Military Ceremonies and Awards

Modern depictions of military personnel receiving awards and promotions at official ceremonies, highlighting camaraderie and honor in uniform.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Brandon Barrett, right, Airman Leadership School (ALS) Class 22-G graduate, receives the Commandant Award at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Oct. 27, 2022. The Commandant Award goes to the student who displays all the characteristics of a leader. The ALS commandant makes the final judgment on who receives this award after considering all other factors.

Maj. Gen. Michael J. Garshak, Adjutant General and Commander, Idaho National Guard, awards the Legion of Merit to Col. Shannon Smith, Chief of Staff, Idaho Air National Guard, Joint Force Headquarters, during a promotion ceremony June 4, 2022, held at the Idaho Military Division headquarters on Gowen Field. After almost 30 years in the Air Force, serving on active duty and in the Idaho Air National Guard, Smith was promoted from colonel to brigadier general and has been selected to be the new commander for the 113th Wing, District of Columbia Air National Guard, located at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. James Alt receives the Commandant Leadership Award during the graduation ceremony for Airman leadership school class 22-6 and NCO Academy class 22-7, Sept 2, 2022, at the Lankford Enlisted Professional Military Education Center on McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base in East Tennessee.

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.

010713-F-7906C-032. Base: Kelly Air Force Base State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: AFMC

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Brandon Barrett, right, Airman Leadership School (ALS) Class 22-G graduate, receives the Commandant Award at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Oct. 27, 2022. The Commandant Award goes to the student who displays all the characteristics of a leader. The ALS commandant makes the final judgment on who receives this award after considering all other factors.

Chief Master Sgt. Michael Young (center), 419th Maintenance Group, poses with Col. Matthew Fritz (left), 419th Fighter Wing commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Heather Richins, 419th Fighter Wing command chief, during the Chief Induction Ceremony Mar. 31, 2023, in Ogden, Utah. Only 1% of the entire enlisted force will earn the rank of chief.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Jim Slife, Commander of Air Force Special Operations Command, receives a letter of recognition during the Air Force Ball 75th anniversary at Fort Walton Beach, Fla. Nov 4, 2022. The Air Force Ball is an annual event that invites officers and enlisted members to celebrate the birth of the Air Force.

U.S. Air Force Col. Callistus Elbourne, 628th Mission Support Group commander, passes the guidon to Maj. Dustin Wade, inbound 628th Contracting Squadron commander, during the 628th CONS Change of Command ceremony at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, June 23, 2022. The 628th CONS directly supports over 7,300 DoD personnel for the 628th Air Base Wing, the Naval Weapons Station, two Air Mobility Wings and six geographically separated units.

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

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Lance E. Niewenhuis (left), outgoing 114th Civil Engineer Squadron commander, accepts a gift from Maj. Benjamin D. Shafer, incoming 114th CES commander during a change of command ceremony at Joe Foss Field, S.D., Jan. 7, 2024. The primary purpose of a change of command ceremony is to allow subordinates to witness the formality of command change from one officer to another.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Cedric Walters was presented with the Military Health System 2023 Allied Health Leadership Excellence Award - junior non-provider, by Dr. Lester Martinez-Lopez, assistant secretary of defense for health affairs, and U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen Robert Miller, U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force surgeon general, on Feb. 15 in National Harbor, Maryland. He serves as utilization officer for the biomedical sciences corps at the Air Force Personnel Center, Joint Base San Antonio - Randolph Air Force Base, Texas.

Vice Adm. Kevin Lunday, the U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area commander, oversees the Change of Watch ceremony for the area's incoming Command Master Chief. Command Master Chief Jeremy DeMello relieved CMC Devin Spencer of his watch in Portsmouth, Virginia, on June 6, 2022. The ceremony is rich in military history to allow subordinated to witness the formality of command change from one leader to another.

A U.S. Air Force Airman receives the Community College of the Air Force certificate during the graduation ceremony at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, Oct. 19, 2022. The CCAF is the largest community college in the world, affiliated with schools in over 36 states and eight foreign locations and over 260,000 Air Force members registered.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Jonathan Kolar receives the Distinguished Graduate Award during the graduation ceremony for Airman Leadership School class 22-5 and NCO Academy class 22-6, July 20, 2022, at the Lankford Enlisted Professional Military Education Center on McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base in East Tennessee.

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass congratulate Lt. Col. Steven Cooper, recipient of the 2020 Lance P. Sijan USAF Leadership Award, senior officer category, during a ceremony at the Pentagon, Arlington, Va., April 3, 2023. The award is named for Medal of Honor recipient Capt. Lance Sijan, who died while being held as a prisoner of war during the Vietnam War.

U.S. Air National Guard Col. Christine Munch, 111th Mission Support Group Commander, presents USANG Lt. Col. Brian C. Carr, former 270th Engineering Installation Squadron Commander, with his certificate of retirement during a ceremony held at Biddle Air National Guard Base in Horsham, Pennsylvania, Sept. 18, 2021. Carr, a native of Dolgeville, New York, served more than 30 years in the U.S. Air Force.

At a special presentation in the IMAX 2 Theater in the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, the Hammer Award is presented to Kennedy Space Center and the 45th Space Wing. Present for the awards are (left to right) Commander of the Air Force Space Command General Richard B. Myers, Ed Gormel, Chris Fairey, NASA Administrator Daniel Goldin, and Director of the National Partnership for Reinventing Government, Morley Winograd, who presented the award. The Hammer Award is Vice President Al Gore's special recognition of teams of federal employees who have made significant contributions in support of the principles of the National Partnership for Reinventing Government. This Hammer Award acknowledges the accomplishments of a joint NASA and Air Force team that established the Joint Base Operations and Support Contract (J-BOSC) Source Evaluation Board (SEB). Gormel and Fairey are co-chairs of the SEB. The team developed and implemented the acquisition strategy for establishing a single set of b

The 121st Air Refueling Wing Operations Group holds an Assumption of Authority ceremony at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base, Ohio, Aug. 13, 2022. Chief Master Sgt. Christopher Hasty formally assumed authority of the 121st Operations Group from Chief Master Sgt. Samuel Given.

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

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass pose with Master Sgt. Jeffrey Fitzgerald, recipient of the 2019 Lance P. Sijan USAF Leadership Award, junior enlisted category, during a ceremony at the Pentagon, Arlington, Va., April 3, 2023. The award is named for Medal of Honor recipient Capt. Lance Sijan, who died while being held as a prisoner of war during the Vietnam War.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Emily Burrer receives the Distinguished Graduate Award during the graduation ceremony for Airman Leadership School class 22-6 and NCO Academy class 22-7, Sept 2, 2022, at the Lankford Enlisted Professional Military Education Center on McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base in East Tennessee.

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Caroline Miller(left), Commander 502nd Air Base Wing and Joint Base San Antonio, and Chief Master Sgt. Casy Boomershine (right), 502nd ABW/JBSA command chief, pose for a photo with pose for picture with Airman Andrew Stevens, First Airman award winner, Mar. 31, 2022, Pfingston basic military center, JBSA-Lackland, Texas.

U.S. Air Force Col. Rusty Gohn, left, 436th Airlift Wing deputy commander, and U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Carolyn Russell, right, 436th AW command chief, present U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Ian Mazerski, 436th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron commander, center, with a trophy during the 2023 436th AW Annual Awards Ceremony held at the Hartly Volunteer Fire Company in Hartly, Delaware, Feb. 23, 2024. Mazerski accepted the trophy on behalf of U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Aimee Anderson, 436th Mission Generation Group annual award winner, who was recognized as the wings First Sergeant of the Year. Air Force

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

Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth presents a photo and citation to Medal of Honor recipient retired Army Maj. John J. Duffy, as Duffy and five other Medal of Honor recipients are inducted into the Pentagon Hall of Heroes, at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Va., July 6, 2022. (DoD photo by Lisa Ferdinando)

YOKOSUKA, Japan (July 8, 2022) Rear Adm. Carl Lahti, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Japan/Navy Region Japan, presents Capt. Rich Jarrett, outgoing Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY), with the Legion of Merit during a change of command ceremony onboard CFAY. Capt. Les Sobol relieved Jarrett as Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY) during a change of command ceremony. For more than 75 years, CFAY has provided, maintained and operated base facilities and services in support of the U.S. 7th fleet's forward-deployed naval forces, tenant commands, and thousands of military and civilian personnel and their families.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Vincent Holloway receives the Academic Achievement Award during the graduation ceremony for Airman leadership school class 22-6 and NCO Academy class 22-7, Sept 2, 2022, at the Lankford Enlisted Professional Military Education Center on McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base in East Tennessee.

221212-N-VQ947-1005 PACIFIC OCEAN (Dec. 12, 2022) Capt. John Ryan, left, commanding officer aboard amphibious transport dock USS Portland (LPD 27), presents a certificate of honorable discharge to Information Systems Technician Master Chief Rodney Shinn, right, during his reenlistment in front of the recovered NASA Orion Spacecraft, Dec. 12, 2022. Portland, along with Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Montgomery (LCS 8), is underway in U.S. 3rd Fleet in support of the recovery. The retrieval operation is part of a Department of Defense effort that integrates combatant command service capabilities to determine best practices for safely retrieving spacecraft capable of carrying humans into space. The U.S. Navy has many unique capabilities that make it an ideal partner for supporting NASA, including its amphibious and expeditionary capabilities with the ability to embark helicopters, launch and recover small boats, three-dimensional air search radar and advanced medical facili

Col. Celina Noyes, commander of the National Security Agency and commander of the 373d Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group, alongside Lt. Col. James Nolan, 566th Intelligence Squadron commander, hands over the flag at Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum Lowry, Colo., Sep. 26, 2022. Following the Activation of the 544th ISRG, the Blue Train” mission will be to train, organize, equip and sustain the Airmen and Guardians of the 566th Intelligence Squadron to drive SIGINT discovery, collection, processing and exploitation for joint warfighters and national decision makers, in partnership with NSA Colorado and Team Buckley.

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Dennis P. LeMaster (left), Deputy Commanding General-Support U.S. Army Medical Command and Command Sgt. Maj. Clark J. Charpentier (right), MEDCoE Command Sergeant Major pose for a photo during a retirement ceremony held on Fort Sam Houston, Texas on December 2, 2022.Charpentier, originally from Louisiana, is the senior Army 68W Combat Flight Paramedic and retired from active duty after serving 30 years in the United States Army.

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.

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

KINGS BAY, Ga. (Apr. 29, 2022) Capt. John Cage, commodore, Submarine Squadron 20, presents Cmdr. Matt Luff, outgoing commanding officer of the Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarine USS Tennessee (SSBN 734) (Gold), with the Legion of Merit medal during a change of command ceremony held at the chapel onboard Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Luff is relieved by Cmdr. Ken Packard. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Ashley Berumen (Released)

Col. Andrew Campbell, 374th Airlift Wing commander, passes the guidon to Col. Jun Oh, 374th Operations Group incoming commander, during the 374th OG change of command ceremony at Yokota Air Base, Japan, June 22, 2022. The change of command ceremony formally transferred command of the 374th OG from Col. Kevin Martin to Oh.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Stein (left), 502nd Operations Support Squadron commander, prepares to present U.S. Army Air Corps 1st Lt. Gerald Teldon, retired, with the Air Medal for his honorable service as a pilot on July 29, 2022, at the Chabad Center for Jewish Life and Learning, San Antonio, Texas. Teldon, born in Bronx, N.Y., in 1924, joined the military in 1944. He completed 62 missions during WWII and the Korean War. Lt. Col. Andrew Stein, 502nd Operations Support Squadron commander, was the presiding officers. The awards presented to Teldon are as follows: the Air Medal; American Campaign Medal; European - African - Middle Eastern Campaign Medal; World War II Victory Medal; National Defense Medal; and the Distinguished Unit Citation.

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. David May, the Wisconsin National Guard's deputy adjutant general for Air, inducts retired U.S Air Force Col. Jeffrey Wiegand into the Wisconsin Air National Guard Hall of Fame during a ceremony at Truax Field in Madison, Wisconsin, Sept. 22, 2022. As a graduate of the U.S, Air Force Academy, Wiegand commissioned in 1989, and joined the ANG in 2004. In addition to being a command pilot with over 3000 flying hours in the F-16 Fighting Falcon, he served as both the commander of the 115th Fighter Wing and chief of staff of the Wisconsin ANG before retiring in 2017.

Col. Patrick Miller (left), 88th Air Base Wing and installation commander, pins the Legion of Merit medal on Col. Ivan Herwick, 88th Communications Group commander, during the units inactivation ceremony April 29, 2022, at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. Herwick was honored for his exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services as 88 CGs last commander.

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

Master Sgt. Anthony Porter, 433rd Security Forces Squadron, receives a certificate of recognition from Col. Terry McClain, 433rd Airlift Wing commander, during the Senior Noncommissioned Officer Induction Ceremony at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, June 4, 2022. Chief Master Sgt. Cynthia Villa, 4th Air Force command chief, served as the ceremonys guest speaker during her visit to the wing.

United States Coast Guard Reserve Petty Officer 2nd Class Joshua Fawley, boatswain's mate second class assigned to U.S. Coast Guard Station New London, was honored by Maj. Gen. Francis Evon, adjutant general for the Connecticut National Guard, and Maj. Gen. Lee Ellis, assistant deputy commanding general for National Guard affairs at U.S. Army Materiel Command, for his exceptional service at the 73th annual Connecticut Armed Forces Day Luncheon in Southington, Connecticut, May 20, 2022.

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.

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Mark Schindler, left, the Adjutant General of Pennsylvania, and Air Force Master Sgt. John McDermott cut a commemorative cake during a ceremony in Edward Martin Hall observing the Pennsylvania National Guard's 275th birthday.

Tech Sgt. Jennafer Sawyer receives the Pitsenbarger Scholarship June 15, 2022, from Air and Space Forces Association Wright Memorial Chapter during the Community College of the Air Force Spring 2022 graduation ceremony at the National Museum of the Air Force, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. The scholarship is a cash award to be used in the continuation of education beyond the associate degree level.

Medcor, based in McHenry, Illinois, was awarded the Above and Beyond Award during the annual Illinois Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) awards banquet in Bloomington, Illinois, May 13. Medcor was nominated for the award by Maj. Benjamin Backsmeier. The Above and Beyond award is given in limited numbers and presented annually by ESGR members. It is designed to recognize those employers who have gone above and beyond the legal requirements of the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act in granting leave to their Guard and Reserve employees for military duty. Pictured, from left, Maj. Gen. Peter Nezamis, Assistant Adjutant General - Air, and Commander of the Illinois Air National Guard, Ben Petersen, Medcor, Backsmeier, Laurie Silvey, state chairman, Illinois ESGR committee and Michael Peck, ESGR volunteer.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Lyndsey Ballinger, left, commander of the 129th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, 129th Rescue Wing, California Air National Guard, presents a spouse appreciation certificate to Deborah Lokensgard, wife of former group commander Col. Sigurd Lokensgard, Aug. 6, 2022, during his retirement ceremony at Moffett Air National Guard Base, California. Lokensgard is a U.S. Air Force Academy graduate who retires with more than 30 years of service.

From left, U.S. Army Gen. Ann E. Dunwoody, Gen. Robert W. Cone, and Army Chief of Staff Gen. Raymond T. Odierno, right, present the 2011 Female Athlete of the Year Award to Capt. Danielle Cook at the Association of the U.S. Army Winter Symposium in Ft. Lauderdale, Fl. Feb. 24, 2012. Dunwoody is the commanding general, U.S. Army Materiel Command; and Cone is the commanding general, U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command.

The Minnesota National Guard welcomes Air Force Command Chief Master Sgt. Lisa Erikson as the new Command Senior Enlisted Leader (CSEL) during a Change of Responsibility ceremony in St. Paul, Minn, on Nov. 10, 2022. She assumes the duties from the outgoing CSEL, Army Command Sgt. Maj. Brian Soper, and will serve as the first Air Force member and second female to hold this position since the inception of the Minnesota National Guard 166 years ago. The CSEL is an advisor to the Guards adjutant general and communicates the commanders directives to the enlisted service members while also serving as the senior representative for enlisted views and concerns. (Minnesota National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Sydney Mariette)

Capt. Taylor Bye and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. sing the Air Force song during a ceremony at the Pentagon, Arlington, Va., May 11, 2022. Bye was awarded the 2020 Koren Kolligian Jr. Trophy to recognize her outstanding airmanship when her A-10C attack aircraft suffered a catastrophic gun malfunction and she safely performed a belly landing with the loss of the aircraft landing gear and canopy.

Brig. Gen. Peter T. Green III, Assistant Adjutant General for Air, Massachusetts Air National Guard, retired after 40 years of service in a ceremony held at the 104th Fighter WIng on Sept. 10, 2022. Brig. Gen. Green started his career as a security forces specialist at the 104FW and prior to moving to Massachusetts ANG Joint Force Headquarts was the 104FW Commander. Distinguished guests included Maj. Gen. Gary W. Keefe, The Adjutant General, Massachusetts Air National Guard, Brig. Gen. Virginia Gaglio, Chief of Staff and Air Component Commander, Massachusetts ANG, Col. David 'Moon' Halasikun, 104FW Commander, Massachusetts Senator John Velis, Westfield Mayor Michael McCabe, and other 104FW leaders, members, family and friends. (U.S Air National Guard Photos by Master Sgt. Lindsey S. Watson)

Gen. Stéphane Mille, French Air and Space Force Chief of Staff, U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr., and Air Chief Marshal Sir Mike Wigston, Royal Air Force Chief of the Air Staff, hold a signed charter for Trilateral Strategic Initiative at RAF Fairford, England, July 15, 2022. Each chief demonstrated their commitment to ensuring peace and security.

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. Brooke Sciuto, 155th Medical Group commander, gifts Col. Patti Fries a coin and flag on Dec. 4, 2022, during a change of command ceremony in Lincoln, Neb. Col. Patti Fries relinquished command of the 155th Medical Group after being in command for four years.

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

040406-F-4964G-010. Base: Gunter Annex, Maxwell Afb State: Alabama (AL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

221028-N-UQ872-1002 PORT HUENEME, Calif. (Oct. 28, 2022) Ensign Gafayat Moradeyo, a U.S. Naval Civil Engineer Corps Officers School (CECOS) Basic Class 273 graduate, is congratulated by Rear Adm. Dean A. VanderLey, commander of Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) and 46th Chief of Civil Engineers, for graduating the CECOS course as a distinguished graduate. The 15-week-long course covers a wide range of topics including leadership, professional development, public works, construction technology, contracting, expeditionary construction and combat operations.

040806-F-9891G-013. Base: Omaha State: Nebraska (NE) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Col. Vincent Livie, 375 Operations Group incoming commander, assumes command after receiving guideon from Col. Chris Robinson, 375th Air Mobility Wing commander, during a change of command ceremony on Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, June 29, 2022. Livie most recently served as the 618th Air Operations Center director of air refueling, Scott.

Mr. Edward Garcia, member of the 47th Maintenance Group, accepts an award presented by Col. Craig Prather, 47th Flying Training Wing commander, and Lt. Gen. Brad Webb, Air Education and Training Command (AETC) commander, at the 80th Aniversario Annual Awards Ceremony in Del Rio, Texas, April 14, 2022. This event took place to honor outstanding military members at Laughlin Air Force Base and civilian leaders in Del Rio who support Laughlin and its mission.

Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen H. Hicks participates in the Suicide Prevention recognition ceremony hosted by William Booth, Director, Defense Human Resources Activity, at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., Sept. 7, 2022. (DoD photo by U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jack Sanders)

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Michael Brockett, left, 436th Contracting Squadron contracting specialist, U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Frederick Reidy center, 9th Airlift Squadron flight engineer, and U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Shanelle King, right, 436th Logistics Readiness Squadron ramp operations representative, pose for a photo at the 2023 436th Airlift Wing Annual Award Ceremony held at the Hartly Volunteer Fire Company in Hartly, Delaware, Feb. 23, 2024. More than 275 commanders, first sergeants, supervisors, family members and friends came out to support the 47 nominees and five teams competing in their respective categories. Brockett and King served as emcees and Reidy was the proffer for the event. Air Force

Brig. Gen. Jon Eberlan, Warner Robins Air Logistics Complex incoming commander, accepts the WR-ALC guidon from Lt. Gen. Tom Miller, Air Force Sustainment Center commander, during a change of command ceremony June 28, 2022, at the Museum of Aviation at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia. Prior to taking command of the WR-ALC, Eberlan was the director of budget programs with the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Financial Management and Comptroller.

Capt. Robert Reader, a 910th Security Forces Squadron officer, and Col. Jeff Van Dootingh, commander of the 910th Airlift Wing, pose for a photo on Sept. 17, 2022, at the Eastwood Event Centre. Reader was presented with a trophy for outstanding achievements throughout the year while at a military ball celebrating the 75th Anniversary of the Air Force.

General Clarke relinquished command to General Fenton, who will assume command as the 13th Commander of USSOCOM after previously serving as the Commander of Joint Special Operations Command, Fort Bragg, N.C. (Photo by Gunnery Sgt. Eric Alabiso, USSOCOM Public Affairs)

U.S. Air Force Col. Willie L. Cooper, 375th Mission Support Group incoming commander, receives guidon from Col. Chris Robinson, 375th Air Mobility Wing commander, during the 375th MSG Change of Command on Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, July 29, 2022. The passing of the guidon symbolizes Cooper has assumed command.

U.S. Air Force Col. David Fazenbaker, commander of the 62d Airlift Wing, inducts Mary Moss, deputy mayor of the City of Lakewood, and 62d AW honorary commander for her second term during the 2022-2024 Honorary Commander Assumption of Command Ceremony at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, Sept. 29, 2022. Across the Air Force, the Honorary Commander Program provides a platform to inform and educate local community leaders about Department of Defense missions and develop supportive relationships with the community.

Maj. Amber Gasparetto-Brüning, 66th Comptroller Squadron commander, accepts the 66 CPTS guidon from Col. Taona Enriquez, 66th Air Base Group commander, during an assumption of command ceremony at Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., Aug. 9, while Master Sgt. Blayne Ralston, 66 CPTS first sergeant, looks on. Gasparetto- Brüning replaces Maj. Whitney Wade as commander.

Col. Terry McClain, 433rd Airlift Wing commander, hands the 433rd AW guidon to Lee Randolph, managing partner of UBuildIt-Schertz, Texas, during the Honorary Commanders Induction Ceremony in San Antonio, July 9, 2022. Honorary commanders have opportunities to learn about their units and commanders through C-5M Super Galaxy tours, demonstrations, events and flights.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Troy Taylor was appointed the twelfth Ohio state command chief for the Ohio Air National Guard during a change of authority ceremony on September 10, 2022, at Robert S. Beightler Armory in Columbus, Ohio. Maj. Gen. James Camp, the Assistant Adjutant General for Air, Ohio National Guard, performed the ceremony as Taylor accepted authority from the previous state command chief, Chief Master Sgt. Heidi Bunker.

Col. Rockie Wilson relinquishes command of the 37th Training Wing to Col. Lauren Courchaine at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, June 10, 2022. Wilson, as the 37 TRW commander, oversaw Basic Military Training, the Inter-American Air Forces Academy, the Defense Language Institute English Language Center and the 37th Training Group, which trains Airmen in 23 career fields.

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass pose with Lt. Col. Nicholas Wabeke, recipient of the 2021 Lance P. Sijan USAF Leadership Award, senior officer category, during a ceremony at the Pentagon, Arlington, Va., April 3, 2023. The award is named for Medal of Honor recipient Capt. Lance Sijan, who died while being held as a prisoner of war during the Vietnam War.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Katie Lunning, 133rd Medical Group, receives the Distinguished Flying Cross Decoration, Jan. 7, 2023, St. Paul, Minn. Lunning was presented the nations highest-flying award for her extraordinary actions during the evacuation of Kabul, Afghanistan on Aug. 26, 2021.

930121-D-2987S-005. Base: Pentagon State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Joshua McChesney and Maj. Lauren Carlisle, 122nd Fighter Wing Medical Group shake hands during Carlisle's retirement ceremony, Fort Wayne, Indiana, Feb. 4, 2024. Carlisle retired after 22 years of military service. Air National Guard

Retired Maj. Gen. Deborah Ashenhurst (left), director of the Ohio Department of Veterans Services, presents the Ohio Military Hall of Fame for Valor medal to Joe Carter during the OMHOF Class of 2022 induction ceremony April 22, 2022, at the Ohio Statehouse Atrium in Columbus, Ohio. Carter is the son of retired Command Sgt. Maj. Jeffrey N. Carter, who was awarded the Silver Star Medal while serving with the 1st Cavalry Division in Vietnam. Following his service in the Regular Army, Carter, who died last January, joined the Ohio Army National Guard, serving with the 107th Armored Calvary and retiring as the command sergeant major of the 37th Brigade, 38th Infantry Division. The OMHOF recognizes Ohio veterans who were awarded medals for valor during their military service.

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

U.S. Air National Guard Master Sgt. Mitch Pearson, 133rd Test Squadron First Sergeant, right, is presented with a flag as he retires from the squadron at a ceremony at St. Edmonds Arena at Fort Dodge, Iowa, Sept. 10, 2022. The dual event honored both Airmen who retired in the past year and Airmen who were promoted.

U.S. Air National Guard Master Sgt. Mitch Pearson, 133rd Test Squadron First Sergeant, right, is presented with a flag as he retires from the squadron at a ceremony at St. Edmonds Arena at Fort Dodge, Iowa, Sept. 10, 2022. The dual event honored both Airmen who retired in the past year and Airmen who were promoted.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Heidi Millburg assumes command of the 509th Communications Squadron from U.S. Space Force Col. Christopher Schlak, 509th Mission Support Group commander, during the 509th CS change of command ceremony at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, July 8, 2022. Prior to this assignment Millburg served as the 332nd Expeditionary Communications Squadron and as the Joint Staff J6 action officer at the Pentagon.

Non-Commissioned Officers ans Soliders from various units across Army Futures Command competed in the 2022 AFC Best Warrior and Best Squad competition. An awards ceremony in their honor was held June 10th, 2022, at the Army Soldiers Software Factory, Austin, Texas. Photo by: Austin Thomas

Past and present U.S. service members and guests attend the Allentown Chapter of the Honorary First Defenders and the 213th Regional Support Group's 77th Annual Military Ball at The Americus Hotel in Allentown, Nov. 12, 2022. The evening program included toasts and award ceremonies. Patricia Veresink, Esq., 2022 Commander - Honorary First Defenders, Col. Frank Montgomery, commander of the 213th RSG and other distinguished visitors shared remarks during the event.

Members of the 117th Air Refueling Wing recieve awards at Sumpter Smith Joint National Guard Base, Alabama, Aug 13, 2022. This was the first annual Enlisted Awards Banquet

U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr., speaks with retired Air Marshal Gregory Bagwell, U.K. Air and Space Power Association president prior to the Global Air and Space Chiefs Conference in London, England, July 13, 2022. The conference brought together air and space power leaders, industry, and academia to focus on maintaining an edge over potential adversaries.

Col. William Gutermuth, 433rd Airlift Wing commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Takesha Williams, 433rd AW command chief, present the Category II Civilian of the Year award to Mr. Stanley Johnson, 433rd Maintenance Group, at the wings annual awards ceremony Feb. 3, 2024, at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. Air Force

Nebraska Army National Guard Capt. Jeremy Ham receives the Gen. Douglas MacArthur Leadership Award at a ceremony at the Pentagon, Arlington, Virginia, Oct. 26, 2022. (U.S. Army photos by the Army Multimedia and Visual Information Directorate)

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. congratulates Capt. Taylor Bye after a ceremony at the Pentagon, Arlington, Va., May 11, 2022. Bye was awarded the 2020 Koren Kolligian Jr. Trophy to recognize her outstanding airmanship when her A-10C attack aircraft suffered a catastrophic gun malfunction and she safely performed a belly landing with the loss of the aircraft landing gear and canopy. This image has been altered to obscure security badges.

Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo hosts a swearing-ceremony for officers of the U.S. Space Force, at the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C., on October 22, 2020.

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Richard A. Goodman, 57th Wing commander, presents 17th Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. John Jumper with a gift at the 75th Annual Air Force Ball in Las Vegas, Nevada, Sept. 10, 2022. The United States Air Force was founded on September 18, 1947.

Royal Canadian Air Force Commander Lt. Gen. Eric Kenny speaks with Brig. Gen. Geoffrey Weiss, director of regional affairs for the deputy undersecretary of the Air Force for international affairs, before a meeting at the Pentagon, Arlington, Va., Jan. 24, 2024. This image has been altered to obscure security badges.

ALEXANDRIA, VA -- (Aug. 11, 2022) The Institute for Water Resources (IWR), a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Field Operating Activity, has bestowed its highest honor to nine alumni by inducting them into the IWR Class of 2022 Distinguished Gallery of Employees, to include David Moser.Pictured: IWR Director, Joe Manus (right), and David Moser (left). Dr. Dave Moser started his career as a civil servant in 1975 and served as the USACE Chief Economist since 2004. As Chief Economist he led the USACE Economic Community of Practice leading and mentoring over 180 economists located around the country. Dr. Moser was the USACE technical economic expert on benefit-cost analysis and risk analysis and set the foundation for many USACE and other agency practices. Dr. Moser also served as the National Team Lead for Risk-Informed Decision Making. In that role, he oversaw teams conducting work in a variety of areas related to risk analysis.

Maj. Gen. Milford H. Beagle Jr., 10th Mountain Division commanding general, presents a coin to Army Reserve Ambassador Bob Pleczkowski during a Spiritual Readiness Breakfast held on August 30, 2022, for the Soldiers of the 10th Mountain Division and Gold Star Families. Pleczkowski, a retired Brigadier General, spoke at the breakfast to help the Division build spiritual readiness.

BM1 Cleston Williams from Naval Surface Warfare Center, Port Hueneme Division, one of five active duty finalists for the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) Enterprise Sailor of the Year, receives a Navy commendation medal signed and presented by (left) Vice Adm. William Galinis, commander, NAVSEA, who was joined by NAVSEA Executive Director Giao Phan and NAVSEA Command Master Chief Justin Gray. Williams traveled to the nations capital on April 19 for a meet-and-greet, additional interview boards, and tours of Navy-related points of interest. During the April 22 SOY ceremony, Galinis, Phan and Gray congratulated Williams on his outstanding achievements.

From left, U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Miguel A. Mendez, acting adjutant general of Puerto Rico, U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Humberto Pabon Jr., chief of staff, Puerto Rico Air National Guard, Pabons mother and daughter stand on stage during his promotion ceremony at the 156th Wing, Muniz Air National Guard Base, Carolina, Puerto Rico, Jan. 21. 2023.Pabon was promoted to the rank of brigadier general after having served for 30 years in the Puerto Rico Air National Guard; he began his career as an airman 1st class in command post and now holds the position of chief of staff of the PRANG.

U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr., shakes hands with Maj. Gen Carl-Johan Edström, Swedish Air Force Chief of Air Force, following a meeting during the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford, England, July 15, 2022. Brown attended RIAT to meet with and engage in Trilateral and bilateral meetings with other Air and space chiefs from other nations and demonstrate the Department of the Air Forces commitment to its allies and partners.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Matt Neil, Missouri Air National Guard, assumes command of the 139th Civil Engineer Squadron at Rosecrans Air National Guard Base, St. Joseph, Missouri, Sept. 10, 2022.

Gov. Spencer Cox, left, and Mr. Gary Harder, Utah Department of Veterans and Military Affairs present Master Sgt. Sierra Beers, 419th Fighter Wing, Hill Air Force, the State of Utah Service Member of the Year Awards at the Capitol Rotunda, June 9, 2022.The purpose of the awards is to recognize the outstanding performers from each of the major military entities in the state representing the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Space Force from active duty, guard and reserve organizations.

Gen. Duke Richardson (far left), Air Force Materiel Command commander, presents the AFMC Airman of the Year Award to Staff Sgt. Jesse Reed, Air Force Research Laboratory, during the AFMC Annual Excellence Award Banquet April 5 in the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. Airmen, military and civilian, from AFMC centers around the Air Force, as well as those assigned to Space Force, competed in nine categories and winners advanced to the Air Force level.

Lt. Gen. Evans, Commanding General of U.S. Army North, and Command Sgt. Maj. Phil Barretto, U.S. Army Norths senior enlisted advisor, poses with other senior service members, after the Gold Star Mothers and Family event, held at Joint Base Fort Sam Houston-San Antonio, Texas, September 25, 2022. Gold Star Mothers and Family Day honors the mothers, fathers, and families of fallen military service members. It provides an opportunity for us as a nation to pay tribute to their sacrifices and support those who remain behind.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Brandon Layman, Senior Enlisted Leader, Headquarters WVANG, receives the rank of Chief Master Sergeant at the 167th Airlift Wing dining facility, Jan. 7, 2024. The rank patches were pinned onto Layman by his wife and children during the promotion ceremony.

Col. Teresa Schlosser, former commander of the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center, poses with her close colleague Col. (promotable) Antoinette R. Gant, commander and division engineer for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers South Pacific Division, during her retirement ceremony at the Waterways Experiment Station, July 14.

U.S Air Force retired Lt. Gen. L. Scott Catfish Rice, former Air National Guard director, received the Order of the Sword for his unparalleled interest in support of and guidance to the enlisted corps, Dec 9, 2022, at Joint Base Andrews, in Maryland. The Order of the Sword is the highest honor the enlisted force can bestow upon a military officer for providing significant support and contribution toward the development and welfare of the Airmen to whom they serve.

of 2