Military Awards and Ceremonies

Images depict military personnel engaged in award presentations, highlighting achievements and leadership roles. The setting includes flags and formal attire, conveying a sense of honor and recognitio

Col. Mitchell Sieglock, commander of the 96th Aviation Troop Command, presents Sgt. Andrew Donley-Russell, a CH-47 Chinook helicopter crew chief with 1st Battalion, 168th General Support Aviation, with the U.S. Army Aviation's Broken Wing Award in a ceremony held at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, June 18, 2022. Donley-Russell was instrumental in landing their catastrophically damaged Chinook during a mission in Afghanistan in 2020.

Master Sgt. Christopher Kronenwetter, Michigan Air National Guard Chaplain Corps Superintendent, receives the 2021 Air Force Chaplain Corps Minuteman Award by Col. Leah Boling, Director, Air National Guard Chaplain Corps at the 110th Wing, Battle Creek Air National Guard Base, Mich., June 4, 2022. The award is given annually to one Religious Affairs Airman for excellence in his/her field, and for going above and beyond typical responsibilities. Kronenwetters leadership nominated him for the 2021 Minuteman Award for his outstanding work in the Wing and the State of Michigan. He contributes his success to a supportive family, leadership, and peers that cultivate an environment for professional growth. Pictured left to right, Chief Master Sgt. Andre Williamson, Career Field Manager, Air National Guard Corps, Master Sgt. Cristopher Kronenwetter, Col. Leah Boling, and Col. Shawn Holtz, Commander, 110th Wing, Air National Guard Base, Mich.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Kenneth D. Tankersley, operations chief for the 188th Logistics Readiness Squadron, receives his retirement order from U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. James T. Garvey, 188th LRS commander in a formal ceremony held at the Ebbing Air National Guard Base, Ark. on Dec. 8.

Tech. Sgt. Cory Bowman, Air Force Life Cycle Management Detachment 12, poses for a picture with Lt. Col. Richard Baysinger, left, 66th Air Base Group deputy commander, and Chief Master Sgt. William Hebb, right, and other Airmen during the E-7 release ceremony at Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., June 2.

Col. Mitchell Sieglock, commander of the 96th Aviation Troop Command, presents Sgt. Andrew Donley-Russell, a CH-47 Chinook helicopter crew chief with 1st Battalion, 168th General Support Aviation, with the U.S. Army Aviation's Broken Wing Award in a ceremony held at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, June 18, 2022. Donley-Russell was instrumental in landing their catastrophically damaged Chinook during a mission in Afghanistan in 2020.

U.S. Air Force Col. Jack Arthaud, commander of the 33rd Fighter Wing, presents the Legion of Merit Medal to U.S. Air Force Col. James McFarland, commander of the 33rd Maintenance Group, 33rd Fighter Wing, during a change of command ceremony at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, June 24, 2022. McFarland relinquished command to U.S. Air Force Col. Thomas Preston, former commander of the 49th Maintenance Group, Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico.

U.S. Army Alpha Battery, 5th Battalion, 4th Air Defense Artillery Regiment hosted a redeployment ceremony in Ansbach, Germany on Feb. 26. Alpha Btry commanded by U.S. Army Capt. Michael Archer deployed the Maneuver Short Range Air Defense (M-SHORAD) air defense system to Poland, Slovakia, and Romania reinforcing NATOs Easter Flank in Aug. 2023, marking the first operational deployment of the M-SHORAD platform.

U.S. Army Col. Kevin Jackson, 19th Battlefield Coordination Detachment commander, presents the Army Achievement Medal to Staff Sgt. Carissa Elam on Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Sept. 15, 2022. Elam, 721st Aerial Port Squadron special handling supervisor, was recognized for her knowledge and expertise which enabled the swift delivery and joint movement of critical aid to bolster European defense initiatives against Russian aggression. The 19th BCD conducts liaison between U.S. Army Europe and Africa or designated Army Forces/Land Component Command and the 603rd Air and Space Operations Center to coordinate air power and ground capabilities across the range of military operations within the U.S. European Command and U.S. African Command areas of responsibility.

U.S. Air National Guard Chief Master Sgt. Christopher Labonte, former member of the 101st Maintenance Squadron, holds his retirement ceremony, September 10th, 2022, at the 101st Air Refueling Wing, Bangor, Maine. Labonte retires after 26 years of service.

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.

Col. Tammy McElhaney, left, 4th Mission Support Group commander, presents the Meritorious Service Medal to Lt. Col. Zachary Spotts, outgoing 4th Force Support Squadron commander, during the 4th FSS change of command ceremony at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, June 17, 2022. The ceremony is a military tradition that represents a formal transfer of a units authority and responsibility from one commander to another.

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

U.S. Army Sgt. Wheeler Brunschmid, assigned to 55th Signal Company (Combat Camera), receives the Army Commendation Medal rom Sgt. 1st Class Ian Holtzman, after the awards ceremony for 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.

U.S. Army Col. John B. Mountford is promoted to Brig. Gen. by U.S. Army Europe & Africa Commanding General, Gen. Darryl A. Williams along with Brig. Gen. Mountfords wife during his promotion ceremony at Clay Kaserne, Wiesbaden, Germany, Jan. 19, 2024. Brig. Gen. Mountford serves as the Deputy Chief of Staff of Operations at Allied Rapid Reaction Corps (ARRC) in United Kingdom. The ARRC is a rapid reaction force maintained by NATO and is capable of deploying a High Readiness Force Headquarters at short notice for operations and crisis response.

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

U.S. Air Force Col. Calvin Powell, left, vice commander of the 435th Air Expeditionary Wing, presents the Defense Superior Service medal to Col. Matthew Bartlett during a change of command ceremony at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, May 31, 2022. During the ceremony, Col. Jason Chambers assumed command of the 449th Air Expeditionary Group from Col. Matthew Bartlett in a ceremony presided over by Powell.

Staff Sgt. Mark Jarrett of the 130th AW is named the NCO winner for the WV AIR NG for the West Virginia National Guard Best Warrior Competition held April 22-24, 2022, at Camp Dawson in Kingwood, West Virginia. Best Warrior is an annual event where participants compete in a series of warrior training tasks including weapons proficiency on the M4 rifle, 9mm pistol, land navigation, physical fitness, combat first aid, tactical movements, communications, and professional development activities.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Thomas Triplett, command chief of the 139th Airlift Wing, Missouri Air National Guard, is awarded the Meritorious Service Medal during an awards ceremony at Rosecrans Air National Guard Base, St. Joseph, Missouri, April 30, 2022. The Meritorious Service Medal is a military award presented to members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguished themselves by outstanding meritorious achievement or service to the United States.

Congratulations to the 624th Regional Support Group Annual Award recipients for 2023.Pacific Warriors, thank you for your dedication to the Groups mission and the Air Force Reserve Command. First Sergent of the Year, Senior Master Sgt. Jonathan Onekea, 48th Aerial Port Squadron

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Donn H. Hill, commanding general of the Security Force Assistance Command presents Command Sgt. Maj. Reese W. Teakell, the Legion of Merit at Fort Bragg, N.C., Aug. 2, 2022. Command Sgt. Maj. Teakell received the award for his meritorious service during his time serving as the SFAC CSM.

U.S. Army Col. Ronald Iammartino Jr, Commander, 2d Theater Signal Brigade, presents a Certificate of Achievement to U.S. Army Sgt. Raheem Richardson during a short ceremony July 29, 2022 at USAG Wiesbaden, Germany. Richardson 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)

AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy - This weeks Wyvern Fighter of the week is Senior Airman Sean Carey, 31st Maintenance Squadron aerospace ground equipment journeyman. The Oakley, California, native has been assigned to the 31st Fighter Wing for a little over a year, and in that short amount of time he has led the way. Carey has been a critical member of the six person AGE bomb lift team as they prepare for the biannual U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa inspection. He completed more than 36 nuclear surety checklists by clearing 280 discrepancies and additionally instructed 10 flight members on jammer operations. In doing so, he validated 20 core skill-level upgrade tasks culminating in three members achieving their 5-level upgrade.Careys personal motto is Exceeding the standard is the standard and he portrays this in his everyday life, inside and outside of work. He stepped outside of his career-field to pursue his goal of attending the Armys premier leadership course: Army Ranger Schoo

Tech Sgt. Jeff Davidson, 168th Maintenance Group, 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)

U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Sergio Barron, an aviation electronics technician assigned to the Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 25, receives the Linebacker of the Week Award from U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Paul R. Birch, 36th Wing commander, and U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Jose Ramon, 36th Maintenance Group senior enlisted leader, at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, August 18, 2022. 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.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Caleb Wilson,49th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, center, receives a certificate from U.S. Air Force Maj. Donald Bolda, 49th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron commander, left, during the 2022 Dedicated Crew Chief Appointment Ceremony at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, Nov. 18, 2022. To receive the title of DCC, a crew chief must demonstrate a history of superior performance in their career, comply with all safety practices and complete all required training.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Analise Gwin, the noncommissioned officer in charge of the commanders support staff assigned to the 36th Contingency Response Support Squadron, receives the Linebacker of the Week Award from U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen Paul Birch, the 36th Wing commander, and U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Jose Ramon, the senior enlisted leader of the 36th Maintenance Group, at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Dec. 2, 2022. 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.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Nicholas Greene, the noncommissioned officer in charge of administration assigned to the 36th Contingency Response Squadron, receives the Linebacker of the Week Award from U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Paul R. Birch, 36th Wing commander, and U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. John E. Payne, 36th Wing command chief, at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Oct. 20, 2022. 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.

Senior Master Sgt. James Jordan with the 704th Test Group, center, accepts the award for Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Year during the Arnold Engineering Development Complex Annual Awards ceremony Feb. 15, 2024, at Arnold Air Force Base, Tenn. Also pictured are AEDC Commander Col. Randel Gordon and AEDC Senior Enlisted Leader Chief Master Sgt. Jennifer Cirricione. Air Force

Task Force Thunder, 155th Armored Brigade Combat Team (ABCT), Mississippi Army National Guard, took command of the Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine (JMTG-U) mission under 7th Army Training Command (7ATC) from Task Force Bowie, 39th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT), Arkansas Army National Guard, on Jan. 5, 2024. Under the guidance of U.S. European Command, U.S. Army Europe and Africa, and Security Assistance Group-Ukraine, 7ATC leads the training and is supported and supported by a myriad of other organizations from across the U.S. Army. This training of Armed Forces of Ukraine has been conducted in Germany since April 2022.

Brig. Gen. Thomas Vickers gives Staff Sgt. Sarah Nouwairi her graduation certificate. Nouwairi, along with fifteen others, graduated from the Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP) Foundation Course on May 27, 2022 at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait. She and the others will work to combat sexual harassment and assault in their units and the Army.

Col. Joshua Wood, 51st Fighter Wing commander, presents Col. Jonelle Eychner, 51st Mission Support Group outgoing commander, with the Legion of Merit medal during the 51st MSG change of command ceremony at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, July 13, 2022. The Legion of Merit medal is presented to those who have performed beyond their expected duties, and have accomplished outstanding achievements.

AUSTIN, Texas Texas Army National Guard Staff Sgt. David Lee and Staff Sgt. Brittany Petersen were selected as the first recipients of the Texas JCDTF Bullseye coin Dec. 6, 2022, at Camp Mabry in Austin, Texas. Cut from the 20mm gun barrel of an M61-A1 Vulcan gatling gun from a Texas F-16 Fighting Falcon, this unique coin represents the recognition of a task force members on target demonstration of excellence in performance. The Texas Counterdrug Coordinator, Air National Guard Lt. Col. James F. Cobb, and Senior Enlisted Advisor, Army National Guard Command Sgt. Maj. Jesse L. Kennis II, personally select each recipient based on their individual performance that has hit the mark and made a significant positive impact to the program. U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Christina Clardy)

Brig. Gen. Thomas Vickers gives Staff Sgt. Erik Kershaw his graduation certificate. Kershaw, along with fifteen others, graduated from the Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP) Foundation Course on May 27, 2022 at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait. He and the others will work to combat sexual harassment and assault in their units and the Army.

Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass and Chief Master Sgt. Hector Garcia, the 156th Wing command chief present certificates to 156th Wing Airmen of the Quarter, during an all-call at Muñiz Air National Guard Base, Puerto Rico Air National Guard, May 14, 2022. CMSAF Bass spent time at the 156th Wing, which emphasized the importance of total force integration and overcoming challenges to more effectively accomplish the Air Force mission and be ready for the ever-evolving battlefield that future conflicts may hold.

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 awards for accomplishments spanning up to four straight years of operation without a recorded injury in accordance with the Occupational Health and Safety Administration regulations to Combined Support Maintenance Shop - Annex 22, located in Pittsburgh, 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.

Col. Rusty Gohn, left, 436th Airlift Wing vice commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Andrew Kehl, right, 436th Civil Engineer Squadron fire chief, present Senior Airman Kiley Gring, 436th Logistics Readiness Squadron fleet management and analysis apprentice, with a certificate as the weeks top performer at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, July. 27, 2022. Gohn presented Gring with a certificate and coin for being recognized as the weeks Top Performer. Accompanying Gohn was Chief Master Sgt. Andrew Kehl, right, 436th Civil Engineer Squadron fire chief.

Maj. Gen. David J. Francis, U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence and Fort Rucker commander, presents Katrinka Fox, wife of Eric Fox, with a certificate of appreciation during Eric's retirement ceremony at Fort Rucker, Alabama, July 11, 2022.

Oregon Army National Guard Sgt. Avery Chitwood, 2 Battalion 218 Field Artillery, won 6 titles during the 2022 Adjutant Generals (TAG) Match at Camp Rilea Armed Forces Training Center, Oregon, May 1. Sgt. Chitwood received the Combat Pistol Excellence in Competition (EIC), High Novice Rifle Shooter, High Novice Pistol Shooter, High Overall Novice Shooter and the highly competitive Governors 20 Tab for both pistol and rifle.

Lt. Col. Joshua Shimko, left, 66th Air Base Group deputy commander, and Senior Master Sgt. Alan Kitler, 66th Comptroller Squadron senior enlisted leader, present an award to Tech. Sgt. Isabella Saltmarsh, 66 ABG Occupational Safety NCO in charge, at Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., Jan. 17. Saltmarsh was selected as the 66th Air Base Group's Staff Agency NCO of the Year and will now move on to compete at the group level Feb. 9.

Lt. Col. Shaun Cruze, commander 152nd Logistics Readiness Squadron, Tech. Sgt. Cody Sharkey and Col. Brian Gunderson, Nevada Air National Guard Director of Staff-Air pose after Sharkey was awarded the Nevada Medal of Valor to during the April unit training assembly roll call at Nevada Air National Guard Base, Reno. Sharkey distinguished himself by rendering first aid to an injured motorist after pulling the motorist from their smoking vehicle that had been struck by another vehicle on Oct. 20, 2020. Later in November of 2020, he witnessed another accident and blocked traffic to prevent additional accidents. This award is presented for heroism on or off duty involving voluntary risk of life while serving in any capacity with the Nevada National Guard.

Brig. Gen. Stanley E. Budraitis, U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence and Fort Rucker deputy commanding general, receives the Minuteman Statue from Col. John Dzieciolowski, senior guard advisor and deputy commandant Army National Guard, on behalf of the Army National Guard, Jan. 30, 2023, at Fort Rucker, Alabama. Budraitis is a Mississippi Army National Guard Soldier, the first Army National Guard aviator and general officer to serve as Rucker's full-time deputy commanding general. He assumed responsibility Aug. 14, 2020, will complete his tour March 15, 2023, and departs as the longest-serving DCG in USAACE history.

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 Col. Ronald Iammartino Jr, Commander, 2d Theater Signal Brigade, presents a Certificate of Achievement to U.S. Army Spc. Jonathon Julian during a short ceremony July 29, 2022 at USAG Wiesbaden, Germany. Julian 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)

Daniel Bumbaugh with the Fort McCoy Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security receives a commander's coin for excellence and a special appreciation letter from the Garrison Command Team on April 7, 2022, from Garrison Commander Col. Michael Poss at Fort McCoy, Wis. Bumbaugh was being recognized for excellent customer service, and more.

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

Lt. Col. Mike Barton, Commander of the Illinois Army National Guard's 232nd Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, presents the Meritorious Service Medal to 1st Sgt. Tyler Heleine during Heleine's Sept. 10 retirement ceremony on Camp Lincoln, Springfield. Heleine, the Sheriff of Coles County, Illinois, retired after more than 21 years of service in the Illinois Army National Guard including a 2004-2005 tour in Iraq with the 1544th Transportation Co.

Airmen from the 628th Air Base Wing receive their quarterly award from Col. Michael A. Freeman and Chief Master Sgt. Rebecca Bateman, 628th ABW commander and command chief, during the third quarter awards ceremony at Joint Base Charleston, Nov. 8, 2022. Leaders recognized recipients for outstanding leadership and performing above and beyond in their primary duties.

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.

Col. Andrew Roddan, 374th Airlift Wing Commander, and Staff Sgt. Michael Smith, 374th Maintenance Squadron metals technology craftsman, stand together with the newly presented Wing Ceremonial Sword at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Sept. 15, 2022. Col. James I. Baginski, former 374th Tactical Airlift Wing commander, made the former ceremonial sword at Clark Air Base, Philippines in 1974 in memory of fellow Airlifters who lost their lives in defense of freedom.

Pictured here are Maj. Gen. Maria B. Barrett (left), NETCOM Commanding General and Staff Sgt. Charles Gipson (right), NETCOM G1 Operations and Command Programs NCO. Gipson received the Purple Heart on 15 April, 2022 for wounds he received in action during an Iranian missile attack while forward deployed to Al-Asad Air Base, Iraq .in January of 2020

U.S. Army Reserve Maj. Jeff Cortez, commander of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 7th Mission Support Command (left,) presents newly promoted Sgt. 1st Class Lavasia Taylor, the training noncommissioned officer for the HHC with her certificate of promotion, during a ceremony Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024, on Kleber Kaserne, Kaiserslautern, Germany. Taylor is an Active Guard-Reserve program NCO, managing the training, operations, and school program for her unit. The 7th MSC is Americas Army Reserve presence in Europe. Comprised of 26 units across Germany and Italy, the 7th MSC provides logistical and sustainment support for U.S. Army Europe-Africa missions across the theater.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. James Freeman, 17th Training Group deputy commander, presents the 315th Training Squadron Officer Student of the Month award to Genevieve Hoyt, 315th TRS student, Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, May 20, 2022. Hoyt worked hard for her award and has shown her dedication to her squadron and the training she received at Goodfellow.

Army colonels Bryce Erickson and Joshua Simer pose for a photo following the Garrison Commander change of command ceremony, December 10, 2022, Camp Ripley, Minnesota. During the ceremony, Camp Ripley bid farewell to Simer and welcomed Erickson as the new commander. (Minnesota National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Mahsima Alkamooneh)

Nicholas Wulf, center, 422d Air Base Squadron supervisory logistics specialist, accepts an award from U.S. Air Force Col. Brian Filler, left, 501st Combat Support Wing commander and Chief Master Sgt. Joshua Trundle, 501st CSW command chief, during the Pathfinder Innovation Conference at RAF Alconbury, England, Oct. 21, 2022. The conference gave participants an opportunity to pitch their innovations, which were evaluated by a panel of judges and ranked based on their feasibility and overall benefit to the 501st Combat Support Wing mission. (U.S Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Eugene Oliver)

The 104th Fighter Wing promoted Christopher Auclair, Wing Weapons Manager, to chief master sergeant in a ceremony held on June 12, 2022 at Barnes Air National Guard Base, Westfield, Massachusetts. Auclair was promoted to Chief by the 104th Maintenance Group Commander Lt. Col. Peter Carr. (U.S Air National Guard Photos by Master Sgt. Lindsey S. Watson)

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Andrew Bauch, 139th legal officer, Missouri Air National Guard is awarded the Meritorious Service Medal during an awards ceremony at Rosecrans Air National Guard Base, St. Joseph, Missouri, April 30, 2022. The Meritorious Service Medal is a military award presented to members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguished themselves by outstanding meritorious achievement or service to the United States.

U.S. Army Col. Phillip Brown Jr., commander of Joint Task Force-Bravo, left, presents a gift of appreciation to Dr. José Manuel Matheu, Honduran Secretary of Health, during the closing ceremony for the Health Engagements Assistance Response Team 2022 in Hospital Escuela in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, Aug. 11, 2022. The HEART 22 team supported approximately 750 patients during the four weeks spent in Honduras.

The winners from the 20th Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives (CBRNE) Best Squad Competition, 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.

Staff Sgt. Joshua Layne presents Staff Sgt. Israel Lopez with a sword and plaque in appreciation for his significant contributions to the Company C, 1st Battalion, 210th Aviation Regiment 15H1O Aircraft Pneudraulics Section at Fort Eustis, VA, May 10, 2022. Lopez is a valued member of Team Highlander and will and will be missed as he embarks upon his next duty station. (Photo by United States Army Staff Sgt. George Prince)

U.S. Army Colonel James M. Brown, Command Surgeon for the 21st Theater Sustainment Command, is presented with The Meritorious Service Medal by Major General James M. Smith, Commanding General for the 21st TSC, on Panzer Kaserne, Germany, June 23, 2022. The Meritorious Service Medal is presented to Service Members who have distinguished themselves by outstanding meritorious achievement or service.

Col. Rusty Gohn, left, 436th Airlift Wing vice commander, presents Senior Airman Kiley Gring, 436th Logistics Readiness Squadron fleet management and analysis apprentice, with a certificate and coin as the weeks top performer at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, July 27, 2022. Gring Was also was coined by Gohn for her outstanding performance.

Tripler Army Medical Center held a graduation ceremony for Clinical Nurses Transition Program at Kyser Auditorium. The Clinical Nurses Transition Program allows new nurses to gain experience as a surgical-medical nurse while working alongside experienced nurses to mentor the new nurses in hands-on procedures. Among the graduates were 2nd Lt. Mylah Joy Freeman, 2nd Lt. Sarah Krieger, 2nd Lt. Kimberley Mathes, 2nd Lt. Elijah Mott, 2nd Lt. Cameron Reed, 2nd Lt. Hannelore Tahmassebi, and 2nd Lt. Laura Selman. (U.S. Army Photos by Hugh Fleming)

Bonnie Clark with the Fort McCoy Directorate of Human Resources receives a commander's coin for excellence and a special appreciation letter from the Garrison Command Team on April 7, 2022, from Garrison Commander Col. Michael Poss at Fort McCoy, Wis. Clark was being recognized for excellent customer service, and more.

U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Jeffery VanAntwerp, the Deputy Commanding General for Operations at the 25th Infantry Division and Command Sgt. Maj. Robert Haynie, Commanding Sergeant Major of the 25th Infantry Division, recognized soldiers from the brigade and battalion retention teams during the Commanding General's Retention Awards Ceremony October 21, 2022 at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. Soldiers were recognized for exceeding their retention goals in fiscal year 2022.

U.S. Army Pfc. Antonio Mora, automated logistical specialist, 92A, for Alpha Company, 449th Aviation Support Battalion, 36th Combat Aviation Brigade, Task Force Mustang, 36th Infantry Division (right), receives congratulations from Command Sgt. Maj. Robert W. Hartzog, command sergeant major of Task Force Mustang, while receiving his Certificate of Achievement as the brigade's "Hero of the Week" during a command and staff meeting held at Task Force Mustang headquarters, Camp Buehring, Kuwait, Oct. 12, 2022. Mora, native of Laredo, Texas, was recognized for performing duties outside of his primary MOS, involving accurate receipt, storage, issue, accountability, and preservation of numerous individual, organizational, installation, and expendable supplies and equipment, resulting in multiple successes for Alpha Companys area of responsibility.

Corporal Tristan J. Kilgore, 2d Theater Signal Brigade IT Specialist, received the Department of the Army Achievement Medal from Col. Ronald Iammartino Jr., 2d Theater Signal Brigade Commander, October 6, 2022 at USAG Wiesbaden, Germany. Kilgore received the award in recognition of her contributions to the 2d Theater Signal Brigade

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Otis C. Jones, 86th Airlift Wing commander, left, and Chief Master Sgt. Louis J. Ludwig, 86th AW command Chief, right, coin Tech. Sgt. Nova Benington, 86th Medical Squadron Air Force liaison officer at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Jan. 24, 2024. Benington was nominated as the Airlifter of the Week for directing a five-man team that runs the Tactical Combat Casualty Care Program for three wings and 14 geographically separated units.

Major General Ray Shields ,the adjutant general of New York, presents the Knowlton Award for military intelligence excellence, to New York Army National Guard Col. Dennis Deeley during his retirement from the Army and Army Guard on October 28, 2022 with 38 years of service. Deeley was most recently the Director of Intelligence for the New York National Guard.

Brig. Gen. Gene D. Meredith, U.S. Army Combat Readiness Center commanding general and director of Army Safety, and Col. Robert J. Holcombe, Fort Rucker garrison commander, present the U.S. Army Safety Guardian Award to Richard Peterson, a Fort Rucker police officer during a ceremony Aug. 9. Photo by Jay Mann.

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

DeSha Budraitis receives the Meritorious Public Service Medal from Maj. Gen. Michael McCurry, U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence and Fort Rucker commander, with Brig. Gen. Stanley E. Budraitis, U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence and Fort Rucker deputy commanding general, and Sadie McCurry in support, at Fort Rucker, Alabama, Jan. 30, 2023. The Meritorious Public Service Medal is a Department of the Army award may be presented for outstanding public service that makes a substantial contribution or is of significance to a command.

U.S. Air Force Col. Jerrymar Copeland (left), 354th Maintenance Group commander, hands a Dedicated Crew Chief award certificate to Airman 1st Class Nicholas Winningham, 18th Aircraft Maintenance Unit assistant 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.

Brig. Gen. E. Darrin Cox, Regional Health Command-Central commanding general, awards the Army Commendation Medal to Staff Sgt. Pamela Davis, from Evans Army Community Hospital, Fort Carson, Colo., who earned the RHC-C Exceptional Victim Advocate of the Year.

Maj. Gen. Ben Corell, Adjutant General of the Iowa National Guard, and Lt. Gen. Bashkim Jashari, commander of the Kosovo Security Force, present their signed documents that reinforce each organizations commitment to pair Iowa units with Kosovo Security Force units for joint training at Camp Atterbury, Indiana, on May 19, 2022. Approximately 15 KSF troops embedded with companies in the 1st Battalion, 133rd Infantry Regiment during a two-week annual training exercise. Corell, Bashkim and other senior leaders in the IANG and KSF visited each company near the end of the exercise to observe the full integration of KSF troops and recognize Soldiers who demonstrated excellence throughout their training. The document emphasizes the need to continue strengthening the partnership between the IANG and the KSF in the fields of maneuver, noncommissioned officer development, sustainment, military medicine and cyber capabilities.

Fort McCoy Garrison Commander Col. Michael Poss and Fort McCoy Garrison Deputy Commander Lt. Col. Chad Maynard present an employee with the Fort McCoy Directorate of Public Works (DPW) with an award on June 1, 2022, at Fort McCoy, Wis. Thirty-one DPW employees received Army Civil Service Commendation and Achievement Medals for Operation Allies Welcome (OAW) support. OAW took place at Fort McCoy between Aug. 15, 2021, and Feb. 15, 2022. The installation supported the housing, processing, and relocating of approximately 13,000 Afghan guests who were airlifted from Afghanistan in August 2021.

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.

Maj. Gen. Jeffrey Jurasek, deputy commanding general for support, First U.S. Army, congratulates Sgt. 1st Class Rodrigo Davis, First U.S. Army, for being awarded the Meritorious Service 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)

Chief Master Sgt. Gary Reny, officially retired during a ceremony on Otis Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts, Sep. 10, 2022. Reny celebrated his retirement after 35 years of honorable military service with many family members and friends.

Sgt. Zachary Shearer, 1st Regiment, 338th Training Support Battalion, second from right, is joined by Career Counselor Sgt. 1st Class Anthony Gomez, left, Capt. Rose McCann, team chief, second from left, and Sgt. 1st Class Kelsi Anderson, platoon sergeant, right, following Shearer's reenlistment on Feb. 4, 2023, Fort McCoy, Wis.

U.S. Army Spc. Jordan Besse assigned to 18th Military Police Honor Guard graduates as Distinguished Honor Graduate during the Basic Leader Course (BLC) at 7th Army Noncommissioned Officer Academy in Grafenwoehr, Germany, May 11, 2022. The 7th Army NCOA trains U.S. and multinational Soldiers using the BLC curriculum from the NCO Leadership Center of Excellence.

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Brian Mennes, Deputy Commanding General of the XVIII Airborne Corps, presents The Legion of Merit Award to Command Sgt. Maj. Phelicea Redd, outgoing command sergeant major, 3rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command, at the 3rd ESC Change of Command and Relinquishment of Responsibility on Fort Bragg, North Carolina, June 10, 2022. During the ceremony Col. John (Brad) Hinson assumed command of the 3rd ESC from Curtis.

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.

Maj. Gen. John C. Harris Jr., left, Ohio adjutant general, and Command Sgt. Maj. Scott M. Barga, right, Ohio National Guard command senior enlisted leader, present Ohio Department of Public Safety Director Andy Wilson with an appreciation plaque for speaking during the OHNG Joint Senior Leader Conference at the Nationwide Hotel and Conference Center in Lewis Center, Ohio, Feb. 2, 2024. Senior Army and Air National Guard officers and noncommissioned officers from throughout the state gather annually at the JSLC to collaborate, discuss best leadership practices and align with future organizational objectives. Air National Guard

Senior Master Sgt. Christina Rohrenbach, the senior enlisted leader with the 124th Force Support Squadron, is promoted to the rank of chief master sergeant on Gowen Field, Nov. 5, 2022. In doing so, she became the fighter wings 196th chief and the first woman of color in the Idaho Air National Guard to achieve this rank.

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Thomas Sherman, Security Forces director, presents his coin to Master Sgt. Avery Brannon, 802nd Security Forces Squadron, as USAF Chief Master Sgt. Donald Gallagher looks on, March 30, 2023, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. Sherman and Gallaghers visit to JBSA-Lackland was to brief the current state of security forces from the top and to recognize the top performers within the 802nd SFS.

U.S. Army Souths commanding general, Maj. Gen. William L. Thigpen (right) and Lt. Gen. Cristobal de la Cerda, chief of staff for the Chilean Army, pose with a presented token of appreciation to de la Cerda at the conclusion of staff talks held in U.S. Army South headquarters May 31, 2022. The staff talks are bilateral engagements designed to develop and enhance army-to-army understanding, partner nation modernization and security cooperation within the region.

Lt. Col. Jonathan Barber, right, outgoing 4th Operational Support Squadron commander, receives the Meritorious Service Medal during the 4th OSS change of command ceremony at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, April 15, 2022. The Meritorious Service Medal is awarded to members of the armed services who distinguish themselves by outstanding service to the United States.

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

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

Lt. Col. David Walters was awarded the Legion of Merit Meritorious Service Medal for his 27 years of service to the U.S. Army from Col. Jeremy St. Laurent, commander, 597th Transportation Brigade during a ceremony at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va. Sep. 6.

Brig. Gen. Joane Mathews, Wisconsins deputy adjutant general for Army, and Command Sgt. Maj. Curtis Patrouille, the Wisconsin Army National Guards senior enlisted leader, congratulate Spc. Caleb Ravn, a Soldier with Battery C, 1st Battalion, 120th Field Artillery, on being the runner-up Soldier of the Year for Wisconsin National Guard State Best Warrior Competition at Fort McCoy, Wis., April 10. Soldiers from the Wisconsin National Guard competed for the opportunity to represent Wisconsin at the regional event May 11-15 at Camp Ripley, Minn. (112th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment photo by Staff Sgt. Bridget Vian)

On June 2, White Sands Missile Range held a Volunteer Appreciation Ceremony for the volunteers of the community on post. WSMR Commander Brig. Gen. Eric D. Little, Command Sgt. Maj. Jose G. Melendez, presenting a certificate to the Volunteer of the Year, Andrea Poches.

Maj. Timothy Peters, 1st Cavalry Division Sustainment Brigade, receives the 'Heart' trophy during the 1st Cavalry Divisions Volunteer of the Year ceremony. Maj. Peters volunteered over 500 hours to the local Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Black Men of America, aiding youth in the community with tutoring and coordinating with guest speakers, and at the local high school and University.

Ohio Army National Guard senior leaders and civilian employees cut the cake during an Army birthday celebration June 14, 2022, at the Maj. Gen. S. Beightler Armory in Columbus, Ohio. Established in 1775, more than a year before the Declaration of Independence, the Army marks its 247th birthday this year.

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Keith McKeon, commander of Recruiting and Retention Battalion, Pennsylvania Army National Guard, receives a Pennsylvania House Citation recognizing Sept. 20, 2022 as National Guard and Veterans Day in Pennsylvania from Maj. Gen. Mark Schindler, the Adjutant General of Pennsylvania, during a ceremony in Edward Martin Hall.

From left, Staff Sgt. Nicholas Faddis, has his senior airman rank removed by his wife Airman 1st Class Kasie Faddis, both public affairs specialists with the 117th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs Office, on Nov. 6, 2022, at Sumpter Smith Joint National Guard Base, Alabama. Faddis joined the 117 ARW Oct. 25, 2018.

U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Roger S. Giraud Commanding General Medical Readiness Command, Europe, and Command Sgt. Maj. Jesus H. Gonzalez handover the Trophy to the winning Team at Wagon Wheel Theater during the Best Leader Competition Awards Ceremony held on February 9, 2024. The rigorous competition is designed to select the best leader (squad) who will represent MRC, EUR at the 2024 United States Army Medical Command Best Leader Competition in June 2024. Army

U.S. Air Force Airman Kendal Hull (left) and Airman Lindsey Kramer, members of the 117th Mission Support Group, are awarded and congratulated by senior leadership of the 117th Mission Support Group at Sumpter Smith Joint National Guard Base, Alabama, Aug. 13, 2022. The all call opened with awards and later addressed other items regarding the 117th Mission Support Group.

Brig. Gen. Roy Collins, director of Security Forces, Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics, Engineering and Force Protection, Headquarters USAF, poses for a group photo with the 55th Mission Support Group and 55th Security Forces Squadron leadership July 15, 2022, at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska. Collins visited the 55th SFS to present them with a unit award and speaking during an all hands call.

GREAT LAKES, Il. (Sept. 9, 2022) Capt. Jason Williamson, Naval Station Great Lakes commanding officer, presents Kevin Barnett, administration officer, with a civilian service commendation medal. 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 Lt. Col. Anthony Tuero, 13th Fighter Generation Squadron commander, presents the Department of the Air Force Air and Space Achievement Medal decoration to Airman 1st Class Victor Hawkins, 13th FGS crew chief, during RED FLAG-Alaska 22-3 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Aug. 10, 2022. Hawkins was awarded the medal for providing and directing medical care to victims of a car accident involving a moose before emergency medical services responders arrived on the scene. According to Hawkins' leaders, the care the Airmen provided greatly increased the victims' odds of survival.

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