funds during the 2022 Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society Active Duty Fund Drive onboard Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka, May 23. At the end of each ADFD season, NMCRS offices from around the world host an appreciation ceremony recognizing commands that have the highest donation per capita, the highest donation contribution, and outstanding command key persons for the Marine Corps and the Navy. NMCRS is a private, non-profit organization that has been financially assisting Marines, sailors and their families through interest-free loans and grants since 1904. For more than 75 years, CFAY has provided, maintained, and operated base facilities and services in support of the U.S. 7th Fleets forward-deployed naval forces, tenant commands, and thousands of military and c

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY SOUDA BAY, Greece (Aug. 25, 2022) Irene Antiparioti receives a Ten Years of service certificate from Capt. Odin Klug, commanding officer, Naval Support Activity Souda Bay, Greece, during an awards ceremony, Aug. 25, 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.

U.S. Army Reserve Brig. Gen. Michael Yost, 807th Deputy Commanding General, pins the Purple Heart on retired Maj. Patrick Sylvers, 1972nd Medical Detachment (Combat Stress Control) Psychologist, on Sept. 11, 2022, at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.

Col. Shawn Nokes, the Director of Domestic Operations for the Illinois National Guard, presents Chief Warrant Officer (4) Peggy Bates a certificate for the Meritorious Service Medal during her retirement ceremony at the Illinois Military Academy on Camp Lincoln in Springfield, Il Aug. 7. Peggy Bates, the Command Property Accounting Officer for Joint Force Headquarters, retired after 38 years of military service. She enlisted in the ILARNG in August of 1984 as a Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic with 3637th Maintenance Company in Springfield, IL. CW4 Bates spent the next 22 years as an enlisted Soldier serving in numerous positions to include Parts Clerk, Technical Inspector, Maintenance Control NCO, Operations NCO, and First Sergeant for 3637th Maintenance Company and the 65th Troop Command. She began her Warrant Officer career in 2006 as an Engineer Equipment Maintenance Warrant Officer for B 634th Brigade Support Battalion and converted to a Property Accounting Warrant Officer in 2008. She ha

U.S. Air Force Col. Rachelle Hartze, 88th Inpatient Operations Squadron, inducts and presents Sarah Hackenbracht, Greater Dayton Area Hospital Association president and CEO, with an Honorary Commanders certificate and commanders pin Oct. 12 at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. The Honorary Commanders Program objective is to educate local leaders about a units mission and foster a supportive relationship with the community.

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY SOUDA BAY, Greece (Oct. 13, 2022) Air Traffic Controller 3rd Class Trevor Barret, assigned to Naval Support Activity (NSA) Souda Bay, receives a Certificate of Appointment through the Meritorious Advancement Program from Capt. Odin Klug, commanding officer, NSA Souda Bay, Greece, during an awards ceremony, Oct. 13, 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.

Senior Master Sgt. Richard Bailey, 117th Air Refueling Wing, Emergency Manager, retires after 36 years of service at Sumpter Smith Joint National Guard Base, Ala. May 15, 2022. Bailey started his career in Communications and for the past 14 years served as the Emergency Manager for the Civil Engineering squadron. He was instramental in responding to multiple man-made and natural disaster relief efforts, including the recent COVID-19 pandemic.

U.S. Army Sgt. Danielle Choyfoo is 1 of 157 graduates to complete the Department of the Army Retention Training (DART) course at Vilseck, Germany, April 22, 2022. The DART course provides graduates the tools to become successful retention non-commissioned officers for their units with goals of retaining highly qualified Soldiers.

Col. Tammy McElhaney, 4th Mission Support Group commander, presents the Meritorious Service Medal to Maj. Terrence Briggs, outgoing 4th Communications Squadron commander, during the change of command ceremony at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, Oct. 28, 2022. The Meritorious Service Medal and may be awarded to any member of the United States Armed Forces who distinguishes themselves by either outstanding achievement or meritorious service to the United States.

Brig. Gen. Toni Lord, Virginia National Guard air component commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Kelly Reich, Virginia Air Guard state command chief master sergeant, present the Air Combat Command Superior Performance Award to Senior Master Sgt. Douglas Montgomery, 192nd Security Forces, on Aug. 7, 2022, at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia.

SHREVEPORT, Louisiana (May 15, 2022) - Navy Reserve Region Readiness and Mobilization Command Fort Worth Commander Capt. Mark Hofmann presents the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal to Electricians Mate 1st Class Patrick Martin. Martin is one of five Navy Reserve Center Shreveport Sailors involved in saving the life of their distressed shipmate, who experienced cardiac arrest shortly after performing the Navy physical readiness test.

Senior Master Sgt. William L. Nearhood, 192nd Wing superintendent of the advanced programs office, retires from the Virginia Air National Guard during a ceremony presided by Col. Christopher G. Batterton, 192nd Wing commander, on May 15, 2022, at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia. In 1985, Nearhood began his military career when he enlisted into the Navy then transferred to the VaANG in 1997 where he finished his nearly 37 year military career.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Maurice L. Williams, left, command chief, Air National Guard, poses for a photo after presenting a coin to Master Sgt. Collin Tobin, right, biomedical equipment technician, 114th Fighter Wing, South Dakota National Guard, during his visit to Joe Foss Field, April 4, 2022. Williams traveled to South Dakota to meet with unit members and provide national-level leadership insight. While visiting, Williams had the opportunity to recognize outstanding enlisted Airmen for their accomplishments and dedication to the unit.

Staff. Sgt. David Vazquez, Tactical Airspace Integration System facility chief for 1st Battalion, 58th Aviation Regiment, is awarded the Purple Heart medal by Maj. Gen. David J. Francis, U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence and Fort Rucker commander, for wounds received during the Al-Shabaab attack on Magagoni Airfield, Manda Bay, Kenya on Jan. 5, 2020, during a ceremony at the U.S. Army Aviation Museum April 13, 2022.

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Sean Choquette, 12th Air Force (Air Force Southern) vice commander, awards Master Sgt. James Hollenbach, 563d Rescue Group HH-60G Pave Hawk special missions aviator, the Air Medal with Valor during an award ceremony at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., Dec. 12, 2022. The Air Medal with Valor is awarded to military personnel who distinguish themselves by single acts of heroism or extraordinary achievement in combat or combat support while in participation of aerial flight.

U.S. Army Sgt. Pearlfaloloi Talamoakaisa is 1 of 157 graduates to complete the Department of the Army Retention Training (DART) course at Vilseck, Germany, April 22, 2022. The DART course provides graduates the tools to become successful retention non-commissioned officers for their units with goals of retaining highly qualified Soldiers.

220826-N-EJ241-1020DIEGO GARCIA, British Indian Ocean Territory (Aug. 26, 2022) - Air Traffic Controller 2nd Class Jonathan Rios, assigned to U.S. Navy Support Facility (NSF) Diego Garcia, receives an Armed Forces Service Medal from Capt. John F. Wilson, commanding officer of NSF Diego Garcia during awards at quarters. 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. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. David G. Bellon, left, Commander of Marine Forces Reserve and Marine Forces South, awards Maj. Gen. Michael A. Fahey, outgoing commander of 4th Marine Division, Marine Corps Forces Reserve, a distinguished service medal during a retirement ceremony at Marine Corps Support Facility New Orleans, June 30, 2022. Fahey retired after 34 years of service.

Maj. Gen. Corey Martin, 18th Air Force commander, poses for a photo with Airmen during a base visit at Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas, Aug. 24, 2022. Team Little Rock was awarded the 2021 Air Force Outstanding Unit Award for their excellent performance.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Seth Hummer, chaplains assistant, 139th Airlift Wing, Missouri Air National Guard, is awarded the Air Force Achievement Medal during an awards ceremony at Rosecrans Air National Guard Base, St. Joseph, Missouri, April 30, 2022. The Air Force Achievement Medal is awarded to Air Force personnel for outstanding achievement or meritorious service rendered specifically on behalf of the Air Force.

Maj. Macharia Davis assumes command of the District of Columbia National Guard Joint Force Headquarters - Higher Headquarters Detachment, during a Change of Command Ceremony at the D.C. Armory, Feb. 4, 2023. The ceremony symbolized the transfer of command between outgoing commander Maj. LeJuan Strickland and incoming commander Maj. Davis. Brig. Gen. Leland Blanchard, commander, D.C. National Guard Land Component Command (LCC) presided over the ceremony. Air National Guard

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY SOUDA BAY, Greece (Dec. 8, 2022) Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Elise Cardenas, assigned to Naval Support Activity (NSA) Souda Bay, receives a Flag Letter of Commendation from Capt. Odin Klug, commanding officer, NSA Souda Bay, Greece, on behalf of Rear Adm. B. J. Collins, commander, Navy Region Europe, Africa, Central during an award ceremony on Dec. 8, 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.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Ismael Tabual, an NCO in charge of financial operations assigned to the 36thComptroller Squadron, receives the Linebacker of the Week Award from U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen Paul Birch, the 36th Wing commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Nicholas Taylor, the 36th Wing command chief,at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Jan. 4, 2023. The Team Andersen Linebacker of the Week recognizes outstanding enlisted, officer, civilian and total force personnel who have had an impact on achieving Team Andersens mission, vision and priorities.

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY SOUDA BAY, Greece (Nov. 28, 2022) Master-at-Arms 1st Class Kyle Franchi, assigned to Naval Support Activity (NSA) Souda Bay, Greece, receives a frocking letter from Capt. Odin J. Klug, commanding officer, NSA Souda Bay, during a frocking ceremony at the Fitness Center on Nov. 28, 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.

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY SOUDA BAY, Greece (June 29, 2022) Master-at-Arms Third Class Deanna Latimer receives a promotion memorandum from Navy Capt. Rafael C. Facundo, commanding officer, Naval Support Activity Souda Bay, Greece, during a frocking ceremony held in the base gym on June 29, 2022. Naval Support Activity Souda Bay is an operational ashore base that enables U.S., Allied, and Partner nation forces to be where they are needed when they are needed to preserve security and stability in the European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility.

502nd Air Base Wing held an honorary commanders hail and farewell ceremony, March 31, 2023, at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. This program promotes mission partner relationships between Joint Base San Antonio and the 502nd Air Base Wing and community leaders throughout the city of San Antonio and surrounding areas.

U.S. Air Force Col. Matthew Bartlett, left, commander of the 449th Air Expeditionary Group, presents the Meritorious Service Medal to Lt. Col. Drew Gehler, commander of the 475th Expeditionary Air Base Squadron (EABS), during a change of command ceremony at Manda Bay Airfield, Kenya, May 09, 2022. Gehler relinquished command of the 475th EABS to Lt. Col. Phillip Ferris, the incoming commander. The 475th EABS provides base operations and communications support for 13 mission partners enabling Special Operations Command Africa missions in Kenya and Somalia. Together, with African and international partners, they help provide a secure, stable, and prosperous Africa.

NORTH CHICAGO Il. (Nov. 15, 2022) Capt. Jason J. Williamson, commanding officer of Naval Station Great Lakes, awards Sailors and staff for their performance during an annual training assessment. 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.

U.S. Army Warrant Officer William Fletcher, assigned to the 1-224th Aviation Regiment, 28th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade, is recognized by Maj. Gen. Mark Schindler at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pa. Oct. 23, for his second place finish in the Pennsylvania National Guards 2022 summer photo contest.

220526-N-OL632-1006 NAVAL STATION NORFOLK (May 26, 2022) Rear Adm. Dennis Velez, commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 10 and George H.W. Bush CSG, left, poses for a photo with Sailor of the year CTT1 Richard Thayer during an all-hands call on the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55), May 26, 2022. CSG-10 is an integrated combat weapons system that delivers superior combat capability to deter, and if necessary, defeat Americas adversaries in support of national security. It achieves its mission by projecting the combined power of George H.W. Bush, Carrier Air Wing 7, Destroyer Squadron 26, and the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55).

Brig. Gen. John Pippy,Land Component Commander of the Pennsylvania National Guard and the Deputy Chief of Engineers for National Guard Affairs at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Headquarters presents an award for accomplishments spanning up to five straight years of operation without a recorded injury in accordance with the Occupational Health and Safety Administration regulations to the Combined Support Maintenance Shop - Annex 11, located in Connellsville, Pennsylvania during Health and Safety Awareness Day at the 171st Air Refueling Wing located near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 24 May, 2022. The 171st hosted the event which also included demonstrations and information from exhibitors, a fire extinguisher training simulator, a distracted driving simulator and a motorcycle safety foundation refresher course.

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY SOUDA BAY, Greece (Nov. 10, 2022) Capt. Odin Klug, commanding officer, Naval Support Activity (NSA) Souda Bay, Greece, recognizes Air Traffic Controller 3rd Class Damion Young as NSA Souda Bays Junior Sailor of the Quarter for the fourth quarter of Fiscal Year 2022 during an awards ceremony on Nov. 10, 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.

142nd Maintenance Group Commander, Col. David Christensen, presents 142nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Staff Sgt. Mara Fenwick with a meritorious service medal for acts of bravery on February 25, 2024, at Portland Air National Guard Base, Ore. Fenwick and a fellow Airman intervened when a truck went off the road in Eastern Oregon in May 2023. Air National Guard

Pensacola, FL - NIOC Pensacola held its monthly Awards Ceremony on 15 February 2024.

Col. Matt Husemann, left, 436th Airlift Wing commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Timothy Bayes, 436th AW command chief, pose with Jason Minto, Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations multimedia specialist, shortly after recognizing him as the Top Performer of the Week for Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, Aug. 10, 2022. Husemann and Bayes presented Minto with a certificate and coin for his outstanding performance.

Lt. Col. Richard Baysinger, left, 66th Air Base Group deputy commander, and Chief Master Sgt. William Hebb, right, 66 ABG command chief, present Tech. Sgt. Dale Clark, 319th Recruiting Squadron client systems noncommissioned officer in charge, with a master sergeant promotion certificate during the E-7 release ceremony at Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., June 2.

Representatives from 49th Equipment Maintenance Squadron accept the Large Unit of the Quarter Award during the 49th Wings 1st quarter awards ceremony, June 10, 2022, on Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico. Quarterly award winners were selected based on their technical expertise, demonstration of leadership and job performance.

220526-N-DD694-1039 WASHINGTON (May 26, 2022) Senior Chief Musician Rob Holmes, unit leader of U.S. Navy Band Commodores, left, presents a unit portrait to Musician 1st Class Dan LaMaestra at his retirement ceremony. LaMaestra, who served as pianist in the Commodores Jazz Ensemble, retired after 20 years of service.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Bridget Zorn, right, the incoming commander of the 264th Combat Communications Squadron, receives the Meritorious Service Medal from 182nd Mission Support Group commander Col. Steven Rice during an assumption of command ceremony in Peoria, Illinois, Sept. 11, 2022. Zorn previously served as the commander of the Missouri Air National Guards 239th Combat Communications Squadron for four years before transferring to the Peoria-based unit.

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY SOUDA BAY, Greece (Feb. 15, 2024) Joe Katsoulakis, assigned to Naval Support Activity (NSA) Souda Bay, Greece, receives Letter of Commendation from Capt. Odin J. Klug, commanding officer, NSA Souda Bay, during an awards ceremony on Feb. 15, 2024. NSA Souda Bay is an operational ashore installation that 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. Navy

Sgt. Maj. Travis Kulp, Joint Force Headquarters, Alaska National Guard received the Alaska Domestic Emergency Ribbon upon returning home from assisting communities affected by the remnants of Typhoon Merbok in Nome, Alaska, Sept. 30, 2022. The Alaska Joint Task Force members removed more than 180,000 pounds of debris and logged more than 3,000 work hours across 32 communities. (Alaska National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Julie Avey)

Naval Surface Warfare Center, Philadelphia Division Commanding Officer Capt. Dana Simon presents a Certificate of Appreciation to Jeffrey Dallos, program analyst and assessment team lead of the Computer/Electronic Accommodations Program (CAP) for the Department of Defense, during National Disability Employment Awareness Observance at NSWCPD, on Oct. 20, 2022.

Maj. Gen. David Wilson, commanding general, U.S. Army Sustainment Command, and senior mission commander, Rock Island Arsenal, Illinois, presents the certificate for the Meritorious Service Medal to Lt. Col. Patric Nichols, chief, Plans Division, First U.S. Army, Sept. 27, at the installation quarterly retirement ceremony. (Photo by Linda Lambiotte, ASC Public Affairs)

Captain Robert J. Ferrainolo, outgoing secretary to the general staff at the U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence, stands for a photo with Maj. Gen. David J. Francis, USAACE and Fort Rucker commander, after being presented the Meritorious Service Medal and the Order of St. Michael - Bronze Award during an awards ceremony at the USAACE headquarters building May 25, 2022.

Japanese Maj. Gen. Shingo Nashinoki, Commander of Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade, 上自衛隊 Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, presented five U.S. Marine officers of the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade with Certificates of Appreciation aboard Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan, May 11, 2022 in honor of our close relationship and hard work during past events such as the annual exercises Yama Sakura which rehearses the defense of Japan. Col. Michael "Spud" Brennan, Operations Officer of the 3D MEB, also presented a small gift to the ARDB CG signifying our shared common purpose and commitment as we work together to provide security in the First Island Chain and maintain a #FreeandOpenIndoPacific!

On April 22, 2022, a Soldier from the 127th Aviation Support Battalion was involved in a major motorcycle accident resulting in life-threatening injuries. Officer Saul Sosa of the El Paso - U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency (CBP), witnessed the accident and immediately responded. Through his life-saving efforts, Officer Sosa was able to save the injured Soldier. On May 17, 2022, the 127th ASB command team recognized the individual responsible for saving their Soldier's life. He was awarded the battalion's certificate of appreciation and the commander's coin of excellence for his heroism.

Col. Aaron Martin, outgoing Commander of the 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade, completed two consecutive years of command and relinquished the controls to Col. Benjamin Boardman in their change of command ceremony on June 30, 2022. Col. Martin received the legion of merit for his successful completion of command.

220822-N-PC065-1097 RIGA, Latvia (Aug. 22, 2022) - U.S. Navy Capt. Eric Kellum, right, commanding officer of the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Arlington (LPD 24), presents a plaque to John Carwile, U.S. ambassador to Latvia, as Arlington conducts a scheduled port visit in Riga, Latvia, Aug. 22, 2022. The Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group and 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, under the command and control of Task Force 61/2, is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied and partner interests.

220627-N-EJ241-1010DIEGO GARCIA, British Indian Ocean Territory (June 27, 2022) - Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Devin Smith, assigned to U.S. Navy Support Facility (NSF) Diego Garcia, receives his frocking letter from Capt. Richard D. Payne, commanding officer of NSF Diego Garcia during a frocking ceremony. 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.

The 3rd Quarter Workforce Town Hall Ceremony was held at the Riverbend Golf Course for civilian employees to connect with the Camp Humphreys command team, June 24, 2022. During the town hall meeting, U.S. Soldiers and civilian federal employees were recognized for years of service and superior job performance.

Sgt. Penny Morgan and Staff Sgt. Ricky Gibbs receive the 2020 Air Traffic Control Facility of the Year Award on behalf of Baledogle Military Airfield Tower, 1st Battalion, 58th Aviation Regiment, Somalia, during the Army Aviation Senior Leader Forum at Fort Rucker, Alabama, Jan. 25, 2023. Presenting the award is Maj. Gen. Michael McCurry, U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence commander and Army aviation branch chief, Chief Warrant Officer 5 Myke Lewis, chief warrant officer of the branch, Command Sgt. Maj. James Wilson, branch command sergeant major, retired Maj. Gen. William T. Crosby, Army Aviation Association of America president, and an industry partner. The award is one of several Army Aviation Association of America National Functional Awards presented annually for a specific area or specialty within the Army Aviation community.

628th Air Base Wing annual award winners are presented with an award from 628th ABW leadership during the 2023 628th ABW Annual Awards Ceremony at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, Feb. 8, 2024. 628th ABW leadership recognized the accomplishments in numerous categories to include enlisted Airmen, Sailors, officers, civilians, and teams. Air Force

U.S. Air Force Col. Jason R. Barnes, center, commander of the 407th Air Expeditionary Group, presents Col. Jody L. Cowan, outgoing commander of the 405th Expeditionary Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, with the Meritorious Service Medal during a change of command ceremony at the base theater at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, June 3, 2022. The 405th EAES is comprised of over 30 personnel providing sustained combat power and improved agility for United States Central Command by delivering life-saving care through aeromedical evacuation.

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY SOUDA BAY, Greece (Feb. 15, 2024) Maria Kafkalaki, assigned to Naval Support Activity (NSA) Souda Bay, Greece, receives a Twenty Years of Service Certificate from Capt. Odin J. Klug, commanding officer, NSA Souda Bay, during an awards ceremony on Feb. 15, 2024. NSA Souda Bay is an operational ashore installation that 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. Navy

U.S. Army Cpl. Liam Crawford (middle), receives a Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal from Maj. Gen. John Meyer III (left), commanding general of the 1st Infantry Division and Fort Riley, and Command Sgt. Maj. Christopher Mullinax (right), the command sergeant major of the 1st Inf. Div. and Fort Riley, Nov. 7, 2022, at Victory Hall in Fort Riley, Kansas. Crawford received the medal for his volunteer work with the United Service Organization.

JOINT BASE LEWIS-McChord, Wash. - Sgt. Maj. Aaron Palmquist (left) of 1-364th Training Support Battalion, 189th Infantry Brigade accepts a retirement gift from Lt. Col. Kristy Norquist (right), the battalion's commander, on behalf of the unit during a ceremony to commemorate his 40 years of service at the Schwab Reserve Center at JBLM, Washington Dec. 4, 2022.

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Raoof Wali (left), information technician specialist, 1st Theater Sustainment Command, presents Spc. Alejandro Lopez-Flores (right), help desk technician, 1st TSC, with his reenlistment certificate during a ceremony at Fort Knox, Kentucky, April 29, 2022. Lopez-Flores is a native of Compton, California.

Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Elizabeth Macdowell receives her Flag Letter of Commendation certificate from Capt. Steve Aboona, commanding officer of Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command, Bethesda, during an awards ceremony in Memorial Auditorium at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, Oct. 7, 2022. Aboona presented 40 individual awards during the award ceremony which recognized various achievements of Sailors assigned to the command.

GREAT LAKES, Il. (May 20, 2022) Cmdr. John Carter, Naval Station Great Lakes chaplain, has a retirement ceremony in honor of more than 20 years of service. 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.

U.S. Air Force Col. Kevin Davidson, 47th Flying Training Wing (FTW) commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Lester Largaespada, 47th FTW command chief, present Lt. Col. Christopher Johansson, 85th Flying Training Squadron commander, the Unit Safety Champion of the Year award during the 2023 47th FTW Annual Awards Ceremony at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, Feb. 2, 2024. The annual awards recognized the top performers throughout the 47th Flying Training Wing during fiscal year 2023. Air Force

Members of the Guyana Defence Force, tour Florida National Guard's Camp Blanding Joint Training Center as part of the State Partnership Program in Starke, Fla., Aug. 24, 2022. The Department of Defenses State Partnership Program is administered by the National Guard Bureau and grants partner nations a platform to enhance military-to-military engagements in support of defense security goals, while also strengthening the bonds between the countries.

The Military Police Regimental Association honored Danielle Bega-Silva, Family Advocacy Program Consultant for Medical Readiness Command, Europe, with the Friend of the Regiment award on Feb. 15, during a ceremony held at Sembach Kaserne, Germany. The Friend of the Regiment award was bestowed upon Bega-Silva for her many years of selfless service and support to the U.S. Military Police community and the Soldiers and their Families she assisted during times of personal or family crisis. (

230406-N-MR862-072 TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. (April 6, 2023) Capt. Robert Skillz” Majoris, commodore, Strategic Communications Wing (SCW) 1, presents Master-At-Arms Chief Petty Officer David Sims, with a President’s Volunteer Service Award at an awards quarters April 6, 2023. SCW-1 is a tenant command of Naval Air Forces Command, ensuring National Security through the deterrence of adversarial nuclear ambitions.

FORT BELVOIR, VA.

YOKOSUKA, Japan (December 2, 2022) Capt. Les Sobol, Commander of Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY), presents a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (NAM) to Master-at-Arms 2nd Class David Stitt during a frocking and awards ceremony held at Benny Decker Theater onboard CFAY. For more than 75 years, CFAY has provided, maintained, and operated base facilities and services in support of the U.S. 7th fleet's forward-deployed naval forces, tenant commands, and thousands of military and civilian personnel and their families.

U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Jacob Melia, left, receives his appointment certificate from U.S. Army Lt. Col. Seth Allen, right, University of Connecticut ROTC professor of military science, during a commissioning ceremony held inside the auditorium of the Regional Training Institute at Camp Nett, Niantic, Connecticut, Sept. 6, 2022. Melia, from Manchester, Connecticut, will be a quartermaster officer with Hotel Company, 186th Brigade Support Battalion.

Airmen from the 49th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron pose with their trophy after winning the third quarter load competition at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, Oct. 31, 2022. The representatives from the 49th AMXS showcased their excellence in both the uniform inspection and timed bomb-loading components of this competition.

U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Michael Cotto, left, receives his appointment certificate from U.S. Army Lt. Col. Seth Allen, right, University of Connecticut ROTC professor of military science, during a commissioning ceremony held inside the auditorium of the Regional Training Institute at Camp Nett, Niantic, Connecticut, Sept. 6, 2022. Cotto will be a field artillery officer.

Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Angela Marte receives a Letter of Appreciation from Capt. Steve Aboona, commanding officer of Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command, Bethesda, during an awards ceremony in Memorial Auditorium at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, Oct. 7, 2022. Aboona presented 40 individual awards during the award ceremony which recognized various achievements of Sailors assigned to the command.

U.S. Army Reserve Sgt. Maj. Alice Torres, right, U.S. Army Reserve Command G4 Sergeant Major, presents a U.S. Army Reserve G4 coin to U.S. Army Reserve Staff Sgt. Myles Kalf, left, 323rd Military Intelligence Battalion Maintenance NCOIC. The 323rd Military Intelligence Battalion, 336th Expeditionary Military Intelligence Brigade, Military Intelligence Readiness Command, U.S. Army Reserve, received the Department of the Army level Army Award for Maintenance Excellence, MTOE medium category, in an event honoring the unit held on Fort George G. Meade, Md., Jan. 20, 2024.

Senior Airman Brandon Keller, right, was promoted at a recent ceremony held at the Eastern Air Defense Sector. Lt. Col. Jason Taylor, Director of Operations at the 224th Support Squadron, was the promoting officer.

Ms. Paulette Bibbs receives 40 Years Length of Service Award. (from left) Col. Martin Doperak, and Command Sgt. Maj. Forker Jr.

220512-N-AH609-1001-GR NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY SOUDA BAY, Greece (May 12, 2022) Naval Support Activity Souda Bay on the island of Crete, Greece, held an Awards at Quarters ceremony in the base gym on May 12, 2022. Master-at-Arms 1st Class Tia Yau was recognized as NSA Souda Bays Senior Sailor of the Year for Fiscal Year 2021 and received her Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal from Navy Capt. Rafael C. Facundo, commanding officer, NSA Souda Bay. NSA Souda Bay is an operational ashore base that enables U.S., allied, and partner nation forces to be where they are needed when they are needed to ensure security and stability in the European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility.

U.S. Navy Cmdr. Kevin Meinert, Executive Officer of Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 24, Marine Aircraft Group 24, right, is presented with the Donald D. Davis award by U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Geoffrey T. Blumenfeld, Commanding Officer of MAG-24,during a Marine Corps Aviation Awards ceremony, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, April 4, 2023. The Donald D. Davis award was presented to MALS-24 for his outstanding contributions to Marine Aviation.

U.S. Air Force Col. Rebecca Elliott, 628th Medical Group commander, presents a Meritorious Service Medal certificate to Col. Deana Dominguez, 628th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron commander, during the 628th OMRS Change of Command Ceremony at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, June 22, 2022. Dominguez directed the wing medical response team for Operation Allies Refuge, mobilizing the Disaster Mental Health team and directing flight medicine operations in support of 250 missions.

Hospital Corpsman Morgan Slaninko receives a Letter of Appreciation from Capt. Steve Aboona, commanding officer of Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command, Bethesda, during an awards ceremony in Memorial Auditorium at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, Oct. 7, 2022. Aboona presented 40 individual awards during the award ceremony which recognized various achievements of Sailors assigned to the command.

U.S. Army Col. Seth Graves, the U.S. Army Garrison Humphreys commander, right, receives the Republic of Korea (ROK) Order of National Security Merit Samil Medal from ROK Army Support Group commander Col. Seok-mo Koo at Maude Hall on June 27, 2023. Graves is the seventh person to receive the award, which is signed by the president of the Republic of Korea, in recognition and appreciation of his outstanding and meritoriuous service to the ROK.

WASHINGTON, DC (July 14, 2022) - Capt. Mark Burns (left), Naval Support Activity Washington commanding officer, frocks Master-at-Arms Seaman Carwyn Mumford (right) to petty officer 3rd class.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Marc Masuno (center) is awarded an achievement medal by U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Moses Kaoiwi Jr., Hawaii Army National Guard commander, and U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Glen Hayase, for his efforts in standing up the Hawaii National Guards first Cyber Mission Assurance Team May 14, 2022, at Fort DeRussy, Hawaii. Masuno supported a National Guard Bureau pilot program from October 2018 through March 2020. During that time period, the joint team of cyber specialists developed new methods of supporting critical networking infrastructure for government and civilian networks.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Lance Power, 81st Mission Support Group superintendent, and Chief Master Sgt. John Crane, 81st Force Support Squadron superintendent, present Dawn Belcher, 81st Training Group commander's secretary, with the Volunteer Excellence Award inside the Sablich Center at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, April 19, 2022. The Volunteer Excellence Award recognizes individual federal civilians, family members, military and federal retirees who perform outstanding volunteer community service of a sustained and direct nature.

Col. Katrina Stephens, left, installation commander, and Chief Master Sgt. William Hebb, installation command chief, present Airman 1st Class Ling Yu, 66th Comptroller Squadron financial analyst, with a certificate for a Below-the-Zone promotion to senior airman at Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., June 14. Below-the-Zone is a competitive early promotion that recognizes top performers.

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