Military Ceremonies and Awards

Air Force personnel participate in retirement and change of command ceremonies, showcasing uniforms, awards, and the ceremonial passing of responsibilities.

Brig. Gen. Bryan J. Teff (left), Michigan Air National Guard assistant adjutant general, and Col. Shawn E. Holtz (right), former 110th Wing commander, poses after the awarding of the Legion of Merit to Holtz during a 110th Wing change of command ceremony at Battle Creek Air National Guard Base, Michigan, June 4, 2022. Col. Daniel J. Kramer II assumed command of the wing from Holtz.

U.S. Air National Guard Chief Master Sgt. Christopher Morin holds his retirement ceremony on September 10th, 2022 at the 101st Air Refueling Wing, Bangor, Maine. Morin was a former member of the United States Marine Corps before joining the Maine Air National Guard.

U.S. Air Force Col. Bradley Stevens, 375th Operations Group outgoing commander, relinquishes command after handing the guidon to Col. Chris Robinson, 375th Air Mobility Wing commander, during a change of command ceremony on Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, June 29, 2022. Stevens received his commission from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1998 and is a command pilot with more than 3,000 flying hours.

Lt .Col. Phillip C. Martin, 49th Force Support Squadron commander, receives the unit guidon from Col. Juan Alvarez, 49th Mission Support Group commander, during a change of command ceremony on Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, July 8, 2022. The 49th FSS provides essential personnel services to Airmen and civilians on base.

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Donald Kramer, 312th Training Squadron Special Instruments Training instructor supervisor, presents Senior Airman Dylan Servis, 47th Operations Support Squadron aircrew flight equipment specialist, the Academic Achievement award during the Airman Leadership School graduation at the Powell Event Center, Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, Aug. 26, 2022. The Academic Achievement award recognizes an airman who demonstrated superior academic performance during the five-week course.

Senior Master Sgt. Josh North 126th Logistics Readiness Squadron, center, receives a shadow box from Maj. Brad Kahrhoff, left, and Master Sgt. Keith McPherson during Norths retirement ceremony at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, April 2, 2022. The Illinois Air National Guard wing flies the KC-135 Stratotanker ready to refuel U.S. and allied military anytime, anywhere.

Brig. Gen. Bryan J. Teff (left), Michigan Air National Guard assistant adjutant general, and Col. Shawn E. Holtz (right), former 110th Wing commander, poses after the awarding of the Legion of Merit to Holtz during a 110th Wing change of command ceremony at Battle Creek Air National Guard Base, Michigan, June 4, 2022. Col. Daniel J. Kramer II assumed command of the wing from Holtz.

The 944th Fighter Wing holds a senior noncommissioned officer induction ceremony at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., April 10, 2022. The recently promoted Airmen were charged with increased responsibilities and authority as they accepted the leadership role of their new rank.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Craig Wills, 19th Air Force commander, presents an award to Col. Craig Prather, former 47th Flying Training Wing commander, during the 47th Flying Training Wing change of command ceremony at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, July 22, 2022. As commander, Davidson will oversee nearly 2,800 military and civilian personnel engaged in executing more than 61,000 aircraft sorties yearly in support of Laughlin's Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training mission.

Chief Master Sgt. Daniel Harron, right, senior enlisted leader for the 157th Air Communications Flight, stands with Capt. Garth Myers, 131st Communications Flight Commander, during his retirement ceremony, April 1, 2023, at Jefferson Barracks Air National Guard Base, St. Louis, Missouri. Harron received the Meritorious Service Medal for his outstanding service for the past 23 years.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Jim Slife, commander of Air Force Special Operations Command, presents the Silver Star Medal to Master Sgt. Cory Haggett, a special tactics operator with the 23d Special Tactics Squadron, 24th Special Operations Wing, during a ceremony May 13, 2022, at Hurlburt Field, Fla. The Silver Star is the third-highest military combat decoration that can be awarded to a member of the United States Armed Forces.

The 944th Fighter Wing holds a senior noncommissioned officer induction ceremony at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., April 10, 2022. The recently promoted Airmen were charged with increased responsibilities and authority as they accepted the leadership role of their new rank.

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

Maryland Air National Guard Airman First Class Zachary Thomas, 175th Wing Outstanding Airman of the Year for the airman category, Maryland Air National Guard, receives a plaque at Martin State Air National Guard Base, Middle River, Maryland, Jan. 7, 2024. Members of the 175th Wing gathered in a maintenance hangar to witness the 2023 Airman Recognition Ceremony.

Retired U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Gary Townsend, left, a key speaker during the POW/MIA Recognition Day ceremony receives a plaque from retired U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Paul Sanchez, a guest speaker during the POW/MIA Recognition Day ceremony at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, Sept. 16, 2022. The ceremony was held to recognize prisoners of war and service members missing in action from different wars.

U.S. Air Force Col. Elizabeth Hanson, 305th Air Mobility Wing commander, congratulates Lt. Col. Skylar W. Rollins, 911th Air Refueling Squadron incoming commander, during the squadrons assumption of command ceremony at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, Sept. 9, 2022. The squadron is the Air Force's very first active-duty squadron that is under the command of a reserve wing.

U.S. Air National Guard Chief Master Sgt. Christopher Morin holds his retirement ceremony on September 10th, 2022 at the 101st Air Refueling Wing, Bangor, Maine. Morin was a former member of the United States Marine Corps before joining the Maine Air National Guard.

Lt. Col. Joshua Yerk, right, 436th Civil Engineer Squadron commander, assumes command of the 436th CES from Col. Phelemon Williams, left, 436th Mission Support Group commander, during a change of command ceremony held at the base fire station on Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, June 23, 2022. Team Dover Airmen, family members and guests watched Yerk assume command of the 436th CES. Guidon bearer for the ceremony was Chief Master Sgt. Andrew Kehl, center, 436th CES fire chief.

Col. David Shattls assumes command of the 142nd Mission Support Group during a ceremony held at Portland Air National Guard Base, Ore., June 10, 2022.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Kristina L. Schneider, center, of the 179th Airlift Wing, Ohio National Guard, poses for a photo with Lt. Gen. Michael A. Loh, left, director, Air National Guard (ANG), and Chief Master Sgt. Maurice L. Williams, right, command chief, ANG, during the Outstanding Airmen of the Year ceremony at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, on Aug. 25, 2022. Schneider was recognized as the ANGs Airman of the Year during Focus on the Force Week 2022an annual event hosted by the ANG command chief that highlights professional development and celebrates the accomplishments of the top-performing members of the enlisted corps.

U.S. Army Gen. Daniel Hokanson (left), Chief of the National Guard Bureau presents U.S. Army Maj. Gen. David Baldwin, 46th adjutant general of the California National Guard with his retirement order at Mather Field, Sacramento, California, Sept. 28, 2022. Baldwins wife, children, and colleagues gather to celebrate his achievements and 40 years of service.

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

Chief Master Sgt. LeRoy E. McCardell Jr., right, 131st Bomb Wing command chief master sergeant, stands with Brig. Gen. Kenneth S. Eaves, Assistant Adjutant General- Air, Missouri National Guard, during his retirement ceremony, June 25, 2022, at Jefferson Barracks Air National Guard Base, St. Louis, Missouri. McCardell served for 34 years.

CRYSTAL CITY, VA. (June 16, 2022) - U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Eric T. Fick, the Program Executive Officer for the F-35 Lightning II Joint Program, pins the Defense Superior Service Medal on U.S. Air Force Col. David Buchanan during Buchanan's retirement ceremony. Col. Buchanan gave 27 years of dedicated service to the U.S. Air Force. The F-35 Joint Program Office is the Department of Defense's focal point for the 5th generation strike aircraft for the Navy, Air Force, Marines, and our allies. The F-35 is the premier multi-mission, 5th generation weapon system. Its ability to collect, analyze and share data is a force multiplier that enhances all assets in the battle-space: with stealth technology, advanced sensors, weapons capacity, and range. The F-35, which has been operational since July of 2015, is the most lethal, survivable, and interoperable fighter aircraft ever built.

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Jeremy T. Sloane relinquishes the 36th Wing guidon to Lt. Gen. David A. Krumm, commander, 11th Air Force, during the 36th Wing change of command ceremony, June 10, 2022, at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. The 36th Wing is comprised of five groups and 18 squadrons, executing Indo-Pacific Command's Bomber Task Force, Theater Security Packages, Contingency Response Operations and peacetime and combat operations in the Indo-Pacific Region. The wing is also tasked to ensure the successful deployment, employment and integration of air and space forces from the most forward sovereign U.S. Air Force Base in the Indo-Pacific Region.

041019-F-5742K-002. Base: Charleston Air Force Base State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Col. Jonathan Burdick, 6th Operations Group commander, passes the 91st Air Refueling Squadron guidon to the squadron's newest commander, Lt. Col. Mike Vilven, during a change of command ceremony at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, Aug. 8, 2022. As part of the 6th Air Refueling Wing, the 91st ARS operates KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft worldwide to conduct air refueling missions.

Lt. Col. Erik Smith, assigned to the 139th Operations Group, Missouri Air National Guard, is awarded his Certificate of Retirement during his retirement ceremony at Rosecrans Air National Guard Base, St. Joseph, Missouri, April 2, 2023. Smith retired after nearly 24 years of service.

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin passes the Pacific Air Forces guidon to Gen. Kevin Schneider during a change of command ceremony on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, Feb. 9, 2024. During the ceremony, Schneider assumed command of PACAF from Gen. Ken Wilsbach. Air Force

PETERSON SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. - Members of the High Frontier Honor Guard Team furl the 21st Mission Support Group guidon during the Peterson-Schriever Garrison resignation ceremony at Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado, May 23, 2022. In 2002, the 21st was redesignated again as the 21st Mission Support Group. In 2020, when the United States Space Force reorganized units, the 21st Space Wing inactivated and the 21 MSG became part of the Peterson-Schriever Garrison.

Brig. Gen. Bryan J. Teff (left), Michigan Air National Guard assistant adjutant general, passes the wing guidon to Col. Daniel J. Kramer II, incoming 110th Wing commander, during a wing change of command ceremony at Battle Creek Air National Guard Base, Michigan, June 4, 2022. Kramer assumed command of the 110th Wing from Col. Shawn E. Holtz.

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

Maj. Jeremy E. Miller, 49th Force Support Squadron commander, passes the unit guidon to Col. Juan Alvarez, 49th Mission Support Group commander, during a change of command ceremony on Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, July 8, 2022. The 49th FSS provides both military and civilian personnel with military education, career enhancement and family support services.

U.S. Space Force Gen. David D. Thompson, Vice Chief of Space Operations (left), presents the guidon to Dr. Kelly Hammett (right), Space Rapid Capabilities Office director and program executive officer, during an assumption of leadership ceremony at Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M., Aug. 12, 2022. The Space RCO's primary mission is to develop and deliver critical space capabilities for the U.S. Space Force.

U.S. Air Force Col. Rusty Ballard, the commander of the 182nd Operations Group, Illinois Air National Guard, receives the Legion of Merit during a change of command ceremony in Peoria, Illinois, June 7, 2022. Brig. Daniel McDonough assumed command of the Illinois Air National Guard from outgoing commander Maj. Gen. Peter Nezamis.

050225-F-2796J-001. Base: Scott Air Force Base State: Illinois (IL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Col. William Gutermuth, 433rd Airlift Wing commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Takesha Williams, 433rd AW command chief, present the Alamo Wing Combat Readiness Spirit award to Lt. Col. Matthew Van De Walle, 433rd Operations Group commander, at the wings annual awards ceremony Feb. 3, 2024, at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. Air Force

U.S. Air Force Master Sergeant Natalie Bakhsh, 175th Wing first sergeant of the Year, Maryland Air National Guard, receives a plaque at Warfield Air National Guard Base, Middle River, Maryland, during the 2022 Airman Recognition Ceremony, December 4, 2022. The yearly event pays tribute to the outstanding achievements of the Maryland Air National Guard and names the wing's outstanding Airmen of the year.

Commander of the 908th Mission Support Group, Col. Clinton Cash, transfers the 908th Security Forces Squadron guidon to Maj. Scott Graves, new 908 SFS commander, during an Assumption of Command ceremony July 10, 2022 at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama. Graves takes command of the 908 SFS as the wing is preparing for a potential remission from a tactical C-130H Hercules mission to being the Air Force's Formal Training Unit for the MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopter.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Nathan Hartley receives the Commandant Leadership Award during the graduation ceremony for Noncommissioned Officer Academy, Class 22-5, June 07, 2022, at the Lankford Enlisted Professional Military Education Center on McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base in East Tennessee.

041105-F-4169T-001. Base: Maxwell Air Force Base State: Alabama (AL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. William Bernardi receives a Distinguished Graduate Award during the graduation ceremony for Noncommissioned Officer Academy, Class 22-4, April 22, 2022, at the Lankford Enlisted Professional Military Education Center on McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base in East Tennessee.

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.

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

US Air Force CHIEF MASTER Sergeant Floyd Madrid (right), 48th Fighter Wing Command CHIEF MASTER Sergeant, Royal Air Force Lakenheath, United Kingdom, accepts a shadow box from US Air Force Colonel Irving L. Halter, Jr., 48th Fighter Wing Commander, during his retirement ceremony from the Air Force following thirty years of service. Base: Raf Lakenheath State: East Anglia Country: England / Great Britain (ENG)

Col. Andrew Roddan, 374th Airlift Wing commander, receives a squadron guidon from Col. Brad Brough during a change of command ceremony for the 374th Medical Support Squadron at Yokota Air Base, Japan, June 21, 2023. Col. Gregory Richert assumed command of the 374th MDG from Brough. The change of command ceremony is a tradition dating back to the Roman era, where military leaders would pass batons, colors, standards, or ensigns that symbolized the passing of command to subordinates in attendance, and ensured unit members were never without official leadership or a continuation of trust.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Jacquita Melton assumed the role of Command Chief of the Ohio Air National Guard's 178th Wing in Springfield, Ohio during a change of authority ceremony held Dec. 3, 2022. Melton is the ninth command chief master sergeant of the Ohio National Guard's 178th Wing.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Anthony Maggio, 117th Equal Opportunity Officer, is promoted at Sumpter Smith Joint National Guard Base, Alabama, Sep. 10, 2022. Maggio recently transferred into the unit and was promoted from first lieutenant to captain.

US Air Force General Charles T. Robertson (left), Commander of the Air Mobility Command, passes the 21st Air Force flag to USAF Major General George N. Williams, at the 21st Air Force Change of Command Ceremony. Command of the 21st Air Force passed from MGEN John D. Hopper, Jr. (far right) to MGEN George N. Williams. GEN Charles T. Robertson, Commander of the Air Mobility Command acted as the presiding official for the ceremony. Headquarters, 21st Air Force is responsible for assessing operational readiness and recommending improvements in the tanker/airlift system within the 21st Air Force area of Africa, Southwest Asia, Europe, the Caribbean, South and Central America, the Eastern .... Complete Scene Caption: US Air Force General Charles T. Robertson (left), Commander of the Air Mobility Command, passes the 21st Air Force flag to USAF Major General George N. Williams, at the 21st Air Force Change of Command Ceremony. Command of the 21st Air Force passed from MGEN John D. Hopper, Jr

U.S. Air National Guard Col. Michael Griesbaum, commander of the 168th Wing, left, hands the 168th Mission Support Group guidon to Col. Randy Saldivar, 168th Mission Support Group commander, during the 168th MSG Assumption of Command Ceremony at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Jan 12, 2023. The Assumption of Command ceremony marks a formal passing of responsibility, authority, and accountability of command.

020227-F-6184S-071. Base: Sheppard Air Force Base State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Chief Master Sgt. Joshua Ziriak (center), 388th Logistics Support Squadron, poses with Col. Craig Andrle (left), 388th Fighter Wing commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Brandon Wolfgang, 388th FW command chief, during the Chief Induction Ceremony May 14, 2022, in Layton, Utah. Only 1% of the entire enlisted force will earn the rank of chief.

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 Lt. Col. Ross Fielding, commander of the 117th Air Control Squadron, assumes command from the former 117th ACS commander, Lt. Col. Elmer McDaniel, in a change-of-command ceremony at Hunter Army Air Field located in Savannah, Georgia, May 15, 2022. The 117th ACS is a geographically-separated unit that falls under the 165th Airlift Wing that provides theater command with air battle management, radar surveillance, air space control, and long haul communication capabilities to plan and execute combined air operations; air superiority and air strike ground attack operations, and provides state authorities with a dedicated force ready to react to local and national emergencies.

040115-F-9753B-060. Base: Ramstein Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Roman Riedel, Airman Leadership School Class 22-D graduate, left middle, receives his diploma at Misawa Air Base, Japan, May 18, 2022. The graduates attended the 24-day, 192-hour course focusing on developing leadership abilities, the profession of arms, and building effective communication.

Command Chief Master Sgt. Daniel C. Conner listens to his retirement order read during his retirement ceremony at Camp Withycombe, Clackamas, Oregon on Dec. 3, 2022. (National Guard photo by John Hughel, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

Lt. Col. Stephen McNamara assumed command of the 148th Air Support Operations Squadron during an assumption of command ceremony in Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania, Jan. 7, 2024. 148th ASOS personnel advise ground commanders in application of close air support and other air power into schemes of maneuver.

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.

Air National Guard Assistant to the Secretary of the Air Force, International Affairs (SAF/IA), Maj. Gen. Troy Daniels (left) presents a gift to Chief of the Romanian Air Force Staff Lt. Gen. Viorel Pană during a meeting at the Pentagon, Arlington, Va., June 27, 2023.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Christopher Raimondi was presented with the dentist award during the 2024 AMSUS Annual Meeting in National Harbor, Maryland, on Feb. 12. Presenting the award is U.S. Air Force Surgeon General Lt. Gen Robert Miller, and AMSUS Executive Director and CEO John Cho.

Col. Lauren Courchaine takes command of the 37th Training Wing at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, June 10, 2022. As the new 37 TRW commander, Courchaine oversees 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.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Jahayra N. Lowe, 628th Comptroller Squadron outbound commander, relinquishes command of the 628th CPTS to Col. Marc E. Greene, 628th Air Base Wing commander, during a ceremony at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, June 23, 2022. The 628th CPTS is responsible for accounting, finance, and budget and cost analysis support for the 628th ABW, 437th Airlift Wing, 315th Airlift Wing and geographically separated units, providing customer service to over 7,300 military and civilian personnel.

Col. Kerya Reyes, commander, Detachment 5, Headquarters Individual Reservist Readiness and Integration Organization, hands 911th Airlift Wing Command Chief Master Sgt. Jamesha M. Barnes a certificate of retirement at Pittsburgh International Airport Air Reserve Station, Pennsylvania, June 5, 2022. Barnes served for 24 years in the Air Force Reserve and concluded her career as the 911th AWs first female and first Black command chief.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Jennifer Balabuch, 110th Wing command chief administers Chief Master Sergeant oath to Senior Master Sgt. Jennifer Buehner, 110th Logistics Readiness Squadron senior enlisted leader during her promotion to the rank of Chief Master Sgt. at the Battle Creek Air National Guard Base, Battle Creek, Michigan, on Dec. 3, 2022. Chief Buehner has served in the armed forces for twenty-three years.

Maj. Gen. Rich Neely, The Adjutant General of Illinois and Commander of the Illinois National Guard presents a retirement certificate to Col. Nick Johnson 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. 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.

Command Chief Master Sgt. Daniel C. Conner pauses for photo with his son, Airman 1st Class Austin Conner following his formal retirement ceremony at Camp Withycombe, Clackamas, Oregon on Dec. 3, 2022. (National Guard photo by John Hughel, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

Col. Ronald Hopkins, 544th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group commander, alongside Maj. Bryant Cheung, Detachment 1 member, unfurl the flag at Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum Lowry, Colo., Sep. 26, 2022. Detachment 1 was established 25 years ago, in 1997, but was realigned under the 544th ISRG.

Col. Edgardo Ramirez, commander of the 14th Field Hospital, receives a promotion and reaffirms the Oath of Commisioned Officers during a ceremony at Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn Cashe Garden on Fort Stewart, Georgia, Jan. 20, 2023. The 14th Field Hospital was activated on Fort Stewart on Aug. 17, 2021, reflagging from the combat support hospital located at Fort Benning, and its mission is to provide an expeditionary Role 3 health service support, including early-entry hospitalization, rapidly employable resuscitation and surgery to increase personnel survivability.

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)

Maj. Gen. Michael J. Garshak, Adjutant General and Commander, Idaho National Guard, administers the oath of office to Brig. Gen. 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 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.

Capt. Taylor Bye speaks with Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. and Maj. Gen. Jeannie Leavitt, Air Force chief of safety, 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.

U.S. Air Force Mohamed Dalawi receives the John L. Levitow 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.

Chief Master Sgt. Christian Suarez (center), 421st Fighter Generation Squadron, poses with Col. Craig Andrle (left), 388th Fighter Wing commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Brandon Wolfgang, 388th 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.

The Army Materiel Command workforce says goodbye to Maj. Gen. Rodney D. Fogg, deputy chief of staff for logistics and operations, during an August 19 award ceremony. AMCs deputy commanding general, Lt. Gen. Flem B. Donnie Walker, Jr., Deputy Commanding General presented Fogg with a certification of retirement.

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.

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 Maj. Gen. Michael T. Gerock, director of the Air National Guard Readiness Center, Col. Roxanne T. Toy, and Lt. Col. John Capra stand at attention during the I.G. Brown Training and Education Center change-of-command ceremony on June 1, 2022, at McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base in East Tennessee. Colonel Toy became TECs 18th commander since its establishment in July 1968. The primary learning center of the Air National Guard, TEC provides enlisted professional military education and professional continuing education for the total U.S. Air Force.

Lt. Col. Joshua Yerk, 436th Civil Engineer Squadron commander, left, and Chief Master Sgt. Andrew Kehl, 436th CES fire chief, right, present a plaque to Dennis Rubin, former Washington D.C. fire chief, during the 21st Anniversary 9/11 Memorial Ceremony held at the Air Mobility Command Museum on Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, Sept. 11, 2022. Rubin was the guest speaker during the ceremony which commemorated those who perished in the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.

Lt. Col. Timothy Goodwillie, right, receives command of the 108th operations support squadron on Feb. 3, 2024, JBMDL, N.J. Lt. Col. Goodwillie is the first ever 150th special operations squadron C-32B pilot to command the 108th OSS.

Senior Master Sgt. Sherri Clark, assigned to the Nevada National Guard State Headquarters Human Resources Office, was promoted at the Nevada Air National Guard Base, Reno, Nevada, December 3, 2022. Clark has served in various positions across the Nevada National Guard and the 152nd Airlift Wing throughout her career.

U.S. Space Force Col. Ernest Lincoln Bonner, incoming Commander of Space Delta 12, has a Commanders Badge pinned to his uniform by his spouse during a Change of Command ceremony at Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado, July 6, 2022.

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)

Maj. Gen. Rich Neely, The Adjutant General of Illinois and Commander of the Illinois National Guard presents an American Flag to Col. Nick Johnson 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. 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.

LTG James M. Richardson says goodbye to Army Futures Command and to the US Army and retires after 40 years of service on October 4th, 2022 in Austin, TX. Special guests in attendance included Gen James C. McConville, Chief of Staff, US Army, Ms. Christine Wormuth, United States Secretary of the Army, Mr. Steve Adler, Mayor of Austin, TX, Mr. Jay Hartzell, President, The University of Texas at Austin, Ms. Sharon Wood, Executive Vice President, The University of Texas at Austin, and Gen John Murray, Commanding General, Army Futures Command (Retired)(US Army Photo by Patrick Hunter)

U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. John Kempisty, 174th Communications Squadron, Hancock Air National Guard base, was promoted to the rank of Chief Master Sergeant by Maj. Melissa Forsyth, 174th Communications Squadron Commander on Dec 3, 2022. Kempisty has served in the Air National Guard for 34 years.

020312-F-2454T-002. Base: Chievres Air Base State: Hainaut Country: Belgium (BEL) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

Lt. Col. Wade Mueller, 155th Inspector General director complaints resolution, shakes hands with Col. Andrew Malousek, 155th Air Refueling Wing vice commander, April 1, 2023, during a promotion ceremony in Lincoln, Neb. Mueller has resolved 74 cases during his tenure as director of complaints, some which have been coordinated up to the Secretary of the Air Force Inspector General.

U.S. Air Force Col. Jesse J. Friedel, 35th Fighter Wing (FW) commander, presents the Meritorious Service Medal to Lt. Col. Anthony R. George, outgoing 35th Comptroller Squadron (CPTS) commander, during a change of command ceremony at Misawa Air Base, June 16, 2022. As the leader of the 35th CPTS, Georges role was to serve with integrity as the 35th FW commanders trusted advisor trusted advisor, providing direct support to decision makers on budgetary, financial and economic issues while continuously improving the quality and efficiency of customer-focused financial services.

Lt. Col. Joseph Sanchez, 15th Healthcare Operations Squadron incoming commander, assumes command of the 15th HCOS by accepting the guidon from Col. Stephanie Ku, 15th Medical Group commander, during a change of command ceremony at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, July 21, 2022. The passing of the guidon is a visual representation of the transfer of responsibility from the former commander to the new commander.

Major Mark Lee, 301st Fighter Wing Security Forces Squadron commander, salutes during a change of command ceremony at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, Texas, Dec. 3, 2022. The change of command ceremony represents the formal transfer of authority and responsibility for a unit from one individual to another. The ceremony has been a tradition in military history dating back to the 18th century.

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

Chief Master Sgt. Daniel Harron, senior enlisted leader for the 157th Air Communications Flight, is pinned with a retirement pin by his wife during his retirement ceremony, April 1, 2023, at Jefferson Barracks Air National Guard Base, St. Louis, Missouri. Harron served for 23 years.

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Virginia Gaglio, Air Component Commander of the Massachusetts National Guard, passes the wings guideon to Col. David Moon Halasi-Kun, the new wing commander of the 104th Fighter Wing, during a change of command ceremony June 12, 2022, at Barnes Air National Base, Massachusetts. A change of command ceremony is a military tradition that represents the formal transfer of responsibility of a unit from one commanding officer to another.

U.S. Army Capt. Joshua Blizzard, 59th Aviation Troop Command, South Carolina National Guard, is 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 in the active Army, Army Reserve, and Army National Guard for their outstanding leadership capabilities and their ability to find solutions to difficult problems.

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Donald Kramer, 312th Training Squadron Special Instruments Training instructor supervisor, presents Senior Airman Damon Hunt, 17th Security Forces Squadron military working dog handler, the Academic Achievement award during the Airman Leadership School graduation at the Powell Event Center, Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, July 7, 2022. The Academic Achievement award recognizes an Airman who demonstrated superior leadership as identified by their peers and the ALS staff.

Georgia Air National Guard Commander, Maj. Gen. Thomas Grabowski attaches an Air Force Organizational Excellence Award streamer to the Headquarters, Ga. ANG guidon May 14, 2022 during a special ceremony at the Clay National Guard Center in Marietta, Ga. The Department of the Air Force awarded the organization for exceptionally meritorious service between the years 2019-20.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Michael Miller, 432nd Mission Support Group superintendent, receives his folded American flag during his retirement ceremony at Creech Air Base, Nevada, Feb. 5, 2023. Miller served the U.S. Air Force with pride and diligence for 23 years. Air Force

Chief Warrant Officer 3 Richard Wallace, GEOINT Imagery Technician assigned to the 1st Infantry Division, is presented a Certificate of Retirement by Maj. James Papagni, the Deputy G2 of the 1st Infantry Division, August 11, 2022, on Fort Riley, Kansas. Wallace had served 23 years as an active duty Soldier leading up to his retirement ceremony.

The Nevada Air National Guard Base, Reno, Nev. played host to the Outstanding Airmen of the Year Awards Banquet on Feb. 5, 2023, which honored the previous year's exceptional Airmen. The event was attended by Airmen, their families, and friends.

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.

of 2