← Military & Defence

Military Award Ceremonies

Images showcasing military personnel receiving awards and medals during formal ceremonies. The mood is respectful and celebratory, featuring military uniforms and flags.

Col. Nathaniel Rusin, left, 480th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Wing commander, presents Col. Garry Floyd, 694th ISR Group outgoing commander, a Legion of Merit medal during a change of command at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, 8 July, 2022. The Legion of Merit medal is presented to those who have performed beyond their expected duties, and have accomplished outstanding achievements.

Rear Adm. Pete Garvin, right, commander, Naval Education and Training Command (NETC), presents Culinary Specialist 1st Class Evan Kern, NETC Pensacolas enlisted aide, with a plaque for his selection as NETCs 1st Qtr. fiscal year 2023 senior Sailor of the quarter during an awards ceremony in Pensacola, Fla., March 28, 2022. NETCs mission is to recruit, train and deliver those who serve our nation, taking them from street-to-fleet by forging civilians into highly skilled, operational and combat ready warfighters.

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY SOUDA BAY, Greece (Oct. 13, 2022) Air Traffic Controller 1st Class Kareem Washington, 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 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.

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY SOUDA BAY, Greece (Oct. 13, 2022) Master-at-Arms 1st Class Norris Howard, assigned to Naval Support Activity (NSA) Souda Bay, receives a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal from Capt. Odin Klug, commanding officer, NSA Souda Bay, Greece, during an award 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.

Patricia Cerjan, wife of the late Lt. Gen. Paul Cerjan who was instrumental in the transformation of Fort Drum in the 1980s, was named Woman of the Mountain during a ceremony Aug. 30 at the Multipurpose Auditorium. She received a medallion from Maj. Gen. (P) Milford H. Beagle Jr., 10th Mountain Division (LI) and Fort Drum commander, and Command Sgt. Maj. Nema Mobar, 10th Mountain Division (LI) and Fort Drum senior enlisted adviser. (Photo by Mike Strasser, Fort Drum Garrison Public Affairs)

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Jordan Caldwell was recognized for his promotion to Master Sergeant, June 10, 2022, during a ceremony at the I.G. Brown Training and Education Center on McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base in East Tennessee. He is assigned as an instructor with the Lankford Enlisted Professional Military Education Center.

From left to right, U.S. Army Col. Werner J. Barden, 519th Hospital Center commander, Lt. Col. Lt. Col. Michael P. Meissel, outgoing 160th Forward Resuscitative Surgical Detachment commander and Command Sgt. Maj. Gary Petty, 519th Hospital Center smile for the camera after an award ceremony Aug 4, 2022 at Rhine Ordnance Barracks, Kaiserslautern, Germany. Lt. Col. Mark A. Black assumed command of the unit from Meissel.

Sgt. 1st Class Carlos Guzman, motor transport operator and master driver (holding an award), from the 348th Transportation Company, helped the 505th Signal Brigade conduct a Drivers Training course at Camp Navajo, which is overseen by the Arizona Army National Guard, during their two-week annual training event, July 24 through August 4, 2022. The 505th SB deploys to conduct mission command and provide network planning and engineering support for assigned units and defend the Department of Defense Information Network.

Chief Master Sgt. Karl Burnell, 203rd RED HORSE senior enlisted leader, presents a plaque to newly promoted Chief Master Sgt. Carmen Daniels, 192nd Force Support Flight senior enlisted leader, at her promotion ceremony June 4, 2022, at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia. Daniels became the 176th chief in the Virginia Air National Guard and was celebrated by family, friends and fellow members of the VaANG.

Maj. Gen. Shawn Manke presents Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Curtis Norenberg with the Superior Civilian Service Award, August 30, 2022, in Falcon Heights, MN. Norenberg is a committee member of the Minnesota Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve and has volunteered for more than 50 years with the organization. He also set up the first committee in 1972. During the Minnesota State Fair's Military Appreciation Day, Employer Support of The Guard and Reserve recognized and honored the employers of military families. (Minnesota National Guard Photo by Staff Sgt. Mahsima Alkamooneh)

U.S. Army Reserve Command Sgt. Maj. Annette Brandenburg-Bethany, outgoing command sergeant major of the 451st Expeditionary Sustainment Command (ESC), smiles after receiving an award by U.S. Army Reserve Col. Lisa Mullinax, Deputy Commanding Officer of the 451st ESC, during a relinquishment of responsibility ceremony at McConnell Air Force Base, Wichita, Kansas, Feb. 3, 2024. The relinquishment of responsibility ceremony recognized Brandenburg-Bethanys accomplishments as the unit's Command Sergeant Major while giving those around her an opportunity to say farewell. Army Reserve

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.

Master sergeant selects pose with Lt. Col. Benjamin Hughes, 460th Healthcare Operations Squadron commander, (far left) and Senior Master Sgt. Archie Curtis, senior enlisted leader of the 566th Intelligence Squadron, (far right) following the closing of their promotion release ceremony. The ceremony was hosted by Team Buckleys Top Three Association to recognize seven hard working technical sergeants who will soon be promoted to the position of master sergeants.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Johnny Schneeberger, 125th Maintenance Group componet maintenance senior enlisted leader, retires from the 125th Fighter Wing, Florida Air National Guard, June 12, 2022.

Senior Master Sgt. Christopher Lindsey, 911th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron first sergeant, receives the Outstanding Airmen of the Year award in the first sergeant category during a commander's call at the Pittsburgh International Airport Air Reserve Station, Pennsylvania, April 2, 2023. The OAY is an annual awards program in the Air Force that recognizes Airmen who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, job performance, community involvement, and personal achievements.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Lance J. Langfeldt, the 6th Marine Corps District commanding officer, left, and Gunnery Sgt. Sean G. Linder, the logistics chief at 6MCD, right, congratulate Sgt. Robert F. Rodriguez, the motor transportation chief at 6MCD, after his reenlistment ceremony held at 6MCD headquarters, Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina, Sept. 19, 2022. The Marine Corps reenlistment ceremony serves to highlight those who've decided to continue their service, and to reestablish the commitment of Marines to the Corps and to the nation. Rodriguez is a native of New Haven, Connecticut, and was accompanied by his wife, Sgt. Yarimar Rodriguez, and their two daughters.

U.S. Air Force Gen. Kevin Schneider, Pacific Air Forces commander, recognizes Airmen during his visit at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Feb. 28, 2024. Schneider visited with Airmen across the installation to discuss the quality of life on station to learn more about the unique challenges Airmen and families face while being stationed in Alaska. Air Force

U.S. Air Force Maj. Sarah Marianetti, 87th Force Support Squadron Operations Officer, presents a check to U.S. Army Col. Jon Brierton, Army Support Activity, Fort Dix Commander and Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., Deputy Commander, April 14, 2022 at Tommy B's Community Activities Center. The check displays the monetary value that Joint Base MDL volunteers offer to the installation and community.

U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Benjamin Lemon (left), the U.S. Army Garrison Humphreys senior enlisted leader, presents an award to U.S. Army Pfc. McKinnzie A. Colston (right) at the United States Army Garrison Humphreys Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers (BOSS) program 3rd Quarter Awards Ceremony at Humphreys Family Theater for being the Boss Representative of the Month of April on June 28, 2022. Awardees were recognized for excellence, dedication, achievements connected to the BOSS program.

Maj. Matthew R. Jones, 70th Aerial Port Squadron Commander, was awarded the Bronze Star Medal by Col. S. James Frickel, 482nd Fighter Wing Vice Commander, for meritorious achievement at Homestead Air Reserve Base, Florida, August 6, 2022. The Bronze Star Medal, awarded to military members since 1944, is the fourth highest achievable medal.

Col. Marc Welde, commander of the 32d Medical Brigade, left, passes the unit colors to Lt. Col. Dennison Segui, the outgoing commander of the 187th Medical Battalion, right, during the 187th MED BN change of command ceremony held at Fort Sam Houston Post Theater, on Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, Texas, June 21, 2022. The change of command ceremony recognized the change of leadership from Segui, to the incoming commander Lt. Col. Sean Riley.

Staff Sgt. Stephen Hughes, a career counselor assigned to Fort Meade, and Col. Michael Sapp, Fort Meade garrison commander, receive 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 the installation accomplishing their retention mission in all categories, resulting in a 168% retention rate. Recently, Hughes was named the U.S. Army Military District of Washingtons Career Counselor of the Year. Army

U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Andrew Niebel, right, the commanding general of Marine Corps Installations East-Marine Corps Base (MCB) Camp Lejeune, presents an award to Julie Jones, left, an education technician with Marine and Family Programs during the Civilian Leadership Development (CLD) Recognition Luncheon at the Paradise Point Officers Club on MCB Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Nov. 16, 2022. The purpose of the CLD program is to improve leadership competencies and skills of civilian employees assigned to MCB Camp Lejeune staff agencies.

Officer Candidate Joseph Makee, receives the Academic Achievement Award during an Officer Candidate School (OCS) graduation ceremony at Camp Blanding Joint Training Center, August 27, 2022.

Lt. Col. Phillip Jeon, the Chaplain for 4th Cavalry Brigade, 1st Army Division East, receives the Order of Titus, an award that highlights the importance of realistic, doctrinally-guided combat ministry training in ensuring the delivery of prevailing religious support to Soldiers. The award was presented May 26, 2022 at Fort Knox, Ky. By Command Sgt. Maj. Raymond Ramirez, the Sergeant Major of 4th Cavalry Brigade. Chaplain Jeons wife Jade was also awarded the Meritorious Public Service Medal for her outstanding commitment to the Brigade.

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!

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Thomas M. Bedell, the commanding officer of Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, presents Sgt. Maj. Marquis L. Young with the Noncommissioned Officer Sword at MCAS Miramar during Young's appointment to sergeant major of the air station, Feb. 3, 2023. Young, a native of Memphis, Tennessee, replaced Sgt. Maj. Jason R. Cain, who retired in December of 2022. Prior to assuming his new position, Young successfully completed his third tour in Marine Corps Recruiting Command.

220627-N-EJ241-1009DIEGO GARCIA, British Indian Ocean Territory (June 27, 2022) - Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Matthew Ryan, 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 winners from the 20th Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives (CBRNE) Best Squad Competition, 48the Chemical Brigade, pose for a photo during the awards ceremony at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, July 14, 2022. The 20th CBRNE Commands Best Squad Competition and Best Warrior Competition is a single event used to select the best Noncommissioned Officer of the Year and Soldier of the Year from Soldiers within the command and its major subordinate commands.

SANTA RITA, Guam (June 8, 2022)Friends, family, and Sailors gathered at the U.S. Naval Base Guam (NBG) Naval Security Forces (NSF) Headquarters for a pinning ceremony for Senior Chief Master-at-Arms Travis Wharton, June 7. During the ceremony, Wharton was pinned by his son and daughter and his cover was ceremoniously placed by Senior Chief Boatswains Mate Pad Monahan. NBG Commanding Officer Capt. Michael Luckett also presented Wharton with his official frocking letter. Wharton, assigned to NBG NSF, hails from Herin, Illinois and has served 21 years in the U.S. Navy. (U.S. Navy Photos by LSSCS Christian Dadino)

District of Columbia National Guard service members, family members, and friends gather to honor the retirement of Command Sergeant Major Robert L. Hull, on November 5, 2022 at Washington, DC Armory. During the ceremony, Hull was presented with the National Guard Minute Man award. (US Army National Guard Photo by Spc. Emiliano Alcorta).

Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Drew Deboard receives his Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal 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.

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 37 years of service to the nation, the Army and the military health system.

CDR Nichols awards ITC Pizana with a Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Cody Anderson, right, a logistics readiness officer with the 182nd Logistics Readiness Squadron, Illinois Air National Guard, assumes command of the 182nd Force Support Squadron in Peoria, Illinois, Oct. 2, 2022. FSS provides services in personnel, promotions, education, training, recreation, and fitness.

LTG Ronald J. Place, DHA Director, and SGM Isaac A. Bray, present the Junior Enlisted Service Member for 2nd Quarter, Calendar Year 2022 Award to YN2 Malcolm C. Jackson, United States Navy, Armed Forces Medical Examiner System, AD-HCA. DHA holds quarterly recognition ceremonies to honor DHA employees across the enterprise for their dedication to the DHA mission: Unified. Ready. Reliable.

U.S. Army paratrooper Capt. Christopher Donaghe, the physician assistant assigned to 2nd Battalion, 503rd Airborne Infantry Regiment, was designated as the U.S. Army Europe and Africa physician assistant of the year 2021 at Caserma Del Din in Vicenza, Italy on May 20, 2022.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. John D. Garvin, right, outgoing commander of the 387th Air Expeditionary Squadron, relinquishes command of the 387th AES and passes the guidon to Col. Joshua B. Pyers, commander of the 387th Air Expeditionary Group, during a change of command ceremony at the base theater at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, June 2, 2022. Prior to arriving at Ali Al Salem, Garvin served as an assistant professor of leadership psychology at the United States Military Academy at West Point.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Richard D. Joyce, left, commanding officer of Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 29, passes a Chief of Naval Operations 2020 Naval Aviation Safety Award to Sgt. Sheridon Alvaranga at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina, May 24, 2022. The chief of naval operations recognized Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 167 for its outstanding safety record during aircraft operations in support of the United States Marine Corps Forces Command. HMLA-167 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Vincent Giallombardo earned the title Small Group Leader (SGL) of the cycle for Advanced Leaders Course Cycle 03-22 at the U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence Noncommissioned Officer Academy - Fort Eustis, April 4, 2022 at Fort Eustis, Virginia. This award goes to the SGL that demonstrates the highest proficiency, knowledge, skills and attention to detail required to successfully lead and instruct NCOs through the course

Brig. Gen. Leigh Swanson, Air Mobility Command command surgeon, Chief Master Sgt. Daneen Jeziorske, AMC medical enlisted force, and Maj. Alex. Dudash, 19th Medical Group pharmacy flight commander, 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

Maj. Gen. John C. Harris Jr., left, Ohio adjutant general, presents Lt. Gen. Steven S. Nordhaus, commander, 1st Air Force, with an appreciation plaque for speaking during the Ohio National Guard Joint Senior Leader Conference at the Nationwide Hotel and Conference Center in Lewis Center, Ohio, Feb. 2, 2024. Nordhaus, who commanded the 180th Fighter Wing in Swanton, Ohio from 2011 to 2013, now leads the organization responsible for ensuring the air sovereignty and air defense of the continental United States, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Air National Guard

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Nicholas Kremposky poses in front of a KC-135 with his college diploma on Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, May 26, 2022. Kremposky graduated with his bachelor's degree during his deployment on AUAB, and is currently pursuing a master's degree.

U.S. Navy Capt. Cassidy Norman, right, commanding officer of the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74), presents a Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal to Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Gerardo Alvarez, from Los Angeles, for using CPR to save a flight attendants life during a flight in December of 2021, on the floating accommodation facility, in Newport News, Virginia, May 2, 2022. The John C. Stennis is in Newport News Shipyard working alongside NNS, NAVSEA and contractors conducting Refueling and Complex Overhaul as part of the mission to deliver the warship back in the fight, on time and on budget, to resume its duty of defending the United States.

Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Corrine Ramos receives her Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal 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.

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY SOUDA BAY, Greece (Jan. 11, 2024) Master-at-Arms 3rd Class John Peterson, assigned to Naval Support Activity (NSA) Souda Bay, Greece, is certified as a Navy Security Force Senior Specialist by 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.

YOKOSUKA, Japan (May 16, 2022) Capt. Rich Jarrett, Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka, left, presents a frocking letter to Senior Chief Yeoman Jason Martin during a pinning ceremony onboard Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY). For 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.

Lori Bane receives a Public Service Commendation Medal from Maj. Gen. Chris Mohan, the commanding general of U.S. Army Sustainment Command, minutes before the start of the 405th Army Field Support Brigade Change of Command Ceremony, June 30. Lori provided unwavering support to the brigade and the U.S. Army Garrison Rhineland-Pfalz community over the past two years, and was recently selected as the USAG Rhineland-Pfalz volunteer of the year. (photo by Elisabeth Paqué)

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Joseph LeVeille, assigned to 4th Combat Camera Squadron, 315th Airlift Wing, receive their first place awards during the 2022 Spc. Hilda I. Clayton Best Combat Camera Competition at Fort A.P Hill, Virginia, May 23, 2022. The annual multi-day competition tests the physical, tactical and technical proficiency of visual information and public affairs specialists across the DOD and participating international competitors.

Staff Sgt. Daniel Ward, a public affairs non-commissioned officer from U.S. Special Operations Command Europe (SOCEUR) receives a certificate of appreciation from a Moldovan Mass Media Cell public affairs officer in Chisinau, Moldova, Oct. 28, 2022. A team from SOCEUR worked with the Moldovan Mass Media Cell during the Subject Matter Expert Exchange (SMEE) and provided technical training on new camera equipment and public affairs operations.

Maj. Christie Lang receives Meritorious Service Medal. (from left) Col. Martin Doperak, and Command Sgt. Maj. Anthony Forker Jr.

The commanding general of Installation Management Command, Lt. Gen. Omar J. Jones IV and Command Sgt. Maj. Jason R. Copeland present Ed Stasiak, range operations officer, with a coin on Feb. 28 for preventing a break in service the range operations and maintenance contract after the passing of the sole owner of the contract company.

Members of U.S. Air Forces in Europe - Air Forces Africa pose for a group photo at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, April 7, 2022. The members were named USAFE-AFAFRICA's Outstanding Airmen of the Year.

YOKOSUKA, Japan (May 16, 2022) Capt. Rich Jarrett, Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka, left, presents a frocking letter to Senior Chief Yeoman Jason Martin during a pinning ceremony onboard Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY). For 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.

Brig. Gen. Toni Lord, Virginia National Guard air component commander, congratulates Master Sgt. Christopher Plath, 192nd Maintenance Group quality assurance superintendent, for winning the 2021 Lt. Gen. Leo Marquez Award at the National Guard Bureau level in the maintenance manager category, on Aug. 7, 2022, at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia.

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.

U.S. Navy Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Briana Bartholomew, Surgical Company C, 1st Medical Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group, accepts a congratulatory statue for achieving Sailor of the Year from U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. George W. Smith, Jr., commanding general of I Marine Expeditionary Force, and Command Master Chief Charles Ziervogel, of I MEF, during the I MEF Marines and Sailors of the Year awards ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, March 22, 2023. The Marines and Sailors of the Year awards are earned by Marines and Sailors who exemplify Marine Corps and Navy core values by performing above and beyond what is expected of them in service and rank.

Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Brett Walker receives his Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal 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.

Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Brett Walker receives his Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal 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.

A student from Matthew C. Perry High School, left, poses for a picture with U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Paul Cordes, the executive officer of Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, during an art awards presentation at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, Feb. 22, 2024. The air station presented awards for its monthly art competition in which students attending schools at the air station showcase their artistic talent through different art mediums. Marine Corps

FORT MEADE, Md - Lt. Col. Stephen P. Ward, right, the outgoing commander of the Headquarters Command Battalion, receives a custom award commemorating his leadership here from Command Sgt. Maj. Brian Sanders, the senior enlisted advisor for the HCB, June 30. The award was presented prior to a formal change of command ceremony here, in which Ward's leadership and guidance as the HCB commander was celebrated by friends, family, and fellow Soldiers.

Sgt. 1st Class Andrea Collins was presented a Sergeant Audie Murphy Award during a ceremony at the Fort Meade Post Theater May 17, 2022. Collins is a 782nd Military Intelligence Battalion senior digital network analyst sergeant for E. Company. Members of the Sergeant Audie Murphy Association actively develop and sustain a professional NCO corps, Army readiness, and safe communities.

WASHINGTON, DC (June 30, 2022) - Capt. Mark Burns (left), Naval Support Activity Washington commanding officer, frocks Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Katleen Puentes (right) to the rate of 2nd class during a ceremony held onboard Washington Navy Yard.

Col. Bill Soliz, commander, Tripler Army Medical Center, awards the Army Accommodation Medal to Staff Sgt. Watson Togiailua, TAMC, during a ceremony at TAMC, June 10, 2022.

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. William Betts, the 378th Air Expeditionary Wing commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Jessica McWain, the 378th AEW command chief, present a plaque to Senior Master Sgt. Justin Seals, the 378th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron operations flight superintendent, during a chief master sergeant release ceremony at Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Dec. 9,2022. Air Force officials selected 514 senior master sergeants for promotion to chief master sergeant, out of 2,526 eligible, for a selection rate of 20.34 percent in the 22E9 promotion cycle.

NEWPORT, R.I. - Lt. Gen. Matthew G. Glavy, Deputy Commandant for Information (DC I), U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) Forces, the head of the intelligence community for the U.S Marine Corps, delivers a Lecture of Opportunity at the U.S. Naval War College (NWC) on board Naval Station Newport, Rhode Island January 23, 2024. During his visit, Lt. Gen. Glavy met with NWC President Rear Adm. Pete Garvin before giving his lecture on The Information War Fighting Function to NWC students, faculty, and staff. In his current role Lt. Gen. Glavy serves as the USMC liaison to Commander, USSTRATCOM, representing USMC capabilities and interests while advising on the proper support and employment of Marine forces. Established in 1884, NWC informs todays decision-makers and educates tomorrows leaders by providing educational experiences and learning opportunities that develop their ability to anticipate and prepare strategically for the future, strengthen the foundations of peace, and create a decisive warfi

27th Finance Management Company, Soldiers and Brig. Gen. Joseph Biehler, pose for a photo to congratulate Staff Sgt. Alexander Makaron on winning 1st place award for the Individual Pistol Competition, and awarded an Army Achievement Medal following The Adjutant General Combat Marksmanship Skills Competition (TAG Match)at Camp Smith Training Site, N.Y., June 5, 2022. The TAG Match is a 3-day event conducted by the New York Army National Guard to promote excellence in marksmanship training and offer Soldiers, Airmen and State Militia the opportunity to test their marksmanship skills and weapon systems in a battle-focused environment.

Staff Sgt. Taquesha Abson Re-enlistment & Farewell.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Michael C. May, Indiana Air National Guard state command chief, thanks his brother during an assumption of responsibility ceremony at the 122nd Fighter Wing (FW), Indiana September 10, 2022. During the ceremony Chief Master Sgt. Kyle D. Hoopingarner assumed the position of 122nd FW command chief followed by Chief Master Sgt. Michael E. Dixon assuming the position of Indiana Air National Guard state command chief.

GREAT LAKES, Il. (January 18, 2024) Sailors stationed aboard Naval Station Great Lakes and its tenant commands are presented lone Sailor statues from the Navy League at a Sailor of the year ceremony at the National Museum of the American Sailor, Jan. 18, 2024. Since its founding in 1902, the Navy League has provided a voice for stronger sea services. The Navy League has grown to become the foremost citizens organization serving, supporting and standing with all U.S. sea services.

Clint Westrich, center, recipient of the Employee of the Quarter award, poses for a photo with U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Jason Woodworth, the commanding general of Marine Corps Installations West, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, left, and Sgt. Maj. Michael Cedeno, sergeant major of Headquarters and Support Battalion, at MCB Camp Pendleton, California, Jan. 23, 2024. The award was given to Westrich for his outstanding service as a critical facilities branch manager for G-6 communications, MCI-West, MCB Camp Pendleton in fiscal year 2023, quarter four.

Dr. Carolyn D. Harris receives the Team Award Civilian Service Commendation Medal

Lauren Barrett Knausenberger, Chief Information Officer for the Department of the Air Force, participated in a base tour March 29, 2023 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. During her visit, Knausenberger met with airmen to discuss the future of cyber communication and recognized three outstanding service members. Senior leadership visits like this are important because they give Airmen the opportunity to talk to and share their concerns with key decision makers.

Rahm Emanuel, the U.S. ambassador to Japan, awards U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Collin Scarlett Jr., a military policeman with 247th Military Police Detachment, 10th Support Group, during a recognition luncheon on Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, April 28, 2022. Scarlett received a challenge coin for responding to a high-speed chase traffic accident where he pulled an individual out of a vehicle and provided medical assistance until first responders arrived around Torii Beach, Okinawa, Japan, Sept. 23, 2021.

230331-N-XP477-1108 SAN DIEGO (March 31, 2023) - Rear Adm. Robert Chadwick II, right, presents Master Chief Operations Specialist Kermit L. Pollard with a Meritorious Service Medal during Pollard's retirement ceremony at the Murphy Canyon Chapel, March 31, 2023. Pollard is retiring after 27 years of dedicated service to the U.S. Navy.

GREAT LAKES, Il. (January 18, 2024) Sailors stationed aboard Naval Station Great Lakes and its tenant commands are presented lone Sailor statues from the Navy League at a Sailor of the year ceremony at the National Museum of the American Sailor, Jan. 18, 2024. Since its founding in 1902, the Navy League has provided a voice for stronger sea services. The Navy League has grown to become the foremost citizens organization serving, supporting and standing with all U.S. sea services.

SILVERDALE, Wash. (Sep. 13, 2022) -Trident Refit Facility, Bangor (TRFB) team member, Patricia Angstead, right, receives an award for her leadership and efforts during the command's Family and Friends Day event. TRFB's commanding officer, U.S. Navy Capt. Michael D. Eberlein, left, presented the award. TRFB supports the nations strategic deterrence mission repairing, incrementally overhauling, and modernizing Pacific Fleet strategic ballistic missile submarines during refits.

Wyoming Army National Guard Recruiting Officer strength manager, Chief Warrant Officer 4 Anthony Finch, shakes the hand of Major Michael Pieper after swearing-in as a Medical officer in the United States Army. Dr. Pieper is a family physician in Afton and the Star Valley area of Wyoming.

On Jan. 18, 2024, Capt. M.W. Meno presented UT2 Richard Robledo with a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal at quarters for muster for professional achievement in the performance of his duties. As the central tool room custodian for Naval Construction Group One (NCG-1) from December 2020 to January 2024, Petty Officer Robledo skillfully led 19 military and civilian personnel who managed and inventoried 1,061 line items of non-civil engineering support equipment table of allowance used to support six subordinate units during their field training exercises. Petty Officer Robledo ensured they had the tools necessary to complete complex engineering tasks throughout the Pacific theater of operations. Petty Officer Robledos exceptional professionalism, unwavering perseverance, and loyal dedication to duty reflected credit on him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. Quarters for muster, instruction, and inspection is the time Navy commands set

MWD Roy is awarded an Army Commendation Medal by Lt. Gen. Theodore D. Martin (right), commanding general for the U.S. Army Combined Arms Center and Fort Leavenworth. MWD Roy had been assigned to the 67th Military Police Detachment and had served 8 years.

220801-M-TN173-2104 MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, Hawaii (Aug. 1, 2022) U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Jason C. Copeland, the Battalion Commander, from Roswell, N.M., assigned to 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, Marine Air-Ground Task Force 7, exchanges gifts with a Tongan, His Majesty's Armed Forces, service member during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, three submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC 2022 from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The worlds largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC 2022 provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the worlds oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

Brig. Gen. Rolf Mammen, 127th Wing commander, Staff Sgt. Brian Mitchell, defender, 127th Security Forces Squadron and Chief Master Sgt. Rick Gordon, 127th Wing command chief, based in Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Michigan, pose after awarding Mitchell the Wings outstanding non-commissioned officer of the year award. Mitchell and seven other individuals were awarded in different categories based on rank and will advance to the Michigan Air National Guard competition.

Mr. Steve Austin, the Assistant Chief of the Army Reserve, visits the Integrated Personnel and Pay System - Army (IPPS - A) Reserve component cutover team and gifts a coin to CW3 Amanda Hansen on Dec. 6, 2022 in Arlington, VA. The USAR has approximately 60 in-person participants from every MSC across the Reserve and approximately 300 online assistants with the IPPS - A brownout and cutover tasks. Mr. Austin came to personally recognize their dedicated efforts and how important their roles are as cutover members setting up commands for success.

The winners from the 20th Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives (CBRNE) Best Warrior Competition, Best NCO is Sgt. Micah Miller, an explosive ordnance technician with 52nd Ordnance Group, Best Soldier is Spc. Logan Gardiner, an EOD tech with 52nd EOD, and Best Officer is Cpt. John Lintner with 48th Chemical Brigade, pose for a photo during the awards ceremony at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, July 14, 2022. The 20th CBRNE Commands Best Squad Competition and Best Warrior Competition is a single event used to select the best Noncommissioned Officer of the Year and Soldier of the Year from Soldiers within the command and its major subordinate commands.

Col. Amanda Figueroa, 694th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group commander, congratulates Lt. Col. Megan Davis, 303rd Intelligence Squadron incoming commander, at the squadrons assumption of command ceremony at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, July 18, 2022. An assumption of command is a military tradition, which represents a formal transfer of authority and responsibility for a flight, squadron, group, wing or MAJCOM from a presiding officer to an incoming commander.

Lt. Col. Michael Wetlesen, 4th Security Forces Squadron commander, gives Military Working Dog Mikos retirement certificate to Tech. Sgt. Charles Davis, 4th SFS kennel master, at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, Sept. 26, 2022. Miko served as an ordnance detection dog for seven years.

Lt. Col. Michael Wetlesen, 4th Security Forces Squadron commander, gives Military Working Dog Mikos retirement certificate to Tech. Sgt. Charles Davis, 4th SFS kennel master, at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, Sept. 26, 2022. Miko served as an ordnance detection dog for seven years.

Hospital Corpsman Camryn Doon receives her Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal 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. (Sept. 9, 2022) Capt. Jason Williamson, right, Naval Station Great Lakes commanding officer, presents Kevin Barnett, administration officer, with a certificate of appreciation. 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.

Army Sgt. 1st Class Naomi Graham is promoted to her current rank during a ceremony held at the World Class Athlete Program, November 7, 2022. Graham, a Boxing Soldier-athlete assigned to the program, competed in the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.

SASEBO, Japan (April 7, 2022) Capt. Ken Ward, right, sixth commanding officer of the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), receives the Legion of Merit during a change-of-command ceremony on the ship's flight deck. America, lead ship of the America Amphibious Ready Group, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility to enhance interoperability with allies and partners, and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the lndo-Pacific region.

GREAT LAKES, Il. (January 18, 2024) Sailors stationed aboard Naval Station Great Lakes and its tenant commands are presented lone Sailor statues from the Navy League at a Sailor of the year ceremony at the National Museum of the American Sailor, Jan. 18, 2024. Since its founding in 1902, the Navy League has provided a voice for stronger sea services. The Navy League has grown to become the foremost citizens organization serving, supporting and standing with all U.S. sea services.

Lt. Col. Jason M. Wingeart from 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division relinquishes command of the 2-35 IN Cacti to Lt. Col. Peter B. Walther during a change of command ceremony at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, June 1, 2022.

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 Albert Kasper, president and chief executive officer of 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.

Cindy Mohan places the three stars insignia onto her husband's uniform during his promotion ceremony Friday. Lt. Gen. Chris Mohan assumed duties as the 48th deputy commanding general of Army Materiel Command and senior commander of Redstone Arsenal.

U.S. Air Force Col. Kevin Davidson, 47th Flying Training Wing (FTW) commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Lester Largaespada, 47th FTW command chief, present Catherine Stephens, 434th Flying Training Squadron key spouse, 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

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

Brig. Gen. E. Darrin Cox, Regional Health Command-Central commanding general, pins the Civilian Service Commendation Medal on Roger Davidson, from William Beaumont Army Medical Center on Fort Bliss, Texas, who earned the RHC-C Exceptional Sexual Assault Response Coordinator of the Year.

Cmdr. Thomas Ableman receives his Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal 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.

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.

FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, Md.---Petty Officer 1st Class Joshua Mefford received a Joint Service Commendation Medal on Apr. 25, 2022 for work that directly impacted national security on dozens of occasions, producing results that were included in several Presidential Briefs. Vice Adm. Ross Myers, commander, U.S. Fleet Cyber Command/U.S. 10th Fleet, presented the award to Mefford at Computer Network Operations.

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