Military Awards and Recognition

Ceremonies honoring military personnel with awards and certificates, showcasing achievements and service commitments in a formal setting.

Lt. Col. Jeffrey Bishop receives the Meritorious Service Award for his time as the 131st Logistics Readiness Squadron commander at Whiteman Air Force Base Missouri, Sept. 11, 2022. He relinquished command to work at the Air National Guard Readiness Center in Maryland supporting the Manpower and Personnel Directorate.

Lt. Col. Mike Barton, Commander of the Illinois Army National Guard's 232nd Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, presents the retirement certificate 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.

Lt. Col. Jeffrey Bishop receives the Meritorious Service Award for his time as the 131st Logistics Readiness Squadron commander at Whiteman Air Force Base Missouri, Sept. 11, 2022. He relinquished command to work at the Air National Guard Readiness Center in Maryland supporting the Manpower and Personnel Directorate.

U.S. Air Force Col. Clinton M. Wilson, right, outgoing commander, 386th Air Expeditionary Wing, receives the Legion of Merit from Maj. Gen. Clark J. Quinn, assistant deputy commander, Ninth Air Force (Air Forces Central), during a change of command ceremony at the base theater at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, July 1, 2022. Wilson has served as a combat deputy operations group commander, squadron commander, flight commander, flight examiner, instructor and aircrew pilot in multiple aircraft. He has over 3,200 hours of total flight time, 490 combat/combat support sorties and over 1,200 combat/combat support hours. Prior to this assignment, Wilson was the commander of the 317th Operations Group, Dyess Air Force base, Texas.

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. David J. Francis, U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence and Fort Rucker commander, presents the Legion of Merit to Col. Brian Watkins, outgoing Directorate of Training and Doctorate director, at Fort Rucker, Alabama.

U.S. Air Force Col. Jason Kulchar, 17th Training Group commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Valerie Nededog, 17th TRG senior enlisted leader, present the 315th Training Squadron Student Leader of the Month award to Airman 1st Class Sonny Haqauni, 316th Training Squadron student, at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, September 26, 2022. Haqauni worked hard for his award and has shown his dedication to his squadron and the training he received at Goodfellow.

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

U.S. Army Col. Jon Brierton, Army Support Activitiy, Fort Dix Commander and Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., Deputy Commander, presents award to Thomas Cooper April 14, 2022 at Tommy B's Community Activities Center. Cooper was recognized for the volunteer excellence award.

Yorktown, Va. (January 30, 2024) Master at Arms Chief Aaron J. Olander is presented with the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal by Captain Dan Patrick, Commanding Officer, Naval Weapons Station Yorktown during an all hands award quarters event at the installations Nelson Chapel.

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY SOUDA BAY, Greece (Nov. 28, 2022) Aviation Boatswains Mate (Handling) 1st Class Wesley May, assigned to Naval Support Activity (NSA) Souda Bay, Greece, receives a frocking letter from Capt. Odin J. Klug, commanding officer, NSA Souda Bay, during a frocking ceremony at the Fitness Center on Nov. 28, 2022. NSA Souda Bay is an operational ashore installation which enables and supports U.S., Allied, Coalition, and Partner nation forces to preserve security and stability in the European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility.

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

CDR Nichols awards ET2 Danisz with Senior Sailor of the Quarter.

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

Maj. Gen. Rodney Boyd, the Assistant Adjutant General - Army for the Illinois National Guard and the Commander of the Illinois Army National Guard, presents Air Force Col. Shawn Strahle, the Deputy Commander of the Illinois Air National Guard's 183rd Wing, with the Meritorious Service Medal for more than four years of service as the Director of Information Management, part of the Illinois Army National Guard's staff. The medal was presented to Strahle in front of the Illinois Army National Guard staff on January 9 at the Guard's headquarters on Camp Lincoln in Springfield.Strahle is a resident of Chatham, Illinois, and a native of Dugger, Indiana. He served as the Illinois National Guard's Director of Information Management from May 2019 to September 2023. The medal citation reads "Colonel Strahle demonstrated extraordinary leadership, expertise, and devotion to duty that greatly enhanced the overall readiness regulatory compliance and operational success of the Illinois Army National

Col. David R. Lands, 192nd Mission Support Group commander, presents the Meritorious Service Medal to Lt. Col. Fallon Martin, 192nd Support Squadron commander, during her retirement ceremony on July 9, 2022, at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia. Ending her military career with the Virginia Air National Guard, Martin's 20 years of service was celebrated by family and friends along with numerous retired and currently serving military personnel who impacted her career.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Lucas Mitchell, the noncommissioned officer in charge of intel mission operations with the 36th Contingency Response Support Squadron, receives the Linebacker of the Week Award from Ms. Esther Sablan, 36th Wing executive director of plans, programs and readiness, and U.S. Chief Master Sgt. John Payne, 36th Wing command chief, at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, May 25, 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.

AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy - This weeks Wyvern Warrior of the Week is Senior Airman Edgar Sanchez, 606th Air Control Squadron vehicle maintenance technician and a Farmersville, California native.Sanchez has been part of team Aviano for three years and has accomplished many things in his time here. He led a team of five Airmen from different career fields to aid the 31st Civil Engineer Squadron in their response to an Aviano AB water outage. His team responded after-hours and worked late to prepare and position five water buffalos which ensured the base populace had access to potable water.Sanchez also showcased his innovativeness by fabricating four forklift pintle hook towing adapters. This solution averted the need to train personnel on unfamiliar towing equipment, ensuring the unit had the ability to rapidly move equipment using only forklifts. The fabricated adapters saved $6,000 in commercial procurement costs, and ultimately proved their worth during the reception of

Lt. Col. Danielle K. Rodondi, Lyster Army Health Clinic commander, was presented the Order of Saint Michael by Maj. Gen. David J . Francis, USAACE and Fort Rucker commander, for her exemplary performance in support of Army Aviation on June 7, 2022 at the Army Aviation Museum at Fort Rucker.

The 2nd Infantry Division Artillery conducted a change of command ceremony July 6, 2022 on Camp Humphreys, Republic of Korea. Col. David Pasquale, the outgoing commander, relinquished his responsibilities to Col. Alexander Lee during the ceremony.

YOKOSUKA, Japan (Oct. 20, 2022) Capt. Les Sobol, Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY) presents a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (NAM) to Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Cristian Martinez during an award ceremony at Benny Decker Theater onboard CFAY. For more than 75 years, CFAY has provided, maintained, and operated base facilities and services in support of the U.S. 7th Fleet's forward-deployed naval forces, tenant commands, and thousands of military and civilian personnel and their families.

Commander, Submarine Squadron 15 Awards

Capt. Darius Williams, 186th Air Operations Group, Mississippi Air National Guard, is awarded an Army Achievement Medal by Brig. Gen. Michael R. Cleveland, Assistant Adjunct General, Mississippi National Guard at Camp Shelby, Mississippi, Feb. 21, 2024. Williams received this award for his efforts during PATRIOT 24 exercise. PATRIOT is a Domestic Operations disaster-response training exercise conducted by National Guard units working with federal, state and local emergency management agencies and first responders. Air National Guard

Col. Elizabeth Somsel, 7th Medical Group commander, presents the Meritorious Service Medal to Lt. Col. Michael Renkas, 7th Medical Support Squadron commander, during the 7th MDSS Inactivation Ceremony at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, June 24, 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.

Sgt. Jessica Betando, a vocalist with the 191st Army Band, is presented the Army Commendation Medal for winning Junior Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year by chief warrant officer 3 Jeremy Garrido in Camp Parks, Calif., Apr. 4, 2022. This award is for Army reserve and National Guard. Not only is she competing against 13 reserve component bands, but shes also competing against the 51 National Guard Bands (Photo by U.S. Army Reserves Spc. Kenneth Rodriguez)

U.S. Army Col. Ronald D. Hogsten, commander of the 298th Regiment Multi-functional Regional Training Institute (RTI), Hawaii Army National Guard (HIARNG), presents a Meritorious Service Medal to Lt. Col. Phoebe Inigo, outgoing commander of the 2nd Battalion, 298th RTI, HIARNG, during the change of command ceremony in Waimanalo, Hawaii, January 7, 2024. The change of command ceremony is a time-honored tradition within the Army which commemorates the relinquishment of command by passing the units colors from one officer to another.

221110-N-XU073-1015YOKOSUKA, Japan (Nov. 10, 2022) Capt. Les Sobol, Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY), presents a recognition of service certificate to Mickey Henderson during an award ceremony at Benny Decker Theater onboard CFAY. For more than 75 years, CFAY has provided, maintained, and operated base facilities and services in support of the U.S. 7th Fleet's forward-deployed naval forces, tenant commands, and thousands of military and civilian personnel and their families.

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

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

Col. David R. Lands, 192nd Mission Support Group commander, presents a Certificate of Retirement to Lt. Col. Fallon Martin, 192nd Support Squadron commander, during her retirement ceremony on July 9, 2022, at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia. Ending her military career with the Virginia Air National Guard, Martin's 20 years of service was celebrated by family and friends along with numerous retired and currently serving military personnel who impacted her career.

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

U.S. Army Sgt. Daniel J. Littleton, a CBRN specialist and motor pool specialist assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 149th Aviation Regiment, General Support Aviation Battalion, 36th Combat Aviation Brigade, 36th Infantry Division (center), accompanied by Command Sgt. Maj. Ronald L. Hill, command sergeant major of 2-149th GSAB "Task Force Roosevelt" (left), and 1st Sgt. Castro, first sergeant of HHC, 2-149 GSAB, receives a Certificate of Achievement during a command and staff meeting held at the 36th CAB headquarters in Camp Buehring, Kuwait, Sept. 22, 2022. Littleton, a native of Lewisville, TX, was recognized as "Hero of the Week" by 36th CAB, "Task Force Mustang," for his valuable contributions in coordinating, tracking, and moving HHC's entire company's rolling stock with a relentless work ethic, resulting in Task Force Roosevelt's readiness.

Maj. Gen. Darren Werner, Army Materiel Command acting deputy commanding general, awards an Army Commendation Medal to Spc. Alyssa Reyes following her selection to AMCs Best Squad during an August 18 luncheon at Redstone Arsenal, Ala. Reyes is assigned to U.S. Army Garrison-Hawaii as a religious affairs specialist.

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. Jason Kulchar, 17th Training Group commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Valerie Nededog, 17th TRG senior enlisted leader, present the 315th Training Squadron Student Leader of the Month award to U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Rudy Romero, Marine Corps Detachment Goodfellow student, at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, September 26, 2022. Romero worked hard for his award and has shown his dedication to his detachment and the training he received at Goodfellow.

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY SOUDA BAY, Greece (Aug. 25, 2022) Machinists Mate 2nd Class Ruben Chavez, assigned to Naval Support Activity Souda Bay, receives a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal from Capt. Odin Klug, commanding officer, Naval Support Activity Souda Bay, Greece, during an award ceremony, Aug. 25, 2022. NSA Souda Bay is an operational ashore installation which enables and supports U.S., Allied, Coalition, and Partner nation forces to preserve security and stability in the European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility.

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.

220826-N-EJ241-1018DIEGO GARCIA, British Indian Ocean Territory (Aug. 26, 2022) - Hull Maintenance Technician 1st Class Arron R. ONeill, assigned to U.S. Navy Support Facility (NSF) Diego Garcia, receives an Armed Forces Service Medal from Capt. John F. Wilson, commanding officer of NSF Diego Garcia during awards at quarters. NSF Diego Garcia provides logistic, service, recreational, and administrative support to U.S. and allied forces forward deployed to the Indian Ocean and Arabian Gulf.

Brig. Gen. Rolf Mammen, commander of the 127th Wing, poses with Col. Daniel Kramer, former Commander of the 127th Mission Support, during the Group Change of Command ceremony at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, June 4, 2022.

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY SOUDA BAY, Greece (Aug. 25, 2022) Georgios Papantonakis receives a Fifteen Years of service certificate from Capt. Odin Klug, commanding officer, Naval Support Activity Souda Bay, Greece, during an awards ceremony, Aug. 25, 2022. NSA Souda Bay is an operational ashore installation which enables and supports U.S., Allied, Coalition, and Partner nation forces to preserve security and stability in the European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility.

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Michael Regan Jr. (left), Deputy Adjutant General for Air, Pennsylvania National Guard, presents Staff Sgt. Alan McCutcheon with the Outstanding Airman of the Year Award at the 193rd Special Operations Wing (SOW) August 6, 2022, in Middletown, Pennsylvania. Every year the 193rd SOW recognizes Airmen across five competitive categories for their exceptional performance and achievements.

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY SOUDA BAY, Greece (Feb. 15, 2024) Aviation Boatswains Mate 3rd Class Ryleigh Buckner, assigned to Naval Support Activity (NSA) Souda Bay, Greece, receives a Flag Letter of Commendation from Capt. Odin J. Klug, commanding officer, NSA Souda Bay, on behalf of Adm. Brad Collins, commander, Navy Region Europe, Africa, Central, during an awards ceremony on Feb. 15, 2024. NSA Souda Bay is an operational ashore installation that enables and supports U.S., Allied, Coalition, and Partner nation forces to preserve security and stability in the European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility. Navy

53rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team Command Sergeant Major, Command Sgt. Maj. James Reid awards Command Sgt. Maj. Theodore Morris with a commemorate plaque from the 53rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team during Morris's retirement ceremony at St. Francis Barracks in St. Augustine, Fla., Saturday, Feb 3. Morris was honored for more than 39 years of exemplary service in the Florida National Guard (FLANG), retiring in the company of friends and fellow soldiers. Army

Lt. Col. Jonathan Wadler, 255th Air Control Squadron, Mississippi Air National Guard, is awarded the Army Commendation Medal by Brig. Gen. Michael R. Cleveland, Assistant Adjunct General, Mississippi National Guard at Camp Shelby, Mississippi, Feb. 21, 2024. Wadler received this award for his efforts during PATRIOT 24 exercise. PATRIOT is a Domestic Operations disaster-response training exercise conducted by National Guard units working with federal, state and local emergency management agencies and first responders. Air National Guard

U.S. Air Force Maj. Robert Payeur, inspector generals office, 139th Airlift Wind, Missouri Air National Guard, is awarded the Air Force Achievement Medal during an awards ceremony at Rosecrans Air National Guard Base, St. Joseph, Missouri, April 30, 2022. The Air Force Achievement Medal is awarded to Air Force personnel for outstanding achievement or meritorious service rendered specifically on behalf of the Air Force.

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY SOUDA BAY, Greece (Oct. 13, 2022) Aviation Maintenance Administrationman 1st Class Cheryl A. Sonderman, assigned to Naval Support Activity (NSA) Souda Bay, receives a Certificate of Appointment through the Meritorious Advancement Program from Capt. Odin Klug, commanding officer, NSA Souda Bay, Greece, during an awards ceremony, Oct. 13, 2022. NSA Souda Bay is an operational ashore installation which enables and supports U.S., Allied, Coalition, and Partner nation forces to preserve security and stability in the European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility.

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, is joined by his supervisor and battalion command team, during a command and staff meeting held at Task Force Mustang headquarters in Camp Buehring, Kuwait, Oct. 12, 2022. Mora was recognized as Hero of the Week by Task Force Mustang, for performing duties outside his primary MOS and contributions to Army aviation maintenance and support. Left to Right: U.S. Army Lt. Col. Erika A. Besser, commander of 449th Aviation Support Battalion, Staff Sgt. Angela J. Padilla, materials management supervisor for 449th Aviation Support Battalion, Mora, Command Sgt. Maj. Derek C. Renfer, command sergeant major of 449th Aviation Support Battalion.

220512-N-AH609-1009-GR NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY SOUDA BAY, Greece (May 12, 2022) Naval Support Activity Souda Bay on the island of Crete, Greece, held an Awards at Quarters ceremony in the base gym on May 12, 2022. . Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) Airman Apprentice Nicholas Oxendine was recognized as NSA Souda Bays Bluejacket for the Second Quarter of Fiscal Year 2022 and received his Flag Letter of Commendation from Navy Capt. Rafael C. Facundo, commanding officer, NSA Souda Bay. NSA Souda Bay is an operational ashore base that enables U.S., allied, and partner nation forces to be where they are needed when they are needed to ensure security and stability in the European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility.

220616-N-YD328-0050 NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY SOUDA BAY, Greece (June 16, 2022) Master-at-Arms Third Class Gabriela Lozano receives a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal from Navy Capt. Rafael C. Facundo, commanding officer, Naval Support Activity Souda Bay, Greece, during an Awards at Quarters ceremony in the base gym on Jun. 16, 2022. Naval Support Activity Souda Bay is an operational ashore base that enables U.S., Allied, and Partner nation forces to be where they are needed when they are needed to preserve security and stability in the European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Yair Leon, an operations administrative clerk, stands with the 6th Marine Corps District Operations section at the headquarters building on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina, Sept. 29, 2022. Promotion ceremonies are a significant achievement in a service members career and are a testament to their commitment, mastery of duties and skills, and leadership capabilities.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Anthony Maggio, the Equal Opportunity Director at the 117th Air Refueling Wing, holds a retirement ceremony at Sumpter Smith Joint National Guard Base, Alabama, Jan. 24, 2024. Maggio retired after 22 years in the United States Air Force and the Air National Guard.

U.S. Air Force Col. Carol Kohtz, the 149th Fighter Wing Commander, presents the Diamond Sharp Award to Staff Sgt. Isaac Molina at a commanders call on Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, Feb. 4, 2024. The Diamond Sharp award is awarded to someone who shows leadership, professionalism and uncompromised excellence. Air National Guard

U.S. Army Col. Faith Chamberlain (left), Defense Logistics Agency Europe and Africa commander presents the Joint Service Achievement Medal to Lt. Col. Tracy L. Yates prior to a change of command ceremony, June 17, 2022 at Kleber Kaserne, Kaiserslautern, Germany. Yates was presented the medal for navigating Warfighter support through the COVID-19 pandemic and other additional global crises during her tenure as the DLA commander.

U.S. Space Force Brig. Gen. Dennis Bythewood, left, deputy commander of the Joint Task Force-Space Defense, presents an award to U.S. Space Force Maj. Nathan Glandon, incoming commander of the 18th Space Defense Squadron Detachment 1, during an award presentation at Schriever Space Force Base, Colorado, July 14, 2022. Glandon was awarded the Defense Meritorious Service Medal for his outstanding service as mission director for the National Space Defense Center, June 1, 2020, to June 30, 2022. Glandon led the NSDCs response to the November 2021 Russian anti-satellite destructive test that caused over 1,500 pieces of space debris. During this event, Glandon provided indications and warning to national leaders, the Department of Defense, the Intelligence Community, and allies that protected 10 human spaceflight lives and on-orbit high value assets worth $129 billion.

The Florida National Guard (FLNG) Chief of Staff, Col. Felix A. Rodriguez, and the prior Chief of Staff, Col. Gray Johnson, award Command Sgt. Maj. Theodore Morris with a commemorate plaque during Morris's retirement ceremony at St. Francis Barracks in Augustine, Fla., on Saturday, Feb 3. Morris was honored for more than 39 years of exemplary service in the FLNG, retiring in the company of friends and fellow soldiers. Army

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY SOUDA BAY, Greece (Feb. 15, 2024) Irene Petraki, assigned to Naval Support Activity (NSA) Souda Bay, Greece, receives a Twenty Years of Service Certificate from Capt. Odin J. Klug, commanding officer, NSA Souda Bay, during an awards ceremony on Feb. 15, 2024. NSA Souda Bay is an operational ashore installation that enables and supports U.S., Allied, Coalition, and Partner nation forces to preserve security and stability in the European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility. Navy

Edward Sosa 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. Sosa was being recognized for excellent customer service, and more.

Lt. Col. Thomas Gawrych receives a gift from 110th Security Forces Squadron members for his dedication to service as the 110th Security Forces Squadron commander, during a change of command ceremony at the Battle Creek Air National Guard Base, Mich., June 5, 2022. Lt. Col. Gawrych relinquished command of the 110th Security Forces Squadron to Maj. John Wilkinson.

CAMP LEMONNIER, Djibouti (July 1, 2022) U.S. Navy Information Systems Technician 2nd Class Nathan Kallberg, assigned to Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti (CLDJ) from Naval Computer and Telecommunications Area Master Station Atlantic, Norfolk, Virginia, holds his certificate of reenlistment and poses for a photo with Lt. Cmdr. Joseph Delosreyes, CLDJ network operations division officer, during a reenlistment ceremony held on camp. CLDJ serves as an expeditionary base for U.S. military forces providing support to ships, aircraft and personnel that ensure security throughout Europe, Africa and Southwest Asia.

220629-N-EJ241-1003DIEGO GARCIA, British Indian Ocean Territory (June 29, 2022) - Electronics Technician 3rd Class Logan Robinson, assigned to Naval Computer and Telecommunications Station (NCTS) Far East Detachment Diego Garcia, receives his certificate of completion from Capt. Richard D. Payne, commanding officer of U.S. Navy Support Facility (NSF) Diego Garcia, upon graduating from the Auxiliary Security Forces (ASF) Academy. ASF personnel are active duty service members that augment base security personnel during contingencies, terrorist attacks, natural disasters, civil disturbances, exercises and special events that require heightened levels of security.

220804-N-FD648-1001 NORFOLK, VA - Rear Adm. Dennis Velez, commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 10 and George H.W. Bush CSG, left, awards a Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal to Gunner's Mate 1st Class Justin Carl aboard the Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser USS Vicksburg (CG 69), August 4, 2022.

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.

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

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

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

Maj. Gen. Haldane B. Lamberton, left, adjutant general of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, awards the Legion of Merit to Col. David J. Mounkes, assistant adjutant general for Air, during Mounkes promotion ceremony at the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Ky., Aug., 13, 2022. Mounkes also assumed command of the Kentucky Air Guard during the event, taking on the role of assistant adjutant general for Air from Brig. Gen. Jeffrey L. Wilkinson, who is retiring.

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY SOUDA BAY, Greece (Dec. 8, 2022) Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Equipment) Airman Paulo Bonilla, assigned to Naval Support Activity (NSA) Souda Bay, receives a Flag Letter of Commendation from Capt. Odin Klug, commanding officer, NSA Souda Bay, Greece, on behalf of Rear Adm. B. J. Collins, commander, Navy Region Europe, Africa, Central during an award ceremony on Dec. 8, 2022. NSA Souda Bay is an operational ashore installation which enables and supports U.S., Allied, Coalition, and Partner nation forces to preserve security and stability in the European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility.

Capt. Jason Washburn, 434th Operations Group standardization and evaluations liaison officer, is recognized as the Company Grade Officer of the Year for the 434th Air Refueling Wing during a ceremony at Grissom Air Reserve Base, Ind., Feb. 4, 2024. Air Force

Col. Nicole C. Powell-Dunford, U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence command surgeon, stands with Maj. Gen. David J. Francis, USAACE and Fort Rucker commander, after receiving the Legion of Merit for her leadership and technical knowledge, during a combined in-person and virtual ceremony at Fort Rucker, Ala., July 14, 2022.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Corey Martin, 18th Air Force Commander (left), presents the Meritorious Service Medal to Lt. Col. Daniel Naske (right), 816th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron Commander, during an inactivation ceremony Sept. 30, 2022 at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar. Martin was the presiding official for the ceremony, which marked 16 years of the squadrons presence in Southeast Asia.

Lt. Wesley Stakely of the 168th Comptroller Flight, right, presents the One Tuff FM'er Award to Maj. David Simpson, center, and Capt. Michael Nash of the 168th Civil Engineering Squadron. The One Tuff FM'er Award was established to recognize individuals in finance for their outstanding achievements in the Comptroller Flight. Finance extended the award to include members in the wing who have significantly impacted the Comptroller Flight, improving and supporting the finance office. (U.S. Air National Guard photos by Senior Master Sgt. Julie Avey)

U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Marlon Burton, a group superintendent with the 182nd Mission Support Group, Illinois Air National Guard, is promoted to chief master sergeant by group commander Col. Steven Rice, in Peoria, Illinois, on April 30, 2022.

Maj. Gen. Michel M. Russell Sr., commanding general, 1st Theater Sustainment Command, presented a U.S. Army Central Certificate of Appreciation to Nancy Walton at Fort Knox, Kentucky in a joint ceremony held via video conference with the U.S. Army Central Command during their volunteer recognition ceremony held at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, May, 19, 2022. Walton received the award for the large amount of volunteering she has done with the 1st TSC Soldiers and Family Readiness Group and the greater Fort Knox community.

U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Akeel M. Gaines, 250th Brigade Support Battalion, receives his certificate appointing him with his responsibilities from New Jersey State Command Sgt. Maj. Mark Leonard at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, Oct. 24, 2022. Command Sgt. Maj. Gaines assumed the command of the 250th BSB located in Teaneck, October 1st.

Spc. Nathaniel Miska of Oakdale, Minnesota, a Carpentry and Masonry Specialist with the Minnesota National Guards 850th Engineer Company, recieves an engraved knife for his first place finish. Twelve National Guard Soldiers who competed in the Region IV Best Warrior Competition May 11-15, 2022, at Camp Ripley, Minnesota, participated in an awards ceremony. The annual competition tests the military skills, physical strength and endurance of the top Soldiers and noncommissioned officers from the Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio National Guards. The winners will move on to compete in the National Guards competition on July 20-30, 2022, at Camp Smyrna, Tennessee. (Minnesota National Guard photo by Sgt. Mahsima Alkamooneh)

(Left) Lt. Col. Cameron Maher, 75th Security Forces Squadron commander, and Tech. Sgt. John Cooper, 75th SFS, pose with military working dog Kay for his Air and Space Force Commendation medal during his retirement ceremony Feb. 2, 2024, at Hill Air Force Base, Utah. MWD Kay served eight years as a patrol narcotic detector dog and will be adopted by one of his handlers. Air Force

U.S. Air Force 2nd Lt. Alexandra Sears, 35th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, accepts the 35th Fighter Wing Company Grade Officer of the Quarter award, from Col. Jesse Friedel, 35th FW commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Aaron Sanchez, 35th FW acting command chief, during the first quarter award ceremony at Misawa Air Base, Japan, May 20, 2022. The purpose of the 35th FW Awards Program is to recognize the outstanding professionalism, technical competence, and extraordinary performance of members in the categories of enlisted, officer, civilian, and teams.

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

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Japanese Engineer District (JED) commander, Col. Gary Bonham, presents the Civilian Service Commendation Medal to JED Chief of Construction division, Lawrence Lee Seeba, during his retirement ceremony at Camp Zama, Japan, August 23, 2022. Seeba is retiring after a combined 37 years of civilian service, where he primarily worked within the civil engineering sector.

Staff Sgt. Witherspoon poses with her certificate and patch after a Tactical Response Force graduation, Oct. 27, 2022, on F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyoming. Witherspoon went through four weeks of training to make it onto the rapid-deployed, specialized security forces TRF team.

220811-N-FN555-1815 MERIDIAN, Miss. (Aug. 11, 2022) Rear Adm. Pete Garvin, commander, Naval Education and Training Command, right, presents the Meritorious Service Medal to Lt. Cmdr. Mark Wilson during a Naval Technical Training Center (NTTC) Meridian all-hands call at Naval Air Station Meridian, Mississippi, Aug. 11, 2022. Wilson has served as NTTCs executive officer since June 2020. NTTC Meridian provides entry-level “A” school training to students in administration and supply ratings, as well as extensive training to top-performing naval personnel in the yeoman rating to qualify as flag writers.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Glenn Bowersox, 374th Security Forces Squadron (SFS) commander, left, and Staff Sgt. Andrea Dickel, 374th SFS pose for a photo with Fflorida, 374th SFS military working dog, at Yokota Air Force Base, Japan, Feb. 23, 2024. Fflorida served for eight years as a patrol and explosive detection certified MWD. Air Force

Tech Sgt. Austin Coleman, from the 49th Force Support Squadron, accepts the Noncommissioned Officer of the Quarter Award during the 49th Wings 1st quarter awards ceremony, June 10, 2022, on Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico. Quarterly award winners were selected based on their technical expertise, demonstration of leadership and job performance.

U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Toni Serra (middle left) receivies a Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal from Maj. Gen. John Meyer III (left), commanding general of the 1st Infantry Division and Fort Riley, and Command Sgt. Maj. Christopher Mullinax (right), the command sergeant major of the 1st Inf. Div. and Fort Riley, Nov. 7, 2022, at Victory Hall in Fort Riley, Kansas. Serra received the award for her work as a volunteer in numerous positions within her brigade.

167th Airlift Wing acting commander Col. Christopher Sigler presents Tech. Sgt. Joshua Webber, 167th Airlift Wing recruiter, with the Top Non-Prior Service Accessions award for 2021 during a unit training assembly (UTA), Martinsburg, West Virginia, May 14, 2022. Webber received the award for completing the most accessions in the Air National Guard for 2021 at 75 non-prior service member recruitments, earning him Air National Guard recruiter of the year. Webber also received the Region 4 Top Production Recruiter of the Year and the 2021 Non-Prior Service Accession Drive Competition Award from the Director of the Air National Guard during the ceremony. Webber also recently won Outstanding Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year at both a wing and state level.

221013-N-TP834-1069U.S. Navy Yeoman Seaman Recruit Irene Lopez-Garcia, the youngest Sailor at U.S. Space Command, hands guest of honor, U.S. Space Force Lt. Gen. John Shaw, USSPACECOM deputy commander, a piece of Navy birthday cake during the celebration of the 247th Navy birthday at Peterson Space Force Base, Colo., on Oct. 13, 2022. In keeping with the Navys birthday tradition, the first piece of cake is given to the guest of honor, the second piece is given to the oldest Sailor present and the third piece of cake is given to the youngest Sailor present. USSPACECOM is honored to provide space-based capabilities in support of maritime operations, and proud of the Sailors in NAVSPACE, our service component, who play a vital role in delivering spacepower to the entire Fleet. (USSPACECOM photo by Mass Communication Specialist1st Class John Philip Wagner Jr.)

240105-N-BR551-1008 OKINAWA, Japan (Jan. 05, 2024) - Cmdr. Justin Spinks, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 4 commanding officer, presents Equipment Operator 3rd Class Hayden Barnes the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (NAM) certificate. The NAM may be awarded to individuals for specific achievements or sustained meritorious service that warrant greater recognition than is possible with a fitness report or performance evaluation. NMCB 4 is forward deployed throughout the Indo-Pacific region to support and maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific. As the stand-in, crisis response, naval engineering force, NMCB 4 maintains a ready posture to deliver in-theater expeditionary logistics via expeditionary shore infrastructure, forward damage repair, and mobile construction.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. David G. Bellon, Commander of Marine Forces Reserve and Marine Forces South, awards Chief Warrant Officer Eric Kyne, Officer in Charge of Marine Forces Reserve Band, the Meritorious service medal at Marine Corps Support Facility New Orleans, June 15, 2022. The Marine Forces Reserve Band was also presented with the Col. George S. Howard Citation of Musical Excellence, which identifies and recognizes active duty and reserve military concert bands that have demonstrated particularly high standards of musical excellence.

U.S. Marine Corps Master Gunnery Sgt. Fred Foster accepts a plaque on behalf of Master Gunnery Sgt. Matthew Tovar who was presented a plaque in recognition of his selection for the Kenneth A. Innis Award, awarded to the Aviation Command and Control Marine of the Year, presented by Maj. Gen. Eric Austin, the commanding general of 1st Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), during the Marine Corps Aviation Association (MCAA) awards luncheon at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Futenma, April 5, 2023. The MCAA awards are presented annually to individuals and units that represent the best of the best in Marine Corps aviation, rewarding operational readiness and technical ingenuity throughout the service.

Tech Sgt. John Colburn, 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)

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.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. David Gwin, a contingency response flight squad leader with the 736th Security Forces Squadron, receives the Linebacker of the Week Award from U.S. Air Force Col. David Aragon, 36th Wing vice commander, and U.S. Chief Master Sgt. Brian Smith, 36th Operations Group superintendent, at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, April 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.

Blanchfield Army Community Hospital conducted a change of Responsibility ceremony where Command Sgt. Maj. Marlon E. Faulds relinquished responsibility of his position to Master Sgt. Johnny D. Thompson, December 9, 2022, at Wilson Theater on Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

CAMP JOSEPH T. ROBINSON (August 25, 2022) For the sixth time in seven years the Arkansas National Guard Office of Legal Assistance has been awarded the 2021 Chief of Staff Award in Legal Assistance Excellence. The award, established in 1986, recognizes and honors commands that have committed their legal resources to help Soldiers and their families with personal legal problems. To receive the award a legal office must demonstrate initiative in seeking innovation and improvement, and to earn the award consecutively the legal office must improve beyond the innovations of the previous year, according to the Military Law Review for winter 1988 and The Army Lawyer, Jan 1995.Pictured are Col. Jeffrey D.Wood, Staff Judge Advocate, Lt. Col. Natalie G. Brown, Deputy Staff Judge Advocate, Maj. Christopher A. Rittenhouse, Attorney Advisor, Lorie L. Mavity, Paralegal Specialist, Sheila L. Russell, Legal Assistant in the courtroom at Camp Joseph T. Robinson, Arkansas.

Maj. Gen. Darren Werner, Army Materiel Command acting deputy commanding general, awards an Army Commendation Medal to Sgt. Collin Roberts following his selection to AMCs Best Squad during an August 18 luncheon at Redstone Arsenal, Ala. Roberts serves as a military police officer with U.S. Army Garrison-West Point, New York.

U.S. Air Force Col. Edward Szczepanik, 6th Air Refueling Wing deputy commander, recognizes Airman 1st Class Umutcan Oldac, 6th ARW commanders executive administrator, during a Champion of the Week recognition at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, Jan. 23, 2024. Upon returning from deployment, Oldec took over and manages the Security Manager program, TMT and the cybersecurity program.

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY SOUDA BAY, Greece (Nov. 28, 2022) Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Drew Holtmeyer, assigned to Naval Support Activity (NSA) Souda Bay, Greece, receives a frocking letter from Capt. Odin J. Klug, commanding officer, NSA Souda Bay, during a frocking ceremony at the Fitness Center on Nov. 28, 2022. NSA Souda Bay is an operational ashore installation which enables and supports U.S., Allied, Coalition, and Partner nation forces to preserve security and stability in the European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility.

Lt. Col. Darryl McLean, 72nd Aerial Port Squadron commander, presents the Port Dawg of the Year award to Master Sgt. Aaron Jones April 30, 2022, at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma.

220527-N-EJ241-1008DIEGO GARCIA, British Indian Ocean Territory (May 27, 2022) - Chief Warrant Officer 2 Eric D. Mitchell, the administration officer for Naval Support Facility (NSF) Diego Garcia, receives a Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal from Capt. Richard D. Payne, commanding officer of NSF Diego Garcia during awards at quarters. NSF Diego Garcia provides logistic, service, recreational, and administrative support to U.S. and allied forces forward deployed to the Indian Ocean and Arabian Gulf.

NEWPORT, R.I. (Aug. 31, 2022) Rear Adm. Pete Garvin, commander, Naval Education and Training Command, left, poses for a photo with Lt. William Bearden, Aug. 31, 2022. Garvin visited Naval Station Newport Aug. 31-Sept. 1 to speak with the staff and students of Center for Service Support, Surface Warfare Schools Command, Senior Enlisted Academy, Officer Training Command Newport, Naval Chaplaincy School, Naval Leadership and Ethics Center, and Navy Supply Corps School.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Andrew Morris, executive officer of Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Miramar, and Master Gunnery Sgt. Steven Hazenberg, provost sergeant with Headquarters and Headquarter Squadron (H&HS), present the Marine of the Quarter Award to Lance Cpl. Adrian Williams Jr., an administrative specialist with H&HS, during the quarterly award recognition ceremony at MCAS Miramar, San Diego, California, May 11, 2022. The ceremony recognized Marines and Sailors for their exceptional work ethic and achievements during 2nd quarter of fiscal year 22.

Alpha Company, 46th Aviation Support Battalion, 16th Combat Aviation Brigade hosts a change of command at Evergreen Theater, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., April 29, 2022. Capt. Cameron Blackhurst reliquished command to Capt. Emmanuel Phillips.

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