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Military Award Ceremonies

Images of military personnel receiving awards and recognition during various formal ceremonies, showcasing camaraderie and tradition in service.

Col. Michael S. Johnson, 110th Aviation Brigade commander, presents the Meritorious Service Medal to Col. Bryan Whittier, 1st Battalion, 11th Aviation Regiment outgoing commander, at Fort Rucker, Alabama.

U.S. Army Col. Greg Rogers, 174th Air Defense Artillery Brigade commander (left), and Brig. Gen. Thomas Moore II, Ohio assistant adjutant general for Army, shake hands as they pose for a picture at Defense Supply Center Columbus in Whitehall, Ohio, June 12, 2022. Rogers was promoted to Colonel in a ceremony just before the photo.

Command Sgt. Maj. Anthony Forker Jr. receives Legion of Merit award from Brig.Gen. Edward Bailey for his dedication and devotion while serving as Triplers Command Sgt. Major.

Lt. Col. Alexander Liggett, 39th Security Forces Squadron commander, presents a certificate of retirement to Military Working Dog Yoda during a ceremony at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, April 1, 2022. During the ceremony, leaders and wingmen from across the 39th Air Base Wing celebrated MWD Yoda for his retirement after seven years of military service at Incirlik AB. During his career, MWD Yoda accumulated 3,025 training hours and 350 hours of random antiterrorism measures and law enforcement operations while maintaining a 97 percent drug detection rate. MWD Yoda will spend retirement in Germany after being adopted by a U.S. Army veterinarian who previously served at Incirlik AB.

Command Sgt. Maj. Randy Ly, right, completes his last official duty for the North Carolina Army National Guard at his retirement ceremony at the North Carolina National Guard Armory in Newton, North Carolina, Jan. 13, 2023. Ly was honored for his 30 years of service to state and nation.

Paratroopers assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division celebrate All American Week with a prayer breakfast, Sept. 27, 2022, on Fort Bragg, North Carolina. All American Week consists of many sporting events, the Old Timers Breakfast, a memorial ceremony, 10-miler, family fun run, 34-foot tower, Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, and concludes with the Divisions pass and review to celebrate Americas Guard of Honors culture and legacy.

The U.S. Air Force 35th Fighter Wing Legal Office poses for a photo after being presented the 2021 American Bar Association (ABA) Legal Assistance for Military Personnel (LAMP) Distinguished Service Award at Misawa Air Base, Japan, June 28, 2022. Those chosen for the ABA LAMP Award are individuals and units that have set the bar for military legal assistance, by pushing themselves and their practices in extraordinary ways.

The 35th Infantry Division Medical Team receives certificates of achievement for their work during a subject matter expert exchange with the Kuwait Land Forces on Camp Arifjan, Kuwait August 2, 2022.

Maj. Mosley, commander of the 94th Combat Support Hospital, Bravo Company, presents Sgt. Donley with a handmade plaque in his honor, as he medically retires after 22 years of service in the Army, on June 4, 2022 in Seagoville, Texas.

Col. David Key, the commander of the 3rd Division Sustainment Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, poses for a photo after awarding an Army Commendation Medal to Spc. Daniel Edmondson, a Soldier assigned to the brigade, during an award ceremony on Fort Stewart, Georgia, Dec. 9, 2022. Edmondson was recognized for his tireless efforts and professionalism in support of the overall unit's ongoing missions.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Jackson Fagan with the Utah National Guard Recruiting and Retention Battalion, receives a certificate of participation during the Region VII Best Warrior Competition award ceremony on the island of Guam, May 26, 2022. This annual competition featured the best noncommissioned officer and Soldier from eight different states and territories including Arizona, California, Colorado, Guam, Hawaii, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah. Testing competitors skills and knowledge and pushing them to their limits, the competition graded each participant in key areas such as basic Soldier skills, marksmanship under stress, land-navigation, and physical fitness.

District of Columbia National Guard holds promotion ceremony for Maj. Michelle A. Watkis, in D.C. Armory, February 3, 2024. During the ceremony, Watkis was given the Oath of Office by Col. R. Brian Deaton, 74th Troop Command Commander, DCARNG. Army

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. William Betts, commander of the 378th Air Expeditionary Wing, awards Maj. Bobby Budde, outgoing commander of the 908th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron Squadron, a Meritorious Service Medal during the unit's change of command ceremony held at Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Oct. 14, 2022. During the ceremony, Budde relinquished command to Lt. Col. Michael Deprey. The primary purpose of a change of command is for subordinates to witness an officer formally assume responsibility, authority and accountability for the unit. These ceremonies preserve the tradition of military service and stimulate unit esprit de corps.

Nearly 20 Soldiers from Blanchfield Army Community Hospital and the 531st Hospital Center were formally welcomed into the U.S. Armys Noncommissioned Officer Corps at an NCO Induction Ceremony at Fort Campbells Wilson Theater, June 27.

Diego Gomez-Morales, center, accepts the 2022 Dean Ohlsen Award of Excellence during the second annual Healthcare Technology Management workshop May 18, hosted by U.S. Army Medical Logistics Command at Fort Detrick, Maryland. Gomez-Morales was the civilian winner. Also pictured, inset at left, are military winners Chief Warrant Officer 2 David Willequer II and Staff Sgt. James Butler. Presenting the awards are Chief Warrant Officer 5 Lee Nelson, left, and Master Sgt. Wesley Ladlee.

The U.S. Director of the Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Walter E. Piatt present the Legion of Merit to U.S. Army Col. Catherine T. Wilkinson during her retirement ceremony at the Pentagon, Arlington, Va., Dec. 6, 2022.

Lt. Col. Joseph Sahl, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District commander, presents Retiree Linda Adcock the 2022 Nashville District Distinguished Civilian Employee Recognition Award during a ceremony Aug. 24, 2022, at the headquarters in Nashville, Tennessee.

Brig. Gen. Leigh Swanson, Air Mobility Command command surgeon, Chief Master Sgt. Daneen Jeziorske, AMC medical enlisted force, and Senior Airman Jala Wheeler, 19th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron, pose for a photo during a base visit at Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas, Feb. 12, 2024. During the visit, Swanson and Jeziorske had the opportunity to learn about the 19th MDGs daily operations and engage with numerous Airmen across various career fields that contribute to preparing and maintaining medical readiness. Air Force

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.

Family, friends and colleagues gathered at the Illinois Military Academy's auditorium Sept. 17, to celebrate the career of Col. Daniel Reichen and wish him well in future endeavors. Reichen retired as the Commander of the 129th Regimental Training Institute and most recently served as the Illinois National Guard's Director of Human Resources.

U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Ronald J. Place, DHA director, and his wife, Carol, meet with DHA employees during a farewell event with the workforce Dec. 9 at Defense Health Headquarters in Falls Church, Virginia. Place will depart the Agency Jan. 3, 2023 after serving as the agencys third director and retire following 36 years of service to the nation, the Army and the military health system.

Group photo of the 341st Missile Wing's 2022 second quarter award winners.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. John Farmer, a pavements & equipment supervisor with the 378th Expeditionary Civil Engineering Squadron, is presented the Unsung Hero Award at Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, June 6, 2022. The Unsung Hero award, presented by PSAB Top 3 Association, recognizes up-and-coming leaders within the ranks of E1 through E6 who exemplify their services core values, inspiring others and contributing to the improvement of customer service and the overall mission.

(pictured left to right) Tripler Commander, Col. Bill Soliz, 1st Lt. Molly Murphy, Staff Sgt. Heekyu Chang, and Tripler Command Sgt. Maj. John Contreras.

Join us in congratulating Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jesus Zeladallanos on receiving the order of Saint Christopher!Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jesus Zeladallanos, a mobility officer in the 1st Theater Sustainment Command was awarded the order of Saint Christopher used as a symbol of strength, loyalty and safety for transporters. Congratulations and keep up the great work! #FirstTeam

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Matthew Collier, an avionics maintenance technician with the 104th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Massachusetts Air National Guard, poses for a photo with Kevin DeMartino, director of supply chain with Savage Arms Inc., after being presented with the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserves Patriot Award June 24, 2022, at Savage Arms Inc. in Westfield, Massachusetts. ESGR Patriot Awards are presented to a civilian employer in recognition of their exceptional support of guardsmen and reservist employees.

CRYSTAL CITY, VA. (May 13, 2022) - U.S. Air Force Col. James Parslow, the Senior Material Leader of the F-35 Mission Systems Division, F-35 Lightning II Joint Program Office, was awarded a "Certificate of Retirement" by Lt. Gen. Eric T. Fick, the Program Executive Officer for the F-35 Lightning II Joint Program Office, during Parslows retirement ceremony in Arlington, VA. Col. Parslow gave 23 years of dedicated service to the U.S. Air Force and two years at the F-35 Joint Program office. The F-35 Joint Program Office is the Department of Defense's focal point for the 5th generation strike aircraft for the Navy, Air Force, Marines, and our allies. The F-35 is the premier multi-mission, 5th generation weapon system. Its ability to collect, analyze and share data is a force multiplier that enhances all assets in the battle-space: with stealth technology, advanced sensors, weapons capacity, and range. The F-35, which has been operational since July of 2015, is the most lethal, survivable,

From left, Lt. Gen. Ronald Clark, Commanding General of U.S. Army Central, Spc. Gokhu Ayaz and his spouse, and Command Sgt. Maj. Jacinto Garza, Senior Enlisted Advisor of U.S. Army Central, pose for a photo after Spc. Ayaz is awarded an Army Commendation Medal in front of Patton Hall on Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., June 3, 2022. Spc. Ayaz was awarded an ARCOM for his efforts during the evacuation of Afghanistan.

The Benavidez Leader Development Program (BLDP) is an executive education leader development program that takes place for nearly four weeks from Jan. 29-Feb. 23 at the U.S. Military Academy, the Teachers College at Columbia University and various other locations.The BLDP is designed to educate USMAs Cadet Company Tactical Non-Commissioned Officers (TAC NCOs) and other NCOs from across the enterprise (DES, KACH, ACI, CTC), other units and services outside of USMA so that they are more educated. For the TAC NCOs specifically, it prepares them to educate, train and inspire the Corps of Cadets, and to prepare the TAC NCOs to excel as senior NCOs at the tactical, operational and strategic levels of our Army. This happens through world-class executive-education experience in organizational leadership in partnership with Teachers College at Columbia University.The final phase of BLDP is a project presentation meant for the NCO students to find solutions to any problem facing their organizatio

031015-A-1409B-001. Base: Fort Gordon State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Lt. Col. Steven Scott, S3, 644th Regional Support Group (Forward), Fort Bliss Mobilization Division, receives a coin from Honorable Gilbert Cisneros Jr., Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, at Fort Bliss, Texas, July 21, 2022. Hon. Cisneros presented four coins to individuals who were recommended for their outstanding contributions to the Mobilization Division, Joint Mobilization Site (JMS), Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization, and Security (DPTMS).

Sgt. 1st Class Tamatha J. Naftzinger - flanked by Deputy to the Chief of Ordnance Joseph Kirby and Sgt. Maj. Wesley Townsend, Directorate of Training - poses with a framed certificate commemorating her attainment of the Master Army Instructor Badge during a June 13 ceremony at Dickson Hall on the Ordnance Campus. Naftzinger is the first Ordnance School active duty female Soldier to earn the distinction.

Chief Warrant Officer 3 Richard Wallace, a Geographic Intelligence Imagery Technician assigned to the 1st Infantry Division, is presented a shadow box by Maj. James Papagni, the deputy G2 of the 1st Infantry Division, August 11, 2022, on Fort Riley, Kansas. Wallace served 23 honorable years as a Soldier leading up to his retirement ceremony.

031104-M-5590R-005. US Marine Corps (USMC) Major General (MGEN) Thomas S. Jones (left), Commanding General, Training and Education Command, congratulates USMC Major (MAJ) Brooks after his swearing in ceremony and presents him with a certificate of re-enlistment in the United States Marine Corps.

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

Maj. Gen. Jeffrey Jurasek, deputy commanding general for support, First U.S. Army, congratulates Bonnie Seals, U.S. Army Sustainment Command, for being awarded the Certificate of Retirement during the quarterly retirement ceremony held June 2 in Heritage Hall, Rock Island Arsenal, Illinois. (Photo by Jon Micheal Connor, ASC Public Affairs)

U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Ronald J. Place, DHA director, and his wife, Carol, meet with DHA employees during a farewell event with the workforce Dec. 9 at Defense Health Headquarters in Falls Church, Virginia. Place will depart the Agency Jan. 3, 2023 after serving as the agencys third director and retire following 36 years of service to the nation, the Army and the military health system.

General Maj. Gen. Todd R. Wasmund and Command Sergeant Major Charles W. Gregory, Jr., U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa, stand alongside SFC Alexsandria Pavlenko, Dental Health Activity Italy, on Del Din, Vicenza, Italy, August 3, 2022. SFC Pavlenko was recognized during the Commander's Ready and Resilient Council (CR2C) Warrior Recognition ceremony for voluntarily taking on the work of three different positions, in addition to her own workload, during a three month staff shortage in her unit. During this time she spent countless hours making sure the command was covered, Soldiers' needs were being met and constantly putting her team's needs before her own in order to improve their readiness, promotion status, and Soldiering skills. In addition, as a Master Marksmanship Trainer, SFC Pavlenko has proactively reached out to other units in the Vicenza Military Community to provide marksmanship training.

Brig. Gen. Leigh Swanson, Air Mobility Command command surgeon, Chief Master Sgt. Daneen Jeziorske, AMC medical enlisted force, and Tech. Sgt. Jose Velazquez, 19th Medical Group, pose for a photo during a base visit at Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas, Feb. 12, 2024. During the visit, Swanson and Jeziorske had the opportunity to learn about the 19th MDGs daily operations and engage with numerous Airmen across various career fields that contribute to preparing and maintaining medical readiness. Air Force

Cmdr. Kathleen Colter, center right, poses for a group photo with Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command (NMRTC), Bethesda, leadership during an awards ceremony in Memorial Auditorium at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, Oct. 7, 2022. Capt. Steve Aboona, commanding officer of NMRTC, Bethesda, presented 40 individual awards during the award ceremony which recognized various achievements of Sailors assigned to the command.

Cmdr. Kathleen Colter, center right, poses for a group photo with Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command (NMRTC), Bethesda, leadership during an awards ceremony in Memorial Auditorium at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, Oct. 7, 2022. Capt. Steve Aboona, commanding officer of NMRTC, Bethesda, presented 40 individual awards during the award ceremony which recognized various achievements of Sailors assigned to the command.

Command Sgt. Maj. Robert Haynie, 25th Infantry Division senior enlisted advisor, and Spc. Blaine Lawler, an infantryman assigned to 25th Infantry Division stationed at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, pose for a picture June 9 at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, during the awards ceremony for the 2022 U.S. Army Pacifics Best Warrior Competition. The USARPAC BWC 2022 is an annual week-long competition consisting of competitors from multiple USARPAC units across the Indo-Pacific. The noncommissioned officers and junior enlisted Soldiers are evaluated in several categories such as general military knowledge, basic Soldier skills, and physical fitness.

AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy--Staff Sgt. Steven Scrimo, 31 Security Forces Squadron, NCOIC of vehicles poses for a photo at Aviano Air Base, Sept. 27, 2022. Recently Scrimo found an innovative way to save manpower, money and resources by using folding electric scooters as a transportation method during certain processes, such as during vehicle pick and drop off at vehicle maintenance. His team was able to reduce manning requirement by 50% and saved 2,570 in fuel costs annually and saved 372 hours.

Maj. Gen. Rich Neely, The Adjutant General of Illinois and Commander of the Illinois National Guard presents a retirement certificate to Col. Craig Holan during the dual retirement ceremony for Col. Craig Holan, who commanded the 404th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade and retired after nearly 40 years of service and Col. Nick Johnson, who commanded the 65th Troop Command Brigade and served for 32 years. The dual retirement ceremony was held on May 14 at the Illinois Military Academy on Camp Lincoln in Springfield, Illinois.

USACE Headquarters Deputy Commander, Maj. Gen. Heitkamp, visits Portland Districts emergency control center for operation blue roof, a program that provides temporary roof coverage for homeowners in Florida that were affected by hurricane Ian. Volunteers answer phones and field questions from residents affected by hurricane Ian.

A Ho-Chunk Nation member receives a commanders coin from Fort McCoy Garrison Commander Col. Michael Poss on May 10, 2022, after a memorandum of understanding was signed between the Ho-Chunk Nation and Fort McCoy during a special signing ceremony for the memorandum/agreement in Black River Falls, Wis. This memorandum of understanding between the Ho-Chunk Nation and Fort McCoy represents Fort McCoys assumption of the U.S. Armys legal responsibility under multiple federal laws and presidential executive orders to protect natural, historic, and sacred places with traditional religious and cultural importance to all Native American peoples, but especially those of the Ho Chunk Nation, on whos aboriginal territory the Fort McCoy military installation is now located.

Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command senior enlisted leader, Command Sgt. Maj. Brian J. Morrison, poses May 13 with Sgt. Jeremiah Smith (left) and Spc.Victor Vazquez, winners of SDDCs 2022 Best Warrior Competition, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia.

CARTAGENA, Colombia (Nov. 14, 2022)--Gen. Laura Richardson, commander of U.S. Southern Command, presents a gift to Ivan Velasquez Gomez, Minister of Defense of Colombia, after a tour of hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) during Continuing Promise 2022, in Cartagena, Colombia on Nov. 14, 2022. Comfort is deployed to U.S. 4th Fleet in support of Continuing Promise 2022, a humanitarian assistance and goodwill mission conducting direct medical care, expeditionary veterinary care, and subject matter expert exchanges with five partner nations in the Caribbean, Central and South America.

U.S. Army Col. Charles Montgomery, the 1st Infantry Division Sustainment Brigade, 1st Inf. Div. commander poses with Chief Warrant Officer Yolondria Dixon-Carter, senior warrant officer advisor to the chief of staff of the Army, at 1st Inf. Div. Sust. Headquarters on Fort Riley, Kansas, Feb. 14, 2024. Dixon-Carter visited the installation to speak with warrant officers and meet with the Sust. Bde. commander to discuss the sustainment effort in fighting and winning the nations wars. Army

Col. Jordan Henderson, commander of 30th Medical Brigade, congratulates Spc. Lake Goo on winning the 2022 Best Medic Competition held at Baumholder, Germany Nov 28-Dec 2. Spc. Goo and his teammate, Staff Sgt. Kyle Kraft, will represent 30th Medical Brigade at the Army-wide Best Medic Competition to be held at Ft Polk Jan 23-27. Spc. Goo is assigned to the 519th Hospital Center.

Village of Lowville Mayor Joseph Beagle presents the key to the village to Lt. Col. Ryan Hanrahan, commander of 3rd General Support Aviation Battalion, 10th Aviation Regiment, 10th Combat Aviation Brigade, and Command Sgt. Maj. Gary Williams, battalion senior enlisted adviser, after reading a proclamation June 15 during a council meeting. (Photo by Mike Strasser, Fort Drum Garrison Public Affairs)

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Nicholas Palmieri was presented with the Junior Enlisted Lewis L. Seaman Enlisted Award during the 2024 AMSUS Annual Meeting in National Harbor, Maryland, on Feb. 12. U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Anthony McQueen, Army Deputy Surgeon General, presented the award along with AMSUS Executive Director and CEO John Cho.

Chief Warrant Officer 4 Scott Harned (left), senior petroleum technician, 1st Theater Sustainment Command receives an award from Lt. Col. William Gumabon, bulk branch chief, 1st TSC on Fort Knox, Kentucky, June 9, 2022.

UNIVERSAL CITY, TEXAS - (September 23, 2022) Engineman First Class Petty Officer James W. Howes poses with his Shadowbox during his retirement ceremony at VFW Post 4676, Universal City, Texas.

Maj. Thomas M. Synovec assumed command of the 39th Civil Engineer Squadron (CES) during a change of command ceremony at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, July 21, 2022. During the ceremony, Lt. Col. Marie T. Harnly relinquished command to Col. Christopher J. Robinson, 39th Mission Support Group commander, who then charged Synovec with leading the 39th CES. The change of command ceremony is a long-standing military tradition that represents the formal transfer of command from one officer to another. Synovec was previously assigned as a student at the Air Command and Staff College, at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama.

U.S. Air Force Col. Justin Dupius, commander of the 4th Air Support Operations Group, presents Lt. Col. Christopher J. Howell, outgoing commander of the 4th Expeditionary Air Support Operations Squadron, a Meritorious Service Medal during a change of command ceremony at Poznan, Poland, June 30, 2022. The 4th Air Support Operations Group leads the integration of Air Force and Army capabilities to provide ready and resilient forces in Europe.

U.S Army Maj. Jason Barrett, Commander of the 982nd Signal Company Combat Camera Airborne, gifts SSG Maria Henriquez, former supply sgt. for the 982nd Signal Company Combat Camera, a plaque award for her 3 year service to the 982nd Signal Company Combat Camera in East Point, Ga on August 13, 2022. Henriquez served as the Supply Sgt for the 982nd Signal Company Combat Camera from 2019 to 2022.

Gen. Paul E. Funk II, TRADOC commanding general posing with newly appointed 2nd Lt.

Defense Logistics Agency Land and Maritime Commander Army Brig. Gen. Gail Atkins and Deputy Director Kenneth Watson signed the 2023 Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month Proclamation at the Defense Supply Center Columbus Operations Center April 3.

Senior enlisted soldiers in the Florida Army National Guard (FLANG) award Command Sgt. Maj. Theodore Morris with an NCO sword and plaque during his retirement ceremony at St. Francis Barracks in St. Augustine, Fla., on Saturday, Feb 3. Morris was honored for more than 39 years of exemplary service in the FLANG, retiring in the company of friends and fellow soldiers. Army

Col. Paul Franken (left), Commander of the Multi-Agency Augmentation Command (MAC) presents the Meritorious Service Medal to Col. Jeffery Burke, former Chief of the Army National Guard Operations Division, Multi-Agency Augmentation Command (MAC), D.C. National Guard, during his retirement ceremony, May. 14, 2022 at the D.C. Armory, Washington, D.C. Burke retires after 41 years of military service. In his military career, Burke served three years as Assistant Deputy Director for the Intelligence in the National Joint Operations and Intelligence Center at the Pentagon

Chris Pastor, logistics deputy, Wounded Warrior Regiment, receives the Army Certificate of Achievement at an award ceremony, from U.S. Army Gen. Paul E. Funk II, commanding general, U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, during the 2022 DoD Warrior Games in Orlando, Fla. on Aug, 2022.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Brian W. Cavanaugh, left, the commanding general of Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic, Marine Forces Command, Marine Forces Northern Command, greets Lt. Gen. David Ottignon, right, the commanding general of II Marine Expeditionary Force (II MEF), Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Feb. 1, 2023. Cavanaugh and respective leadership visited II MEF to tour subordinate commands, discuss capabilities, innovations and meet with Marines.

U.S. Army, Army National Guard, and Army Reserve officers were awarded the General Douglas MacArthur Leadership Award during a ceremony at The Pentagon, Oct. 26. 2022. The award is presented annually to the top 28 company-grade officers for their outstanding leadership capabilities and their ability to find solutions to difficult problems.

U.S. Army Col. Andy Nuce presents a promotion warrant to newly promoted U.S. Army Col. Robert Brutcher at the headquarters of the U.S. Army Medical Materiel Development Activity (USAMMDA), Fort Detrick, Md., Nov. 4, 2022. Nuce is the commander of USAMMDA and Brutcher is the military deputy project manager for the USAMMDA Warfighter Brain Health Project Management Office. USAMMDA leads the Department of Defenses medical product development through contracting, agreements and interdisciplinary and integrated-product teams. (Official U.S. Army Photo by T. T. Parish/Released)

The Inter-American Defense College and United States Northern Command hosts the inaugural North American Defense Framework for Women, Peace, and Security Workshop at IADC Kennedy Hall on Fort Lesley J. McNair in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 27-29, 2024. The event brought together military and civilian experts from Canada, Mexico, the United States, and the Bahamas. The collaborative event focused on integrating gender perspectives into military education, addressing gender-based violence, and enhancing gender equality in military operations. Participants, representing diverse ranks and branches, formulated actionable recommendations and formed partnerships, signifying a transformative shift toward a more inclusive defense framework. Air Force

Turkish Air Force Brig. Gen. Gürel Özusta (right), 10th Tanker Base Command commander, presents a gift to U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Derek France, Third Air Force commander, at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, June 30, 2022. France visited Incirlik Air Base to preside over the 39th Air Base Wing change of command ceremony, during which Col. Calvin Powell replaced Col. Jason Gingrich as 39th ABW commander. The 39th ABW collaborates with the 10th TBC, and the Turkish Air Force as a whole, to defend of NATOs southern flank.

COL James C. Maker, commander Fort Meade Medical Department Activity and Kimbrough Ambulatory Care Center director, recognizes members of the Military Health System who were part of the "Pay it Forward" team Mar. 31, Fort Meade, Maryland. The team provided additional support to Kimbrough staff during the implementation of the MHS GENESIS system, which became the new electronic health record at Kimbrough and other military treatment facilities throughout the National Capital Region Market Mar. 25.

BERLIN, Germany - Lt. Gen. Robert Marion, Principal Military Deputy to the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisitions, poses with Chief Warrant Officer 2 Zach Nibbelink during opening day of the Innovation and Leadership in Aerospace, Berlin trade show at the Berlin Expo Center Airport, Berlin Brandenburg International Airport, Germany, June 22, 2022. ILA Berlin provides a platform for international exchange between the aerospace industry, space agencies, the military, politics, and science. Representatives of world- renowned companies, leading exhibitors, and aviation experts use it as an opportunity to discuss market developments, strategies, and trends. Maintaining a capable U.S. presence in Europe strengthens our national security by encouraging peace, unity and cohesion.

U.S. Air Force Col. Kevin Davidson, 47th Flying Training Wing (FTW) commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Lester Largaespada, 47th FTW command chief, present Laura Meyer-Frerich, 47th Mission Support Group, an 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

U.S. Army Sgt. Nathaniel Hendrix, left, and Staff Sgt. Lionel Hunter pose for a photo during Hendrix promotion ceremony on Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Sept. 14, 2022. Hendrix is the Team Leader for D Company 3rd Psychological Operations Battalions (Airborne) (Dissemination) A/V team.

U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 5 Frederick L. Hall, State Aviation Safety Officer for the District of Columbia Army National Guard, celebrates over 28 years of service with a retirement ceremony at the 260th Regional Training Institute, Fort Belvoir, Va., Jan. 5, 2024. Gordon joined the D.C. National Guard in 2008, after first enlisting in 1995 and serving as a Black Hawk crew chief. CW5 Hall also provided 13 years of active duty service.

The 633d Air Base Wing command team presents Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass with a commemorative crossbow at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, June 23, 2022. During her visit, Bass met with commanders, recognized multiple Airmen and attended multiple different functions while at JBLE.

From left, Senior Enlisted Advisor Tony Whitehead, SEA to the chief, National Guard Bureau; Sgt. Maj. Alan Thomas, operations sergeant major, ndiana National Guard; Chief Warrant Officer 3 Regina Carrell, a senior strategic intelligence analyst at the National Guard Bureau and Army Gen. Daniel Hokanson, chief, National Guard Bureau at the Black Engineer of the Year Award Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Stars and Stripes dinner and reception, Baltimore, Maryland, Feb. 16, 2024. The National Guard Bureau was the featured military organization of the 2024 Stars and Stripes event. Army National Guard

Airman Miranda Clement of the 168th Wing, 168th Force Support Squadron, 168th Services Flight was promoted to Airman during the June drill in the Alaska Air National Guard. A ceremony was held to celebrate her accomplishments and her husband placed her new rank on the uniform in the tradition of Air Force Promotions. The Force Support Squadron Services provides quality of life to the Wing's members and their families performing duties to keep our unit operational, including fitness, feeding Airmen, lodging, mortuary affairs, and the management and accounting procedures needed to support the mission.

LTG Ronald J. Place, DHA Director, and SGM Isaac A. Bray, present the DHA Employee of the 2nd Quarter 2022, Category 1 Award to Chris Hudson. Mr. Chris Hudson served as the Chief of the Customer Support Branch, for the Medical Education and Training Campus (METC), Information Technology & Multimedia Division. DHA holds quarterly recognition ceremonies to honor DHA employees across the enterprise for their dedication to the DHA mission: Unified. Ready. Reliable.

Gen. Jeff Harrigian, U.S. Air Forces in Europe - Air Forces Africa commander, left, exchanges gifts with Romanian Air Force Col. Catalin Miclos, 86th Air Base commander, at 86th Air Base, Romania, May 25, 2022. Gen. Harrigian and Lt. Gen. Viorel Pana, Romanian Air Chief, visited Airmen from the United States, Romania, United Kingdom, and Italy to discuss NATOs enhanced posture along the eastern flank.

Master Sgt. Esteban Figueroa, the senior career counselor for the 3rd Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), receives the Retention Excellence Award from the U.S. Army Military District of Washington command team at Fort McNair, Washington, D.C., Feb. 20, 2024. The award recognizes Figueroas contribution to the unit accomplishing their retention mission in all categories, resulting in a 106% retention rate. Army

U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 5 Frederick L. Hall, State Aviation Safety Officer for the District of Columbia Army National Guard, celebrates over 28 years of service with a retirement ceremony at the 260th Regional Training Institute, Fort Belvoir, Va., Jan. 5, 2024. Gordon joined the D.C. National Guard in 2008, after first enlisting in 1995 and serving as a Black Hawk crew chief. CW5 Hall also provided 13 years of active duty service.

Col. Sean Rassas, 926th Wing commander, cuts a cake with Airman Yulissa Minero Corona, the newest Airman in the wing, during a cake-cutting ceremony in honor of the unit's 60th anniversary Dec. 10, 2022, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. The 926th Wing was established on Dec. 28, 1962, as the 926th Troop Carrier Group at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base, New Orleans. It was designated as the 926th Fighter Wing in 1994 before moving its headquarters to Nellis in 2005. The unit was re-designated in 2014 as the 926th Wing.

Brig. Gen. Rolf Mammen, 127th Wing Commander, Staff Sgt. Jenna Gleason, recruiter, 127th Mission Support Group and Chief Master Sgt. Rick Gordon, 127th Wing command chief, based in Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Michigan, pose after awarding Gleason the Wings outstanding recruiter of the year award. Gleason and seven other individuals were awarded in different categories and will advance to the Michigan Air National Guard competition.

Maj. Gen. Jeffrey Jurasek, deputy commanding general for support, First U.S. Army, congratulates Melvin Outen, U.S. Army Joint Munitions Command, for being awarded the Civilian Service Commendation Medal certificate during the quarterly retirement ceremony held June 2 in Heritage Hall, Rock Island Arsenal, Illinois. (Photo by Jon Micheal Connor, ASC Public Affairs)

Staff Sgt. Justin Davis, a military training leader with the 343rd Training Squadron, created a web-based app that saves several hours each week during the in-processing of students and has saved the Air Force over $15,000 from printing 400,000 pieces of paper annually. It used to take about eight hours a week to prepare, print, scan and upload in-processing documents, considering each student fills out 13 documents. Now, the squadron can in-process 80 to 100 students weekly in under 5 minutes.

GREAT LAKES, Il. (February 2, 2024) Civilians and Sailors stationed aboard Naval Station Great Lakes (NSGL) receive awards from NSGL Commanding Officer, Capt. Steve Yargosz, Feb. 2, 2024. 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. Navy

Col. Lucas Teel, 4th Fighter Wing commander (left), and Chief Master Sgt. Eric West, 4th FW command chief (right), presents an award to Rosa Ulmer, 336th Fighter Squadron commander support staff unit programs coordinator at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, June 7, 2022. Ulmer was named the civilian category one of the 1st quarter for 2022.

MIAMI (June 15, 2022) - Army Gen. Laura Richardson, the commander of U.S. Southern Command, presents a command coin to Air Force Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost, the commander of U.S. Transportation Command, during the SOUTHCOM Senior Leader Logistics Symposium at the command headquarters. Van Ovost visited SOUTHCOM to take part in the symposium and to meet with senior command leaders. (Photo by Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Stephen Caruso, U.S. Southern Command)

U.S. Marine Sgt. Lucia Salazar Miu, administrative specialist assigned to Maintenance Services Company, Combat Logistics Battalion 25 was honored by Maj. Gen. Francis Evon, adjutant general for the Connecticut National Guard, and Maj. Gen. Lee Ellis, assistant deputy commanding general for National Guard affairs at U.S. Army Materiel Command, for her exceptional service at the 73th annual Connecticut Armed Forces Day Luncheon in Southington, Connecticut, May 20, 2022.

Denton, Texas, May 21, 2012 Col. Bryan Newkirk, Defense Coordinating Officer for FEMA Region 6, presents a Plaque of Appreciation to "Bullett" Young, of FEMA Region 6 for his support of a Logistics conference in April. .. Photographs Relating to Disasters and Emergency Management Programs, Activities, and Officials

U.S. Army, Army National Guard, and Army Reserve officers were awarded the General Douglas MacArthur Leadership Award during a ceremony at The Pentagon, Oct. 26. 2022. The award is presented annually to the top 28 company-grade officers for their outstanding leadership capabilities and their ability to find solutions to difficult problems.

Licensed Counselor Carmella Navarro is presented with a special appreciation plaque by Command Sgt. Maj. Raquel DiDomenico, Fort McCoy Garrison command sergeant major (left), and Fort McCoy Garrison Commander Col. Stephen Messenger after she gave her presentation during Fort McCoys 2022 National Hispanic Heritage Month observance Sept. 15, 2022, at McCoys Community Center at Fort McCoy, Wis. Navarro has experience working with the Army Reserves 85th Support Command and much more as a licensed clinical professional counselor. Navarro shared many personal experiences in her presentation. The 2022 National Hispanic Heritage Month observance at Fort McCoy was organized by the Master Sgt. Ana Guzman with the Fort McCoy Equal Opportunity Office. In addition to the guest speaker, the banquet room at McCoys Community Center was adorned with materials highlight Hispanic Heritage, and more.

000717-A-4543J-003. Base: Camp Henry, Taegu Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

The 192nd Wing hosts a Boss Lift event on June 4, 2022, at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia. Airmen nominated supervisors from 14 civilian employers for exceptional support of their Virginia Air National Guard careers. The employers flew in an Ohio Air National Guard KC-135 Stratotanker and witnessed aerial refueling of F-22 Raptors. The Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) presented awards to the employers. ESGR is a U.S. Department of Defense program promoting cooperation and understanding between civilian employers and their Guard and Reserve employees.

10 past Minnesota National Guard service members were honored for their service during the annual Court of Honor induction program ceremony at Camp Ripley, October 2, 2022, near Little Falls, Minnesota. The Court of Honor commemorates the lasting contributions of soldiers who have dedicated their lives to the service of the State and Nation. (Minnesota National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Mahsima Alkamooneh)

Inter-American Defense College Leadership Welcomes dignitaries from the Brazilian Ministry of Defense to the IADC on Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C., Sept. 21, 2022. During the visit, the dignitaries attended an office call with IADC Leadership, received an IADC brief, and concluded the visit with a tour of the campus.

Converge LLC founder and Managing Partner, Matthew Kennedy shakes hands with Col. Sean Riley, 102nd Intelligence Wing Commander upon the transfer of ownership of the Joint Base Cape Cod water and wastewater systems to Converge LLC. This comes after over two years of negotiations between the Company, the Massachusetts Air National Guard and the United States Air Force. The systems have been under the management and control of the Massachusetts Air National Guard since the operations of the bases infrastructure were transferred to it by the Air Force in the mid-1970s.

Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Martha Kester smiles with her brother following a Passing of the Stole Ceremony at Joint Force Headquarters in Johnston, Iowa, on Oct. 22, 2022. Kester, alongside Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Heather Simon, have made history together by becoming the first women to serve as State Chaplains, both in their states and in the country. Kester will serve the Iowa National Guard, while Simon will serve the New Jersey National Guard. The Passing of the Stole reminds all military chaplains of their calling and their pastoral responsibility to provide religious support to service members and families. The ceremony is a tradition that represents a formal transfer of authority and responsibility from the previous State Chaplain to the new one.

Members of the U.S. Air Force 379th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron pose for a photo with Col. Dennis Cummings, 379th Air Expeditionary Wing deputy commander, on Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, Sept. 30, 2022. Fire Prevention Week spreads awareness about safety and fire prevention measures.

Maj. Matthew Swim, the executive officer for 4th Cavalry Multi-Functional Training Brigade gets promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel September 13, 2022 at Fort Knox, Kentucky, by Col. Karen Baker, Brigade Commander, as well as his family.

From left, Australian Army Major General Scott Winter, Commander 1st Division, gives a gift to Lt. Gen. Tadao Maeda, Commanding General, Ground Component Command, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, during Exercise Yama Sakura 83 at Camp Asaka, Japan, Dec. 4, 2022. As a part of U.S. Army Pacific Operation Pathways, Yama Sakura 83 is the largest and most complex U.S. Army and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force bilateral command post Exercise to date.

Norfolk Naval Shipyard Commander, Capt. Dianna Wolfson, joined the Veterans Employee Readiness Group in presenting 137 U.S. flags to Robie Gardner for the Sturtevant Funeral Home's Retire Your Flag Program.

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