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Military Ceremonies and Leadership Changes

Photos depict formal military ceremonies, including promotions and retirements among military personnel, highlighting traditions and leadership transitions.

The 41st Signal Battalion celebrated its 80th birthday on Friday, January 27 on Camp Humphreys. It was a lovely evening of entertainment and camaraderie among teammates and members of the larger Signal community on the peninsula.

Col. Steve Nester, the 442d Fighter Wing commander, passes a guidon to Col. Mark Orek, the 442d Operations Group commander, during a change of command ceremony at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., May 14, 2022. Orek is a command pilot with more than 3,700 total hours and over 520 combat hours in the A-10 and F-16.

Medium shot, side view, dedication ceremonies were held at Travis Air Force Base, California on March 12, 1999, to commemorate The Enlisted Oath Wall in honor of Year of the Enlisted Force 1998. Construction began at the corner of Travis Blvd. and Burgan St. in October of 1998 and was completed in late February 1999. Three granite slabs, each engraved in succession with stripes from AIRMAN to CHIEF MASTER Sergeant line the walkway leading up to the Enlisted Wall where it states the oath taken by every Enlisted personnel. Brigadier General Steven A. Roser, USAF, Commander, 60th Air Mobility Wing, Travis AFB, officiated the retirement ceremony of Techincal Sergeant Gary Pino, USAF, creator.... Complete Scene Caption: Medium shot, side view, dedication ceremonies were held at Travis Air Force Base, California on March 12, 1999, to commemorate The Enlisted Oath Wall in honor of Year of the Enlisted Force 1998. Construction began at the corner of Travis Blvd. and Burgan St. in October of

061206-N-3973P-001. Base: Silverdale State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: NAVAL BASE KITSAP

U.S. Army Spc. Jake Reichman, assigned to the U.S. Army Special Operations Command, is inspected while competing in the 2022 Best Squad Competition at the Pentagon Library and Conference Center in Arlington, Virginia, Oct. 7, 2022. The competition tests the squads proficiency in their warrior tasks and battle drills and identifies the most cohesive, highly trained, disciplined and fit team - ready to fight and win - while demonstrating commitment to the Army Values and Warrior Ethos.

JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- Alaska Air National Guard Tech. Sgt. Cynthia Campbell (second from right), 176th Medical Group Clinical Services, confers with fellow judges to gauge the performance of Junior ROTC cadets during the Feb. 17, 2024, Alaska statewide JROTC drill competition at Anchorage's Service High School. Campbell was a JROTC cadet in high school and credits her service to the program. (Alaska Air National Guard

Gen. Chalermphon Srisawasdi, former Royal Thai Armed Forces (RTARF) Chief of Defence, receives the Legion of Merit pinned by Adm. John C. Aquilino, Commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, at a ceremony in Bangkok on Jan. 18, 2024. The Legion of Merit is the highest accolade that the U.S. can bestow upon a foreign leader; it is reserved for individuals who have shown exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services. USINDOPACOM is committed to enhancing stability in the Indo-Pacific region by promoting security cooperation, encouraging peaceful development, responding to contingencies, deterring aggression and, when necessary, fighting to win.

U.S. Air Force Col. Razvan Radoescu, 355th Operations Group commander, assumes command of the 355th OG from U.S. Air Force Col. Joseph Turnham, 355th Wing commander, at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, June 24, 2022. The 355th OG has four squadrons that are critical for DM's diverse mission sets. it has two squadrons that host the Air Force's only A-10 Thunderbolt II training mission(355th Training Squadron and 357th Fighter Squadron), as well as an operational A-10 squadron(354th Fighter Squadron). The 355th Operation Support Squadron is responsible for maintaining and running Air Combat Command's busiest single runway for 11 different aircraft units.

Brig. Gen. Charles Lee Knowles, retires from military service after 35 years in the Alaska Army National Guard. Knowles earned 13 major awards and decorations during his prolific career..The ceremony was presided over by Maj. Gen. Torrence Saxe, the adjutant general of the Alaska National Guard on April 10, 2022, at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson.

Col. Kenneth M. Lute, 911th Airlift Wing inspector general, salutes a folded flag as he presents it to his wife during his retirement ceremony, at the Pittsburgh International Airport Air Reserve Station, Pennsylvania, Oct. 1, 2022. Lute has served in numerous operational and command assignments throughout his 39-year career.

Hawaii Army National Guard Lt. Col. (P) David R. Hatcher II, commander of the 29th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, fixes his beret with the new rank of Colonel with his wife and son during his promotion ceremony at Kalaeloa, Hawaii, July 1, 2022. Hatcher enlisted in 1987 as an infantryman and was commissioned in 2000.

US Air Force Major General Kenneth W. Hess, 3rd Air Force commander, hands the reigns of the 52nd Fighter Wing to US Air Force Colonel Gregory J. Ihde at during the wing change of command ceremony at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. Base: Spangdahlem Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

030903-F-2185G-031. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Tallil Air Base State: Dhi Qar Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

U.S. Army Soldiers, participating in the U.S. Army Forces Command Best Squad Competition, prepare to enter the squad board on Fort Hood, Texas, Aug. 19, 2022. The Best Squad Competition reinforces fundamental Soldier skills and squad level tactics.

Family members pin brigadier general rank on to Brig. Gen. Melissa Adamski, commander, Military Intelligence Readiness Command, during a promotion ceremony. Brig. Gen. Melissa Adamski was promoted in an event held at the National Museum of the United States Army, Ft. Belvoir, Va., Feb. 25, 2024. Army Reserve

031004-F-9827Q-052. Base: Fargo State: North Dakota (ND) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ANG

020207-A-3365B-001. Base: Carlisle Barracks State: Pennsylvania (PA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: US Army War College

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Jonathan M. Drew is promoted to the rank of colonel on June 12, 2022 in the fuel cell hangar prior to taking command of the 165th Operations Group, 165th Airlift Wing in Savannah, Georgia. His wife and children pinned on his new rank during the ceremony.

031017-M-5590R-010. Base: Marine Corps Base, Quantico State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

031024-M-2267A-026. Base: Marine Corps Base, Quantico State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. As part of the Medal of Honor events taking place throughout Knoxville this week, several Medal of Honor recipients visited local high schools Wednesday, September 7th. They arrived on Sikorsky black hawk helicopters flown by the Army National Guard.Speaking with the students at Bearden High School were Major General Patrick H. Brady and Sergeant First Class Sammy L. Davis, who both served in the Army during the Vietnam War.After sharing their stories, MG Brady and Sgt. 1st Class Davis departed the school via black hawk.

The 41st Signal Battalion celebrated its 80th birthday on Friday, January 27 on Camp Humphreys. It was a lovely evening of entertainment and camaraderie among teammates and members of the larger Signal community on the peninsula.

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 Force Chief Master Sgt. Michael Miller, 432nd Mission Support Group superintendent, receives the retirement pin from his wife Jennifer Miller at Creech Air Force Base, Nevada, Feb. 5, 2024. Miller served the U.S. Air Force with pride and diligence for 23 years. Air Force

ReleasedPetty Officer 1st Class William DodgeNATO Supreme Allied Command Europewbd6500@gmail.comvia DVIDS

The family of U.S. Air Force Col. Daniel McDonough, the incoming commander of the Illinois Air National Guard, pin-on the rank of brigadier general during change of command ceremony in Peoria, Illinois, June 7, 2022. McDonough then assumed command of the Illinois Air National Guard from Maj. Gen. Peter Nezamis.

221005-M-VR919-1079 SAN FRANCISCO (October 5, 2022) U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Phillip Frietze, left, commanding general for 1st Marine Logistics Group, and Lt. Col. Robert Hillery, commanding officer for Combat Logistics Battalion 11, pose for a photo during San Francisco Fleet Week 2022 reception aboard the dock landing ship USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49), Oct. 5, 2022. SFFW is an opportunity for the American public to meet their Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard teams and experience Americas sea services. During fleet week, service members participate in various community service events, showcase capabilities and equipment to the community, and enjoy the hospitality of the city and its surrounding areas.

U.S. Marine Corps Gen. David H. Berger, the 38th commandant of the Marine Corps, and Sgt. Maj. Troy E. Black, the 19th sergeant major of the Marine Corps, reveals the placard to the Home of the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps during the SMMC Home Dedication Ceremony at Marine Barracks Washington D.C. Aug. 12, 2022. Sgt. Maj. Black is the first SMMC to live at the Barracks and the residence is now the designated home for all future SMMC.

General John M. Shalikashvili (left), pins medal onto General Wesley K. Clark during the US Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) Change of Command Ceremony. Base: Howard Air Force Base Country: Panama (PAN)

From right, Lt. Col. F. R. Schnell, outgoing 908th Logistics Readiness Squadron commander, relinquishes command to Col. Clinton Cash, commander of the 908th Mission Support Group, May 14, 2022, at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama. The 908th LRS provides full spectrum logistics including supplies, logistics planning, fuels and transportation to support the mission of every unit in the wing.

Spc. Cody Blosch, a Soldier with the 1158th Transportation Company, undergoes a uniform inspection prior to his board appearance at the state Best Warrior Competition at Fort McCoy, Wis., April 8. Soldiers from the Wisconsin National Guard compete for the opportunity to represent Wisconsin at the regional event May 11-15 at Camp Ripley, Minn. (112th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment photo by Staff Sgt. Bridget Vian)

U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Nicholas Borgmeyer, 139th Security Forces Squadron, Missouri Air National Guard, is promoted to the rank of chief master sergeant during his promotion ceremony at Rosecrans Air National Guard Base, Dec. 3, 2022. Chief master sergeant is the highest attainable rank for enlisted personnel in the U.S. Air Force.

240222-N-WM182-1036 YOKOSUKA, Japan (Feb. 22, 2024) Vice Adm. ITO Hiroshi, commandant, Japan Maritime Self Defense Force Yokosuka District, exchanges gifts with Vice Adm. Fred Kacher, commander, U.S. 7th Fleet at the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force Yokosuka District office Feb. 22. U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy's largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. Navy

221021-N-ON904-1139 YOKOSUKA, Japan - (Oct. 21, 2022) Families and sponsors pin newly selected chief petty officers during the FY23 Chief Petty Officer Pinning Ceremony for Commander, Submarine Group 7, Defense Service Office (DSO) Pacific, and Commander, Naval Forces Japan held at the CNFJ Auditorium, Oct. 21. Seven Chief Petty Officer Selects were promoted to the rank of Chief Petty Officer during the ceremony. Each Sailor had their anchors pinned and donned their CPO covers for the first time in front of their fellow CPOs, command leadership, family and friends.

DA-SC-85-03576. Base: Washington State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

051117-A-9419D-047. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Lansing State: Michigan (MI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

031002-M-9876R-023. Base: Marine Corps Base, Quantico State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Jeffrey Kenney, 6th Marine Regiment commanding officer, and Cpl. Sutton Rosencrantz, a machine gunner with 6th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division share a laugh after a reenlistment ceremony following a ceremony at Aisne-Marne American Cemetery, Belleau, France, May 29, 2022. The Battle of Belleau Wood is remembered for the intensity of the fighting and sustained, as well as for the participation of the 5th and 6th Marine Regiments.

U.S. Army Reserve Maj. Gen Dustin Shulz (left), director of intelligence, U.S. Southern Command, administers the oath of office to Brig. Gen. Melissa Adamski (right), commander, Military Intelligence Readiness Command, during a promotion ceremony. Brig. Gen. Melissa Adamski was promoted in an event held at the National Museum of the United States Army, Ft. Belvoir, Va., Feb. 25, 2024. Army Reserve

U.S. Air Force Col. Benjamin Schill, the 149th Fighter Wing Operations Group commander, has his new rank pinned on by his wife during his promotion ceremony on Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, July 15, 2022. The 149th FW Operations Group is responsible for the units F-16 student pilot training mission.

The 121st Air Refueling Wing holds a promotion ceremony for Chief Master Sgt. Stephen Caron at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base, Ohio, Feb. 4, 2024. Family and friends joined Caron to celebrate his ascension to the 9th and highest enlisted rank in the U.S. Air Force. Air National Guard

Caesar Rodney High School Air Force JROTC Honor Guard present the colors during a HERO assembly at Welch Elementary School on Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, Aug. 26, 2022. The assembly introduced the schools new HERO reward system, which encourages students to behave with Honor, Engagement, Responsibility and to include Others.

Noncommissioned Officer of the Year Staff Sgt. Matthew Senna and Soldier of the Year Sgt. Saral Shretha pose for a photo together during the Best Warrior Luncheon at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center Washington, D.C. Oct 22 2012. Staff Sgt. Senna and Sgt. Saral competed in a four day competition to win their titles.

U.S. Air National Guard Lt. Col. Steve Peters, a Chaplain of the 185th Air Refueling Wing, gives the invocation during a Change of Command ceremony at the 185th Air Refueling Wing at Sioux City, Iowa, August 6, 2022. U.S. Air National Guard Col. Sonya L. Morrison is replacing Col. Mark A. Muckey as wing commander.

DA-SC-85-11210. Base: Arlington State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

020110-A-3365B-002. Base: Carlisle Barracks State: Pennsylvania (PA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: US Army War College

GEN Charles I. WIlhelm, CINC SOUTHCOM, meets with the Honorable Governor of Puerto Rico, Pedro Rosello, during the general's visit. Base: Fort Buchanan, San Juan State: Puerto Rico (PR) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Toland Taylor, maintenance division officer, Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron 1 (VMX-1), is awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal from Col. Edmund Hipp, commanding officer, during his retirement ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, Oct. 14, 2022. Taylor retired after 21 years of service in the Marine Corps.

Gen J. H. Binford Peay (left), Army Vice CHIEF of STAFF promotes BGEN Joseph W. Kinzer, Director of Operation, Readiness and Mobilzation, to the rank of major general. Assisting during the promotion ceremony is MGEN Kinzer's wife, Bonnie. Base: Pentagon State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Army Lt. Gen. John S. Kolasheski, V Corps commanding general, laughs while conversing with a U.S. Army Air Corps 8th Air Force Veteran at Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial, France, May 29, 2022. Kolasheski, among other V Corps and 173rd Airborne Brigade Soldiers, participated in the cemetery's annual Memorial Day Ceremony, which this year also commemorated the 78th anniversary of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy.

Preceding his appointment as Assistant Surgeon General for Dental Services/CHIEF, Army Dental Corps, H. Thomas Chandler is promoted to the rank of Major General. LGEN Bernard R. Mittemeyer, Surgeon General of the Army, and Mrs. Chandler pin the stars on MGEN Chandler. The Chandler's son, Thomas, is also at the Pentagon ceremony. Base: Arlington State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

LTC Vito J. Errico and Major Jason R. Zuniga are honorably promoted by LTG James M. Richardson, Acting Commanding General, Army Futures Command, with special guest speakers Dr. Richard Rhodes, Chancellor, Austin Community College and Mr. Will Grannis, CEO, Google Public Sector also in attendance, at the Army Software Factory in Austin, TX on September 09, 2022. (US Army Photo by Patrick Hunter)

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.

2nd Lt. Michael Raymond of St. Jacob, Illinois, has his new rank pinned on by his sons, Michael "Charlie" Raymond III and Wyatt Raymond. Twenty-two Illinois Army National Guard Soldiers and one U.S. Army Reserve Soldier graduated from the 129th Regiment (Regional Training Institute) on Aug. 21, fulfilling the leadership and military education requirements to be commissioned as U.S. Army officers. The Illinois National Guard's Officer Candidate School transforms enlisted noncommissioned officers and qualified civilians into U.S. Army officers. The future leaders complete more than 661 hours of classroom and field instruction, must meet the commissioning standards of the U.S. Army and be examined, and approved by a federal recognition board.

The U.S. Air Forces in Europe Ambassadors Rock Band performs at the State Music School Complex in Jarosław, Poland, Oct. 18, 2022. Through music, the USAFE Band serves as a bridge to increase our cultural ties and enrich the partnerships between the U.S. and Poland.

Lt. Col. Roseman Deas II takes command of the 106th Air Refueling Squadron from Lt. Col. Shaun Southall at Sumpter Smith Joint National Guard Base, Alabama, Aug. 13, 2022. Deas was the director of operations of the 106th ARS before taking command. Southall had been commander for approximately two years.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Marissa Broussard, Nellis Air Force Base Honor Guard, presents a folded American flag to Chief Master Sgt. Michael Miller, 432nd Mission Support Group superintendent, at Creech Air Force Base, Nevada, Feb. 5, 2024. Miller served the U.S. Air Force with pride and diligence for 23 years. Air Force

000511-F-4884R-012. Subject Operation/Series: COMBINED ENDEAVOR 2000 Base: Baumholder Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

Army officer candidate Steven Nelson is pinned second lieutenant by his wife during the officer commissioning ceremony at the Kentucky State Capitol rotunda in Frankfort, Ky. on Sept. 24, 2022. Nelson and six other officer candidates were commissioned as officers in the Kentucky National Guard by friends and family.

020823-A-7315T-008. Base: Fort Polk State: Louisiana (LA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: FORSCOM

US Marine Corps (USMC) Brigadier General (BGEN) Joseph J. McMenamin (foreground center), Commanding General, Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) Parris Island, South Carolina (SC), and Sergeant Major (SGM) R. L. Ardnt, present MASTER Sergeant (MSGT) Covert, with his certificate of retirement and Mrs. Covert a bouquet of flowers, during a ceremony held at Barrow Hall aboard MCRD, Parris Island, SC. Base: USMC Recruit Depot,Parris Island State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Navy Hospitalman Alvin Nevalga, a corpsman with , 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), salutes during a cake cutting ceremony for the 124th Corpsman Birthday at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Jun. 17, 2022. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps' only continuously forward-deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premier crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region.

A scene is shown May 10, 2022, of a special signing ceremony for a memorandum/agreement between the Ho-Chunk Nation and Fort McCoy in Black River Falls, Wis. The ceremony was held at the Ho-Chunk Nation Tribal Office Building on the east side of Black River Falls and included Fort McCoy Garrison Commander Col. Michael Poss and Command Sgt. Maj. Raquel DiDomenico, garrison command sergeant major, and Ho-Chunk Nation Chief Clayton Winneshiek and Ho-Chunk Nation President Marlon WhiteEagle. This memorandum of understanding between the Ho-Chunk Nation and Fort McCoy represents Fort McCoys assumption of the U.S. Armys legal responsibility under multiple federal laws and presidential executive orders to protect natural, historic, and sacred places with traditional religious and cultural importance to all Native American peoples, but especially those of the Ho Chunk Nation, on whos aboriginal territory the Fort McCoy military installation is now located.

The 26th Commandant Adm. Karl Schultz, (ret) left, presents Anthony Bushey, center, with an award, while the Master Chief Rob Bushey looks on, during his retirement ceremony in Washington, D.C., June 10, 2022. Bushey, who served as the Deputy Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard, retired after more than 31 years of service. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Chief Petty Officer Jetta Disco.

U.S. Navy Capt. Corry J. Kucik, force surgeon for Marine Forces Reserve and Marine Forces South (left) and Col. Hans Fred Garcia, cardiac anesthesiologist for the Colombian military (right) pose for a photo in Marine Corps Support Facility New Orleans during Colonel Garcias visit on Oct. 25, 2022. Visits like these demonstrate the commitment between Marine Forces Reserve, Marine Forces South and United States Southern Command to foster and enhance partnerships with our partner nations.

U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Jacob Melia, left, U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Phil Rudak, center, and U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Luke Mooney, right, pose for a photo following their commissioning ceremony inside the auditorium of the Regional Training Institute at Camp Nett, Niantic, Connecticut, Sept. 6, 2022. All three officers will serve in the Army National Guard.

Brig. Gen. Lavetta Bennett received a promotion from colonel to brigadier general at the Lansing Center October 1, 2022. During the promotion ceremony Maj. Gen. Paul D. Rogers, the Adjutant General of the Michigan National Guard Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, also awarded her with a Meritorious Service Medal at the ceremony. Brig. Gen. Bennett received the promotion as part of her transition to her new assignment with the National Guard Bureau in Washington, D.C.

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.

Chief Master Sgt. James A. Bottorff, 175th Wing Command Chief, is pinned on by his wife and son with the distinction of Command Chief Master Sgt. at the 175th Wing Command Chief Change of Responsibility ceremony at Martin State Air National Guard Base, Middle River, Maryland, April 1, 2023. Bottorff served as the Mission Support Group Senior Enlisted Leader before taking on the role of the 175th Wing Command Chief.

LTC Vito J. Errico and Major Jason R. Zuniga are honorably promoted by LTG James M. Richardson, Acting Commanding General, Army Futures Command, with special guest speakers Dr. Richard Rhodes, Chancellor, Austin Community College and Mr. Will Grannis, CEO, Google Public Sector also in attendance, at the Army Software Factory in Austin, TX on September 09, 2022. (US Army Photo by Patrick Hunter)

U.S. Marine Corps LtCol. Charles Winchester, outgoing commanding officer of the 9th Marine Corps District, and Col. Jeffrey Buffa, incoming commanding officer of the 9th Marine Corps District, conduct a change of command ceremony at Naval Station Great Lakes. After the ceremony LtCol. Winchester held a retirement ceremony where he was honorably discharged after serving 31 years in the Marine Corps.

United States Army Garrison Yongsan-Casey Command Sgt. Maj. Wayne Butterbrodt, 1-17th Infantry Battalion Command Sgt. Maj. Joshua Weiss, 31 soldiers and KATUSAs participate in the Noncommissioned Officers Corps Induction Ceremony held at the Camp Casey Theatre, March 30, 2023. The inductees were soldiers and KATUSAs from USAG Caseys Headquarters and Headquarters Company, the Charlie Detachment of the 176th Financial Management Support Unit, and the 2nd Battalion2nd Aviation Regiment of the 2nd Infantry Division. The NCO Induction Ceremony celebrates newly promoted soldiers joining the noncommissioned officer corps.

U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Phil Rudak stands at attention while his family, Nadiya Rudak and Richard Incorvati, pin on his second lieutenant shoulder boards during a commissioning ceremony held inside the auditorium of the Regional Training Institute at Camp Nett, Niantic, Connecticut, Sept. 6, 2022. Rudak, from Wethersfield, Connecticut, previously served as a human resource specialist in the 143rd Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, his next assignment will be as an aviation officer with the 169th Aviation Regiment.

U.S. Park Police promotion ceremony, with Secretary Dirk Kempthorne among the dignitaries on hand

U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Sean Kaspar, career recruiter for Eastern Recruiting Region, Headquarters and Service Battalion, Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) Parris Island, and Col. Jennifer Nash, assistant chief of staff for Eastern Recruiting Region, Headquarters and Service Battalion, MCRD Parris Island, speaks with dinner guests before the Civitas Awards Ceremony, Beaufort, South Carolina, Oct. 13, 2022. The Civitas Awards, hosted by the Beauforts Regional Chamber of Commerce, selected Kaspar as the winner of the Sentinel Award, for outstanding military citizenship.

A French Embassy official holds a tray of the French Croix de la Valeur Militaire, roughly analagous to the Silver Star, before a private ceremony at the French Ambassador's Residence in Washington, D.C., on July 25, 2011, awarding the honor to five National Guard and one active duty Special Forces Soldiers.

President Barack Obama awards Sgt. Dakota Meyer the Medal of Honor Sept. 15, 2011. Meyer is the first living Marine recipient of the Medal of Honor for actions in Iraq or Afghanistan. He and his family and friends were gathered at the White House to commemorate his selfless service.

Inter-American Defense College Leadership Welcomes dignitaries from the Brazilian Ministry of Defense to the IADC on Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C., Sept. 21, 2022. During the visit, the dignitaries attended an office call with IADC Leadership, received an IADC brief, and concluded the visit with a tour of the campus.

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.

020308-F-2155T-001. Base: Scott Air Force Base State: Illinois (IL) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: AMC

Chief of Space Operations Gen. John W. Jay Raymond presents his personal Space Force patch to Senior Master Sgt. Anthony Chua during the 2022 Air, Space and Cyber Conference in National Harbor, Md., Sept. 20, 2022.

040305-F-7837S-003. Base: Peoria State: Illinois (IL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

040918-F-9011M-004. Base: Lincoln Neangb State: Nebraska (NE) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Sgt. Maj. Arthur M. Arebalo Jr., outgoing Sergeant Major of 4th Marine Division, relinquishes command to incoming Sgt. Maj. Christopher J. Adams during a relief and appointment ceremony, June 8, 2022, at Marine Corps Support Facility New Orleans. Adams previously served as the Marine Corps Installations National Capitol Region-Marine Corps Base Quantico Sergeant Major and assumed the position of 4th Marine Division Sergeant Major from Arebalo, who served 4th Marine Division since 2020.

Mongolian National Emergency Management Agency Maj. G. Bayarsaikhan, a senior specialist in charge of planning and preparedness, speaks during an expert academic discussion on firefighting techniques during exercise Gobi Wolf 2022 in Bayankhongor, Mongolia, Sept. 6. Gobi Wolf is a disaster response exercise exchanging knowledge in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. NEMA is the lead government agent, with support from other government agencies. (Alaska National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Katie Mazos-Vega)

Gen. Glen VanHerck, Commander, North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command, and Mrs. Marilyn VanHerck pose for a photo with Ms. Mia Yen before the general provided the keynote address highlighting the 75th Anniversary of Alaskan Command, a USNORTHCOM subordinate unified command, at the Alaska Aviation Museum, Anchorage, Alaska, May 6, 2022. (Department of Defense photo by Chuck Marsh)

010516-F-3050V-003. Complete Scene Caption: Air Force Chaplain (Brigadier General) Lorraine Potter enjoyed a few firsts in her 28-year career. Her latest on April 6, 2001, she was named the first female CHIEF of the Air Force Chaplain Service headquartered at Bolling Air Force Base, Washington D.C. Chaplain Potter, an ordained minister of the American Baptist Churches, USA, was also the first female Air Force chaplain. She said, that the free exercise of religion helped her make the decision to join the Air Force. Her Air Force career gave her the opportunity to minister to people while serving her country and promoting freedom. As CHIEF of the Chaplain Services, she is responsible for the total force of chaplains and chaplain assistants for the guard, reserve and active force. Base: Washington State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Army Col. Kevin D. McMahan retires from the Washington Army National Gaurd after 31 years of service on Camp Murray, Wash., Aug. 6, 2022. McMahan was the former commander of the the 1st Battalion, 161st Infantry Regiment, 96th Troop Command, and the 10th Homeland Response Force.

Col. Randel Gordon, commander, Arnold Engineering Development Complex, jokes with the younger attendees of the Air Force 75th Birthday celebration hosted by the Arnold Company Grade Officers Council at the Arnold Lakeside Complex Sept. 16, 2022, at Arnold Air Force Base, Tennessee, headquarters of AEDC.

060828-F-0193C-029. Base: Reno State: Nevada, (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Reportage: Medal of Honor recipient former Army Capt. William Swenson and President Barack Obama pray at the ceremony where Swenson received the nation's highest military award for valor, Oct. 15, 2013.

Event, including wreath-laying ceremony, honoring Interior law enforcement personnel killed in the line of duty, with Secretary Dirk Kempthorne, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Law Enforcement and Security Larry Parkinson, and other officials on hand to speak, pose with law enforcement staff from respective bureaus

Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, JoAnne S. Bass, presents a letter of appreciation to the spouse of Command Chief of ACC, David Wade during his retirement ceremony on June 24, 2022, at Langley, AFB. Chief Wade will retire Nov. 1, 2022, after thirty years of service in the United States Air Force.

Veterans and members were inducted into the Missouri Veterans Hall of Fame during an induction ceremony at the Missouri State Capitol, Jefferson City, Mo., Oct. 28, 2022. (Photo by U.S. Army National Guard Spc. Di Trolio.)

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Seaira Moore receives a Navy and Marine Commendation Medal at Recruiting Station Sacramento in Sacramento, Calif., Feb. 12. Moore was awarded for her unwavering sacrifice and dedication to RS Sacramento while serving as the Marketing and Communications director. Marine Corps

1st Infantry Division Soldiers in attendance at the Chicago Wolves Salute to Service game in Chicago, Illinois, Nov. 12, 2022. The Soldiers re-enlisted into the Army during a ceremony at the game.

FORT RILEY, Kan. - In recognition of their heroism, Enoch and Poulin were honored during a ceremony at Fort Riley Garrison Headquarters Feb. 6, 2023. Fort Riley Garrison Commander, Col. Michael Foote, expressed gratitude for Enoch and Poulin's selfless actions that day, remarking that they had saved multiple lives with their courageous efforts. Army

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Shae Crombie, the executive officer with Recruiting Station San Francisco, left, and Sgt. Ren Liu, a recruiter with Recruiting Sub-Station San Francisco, right, pose for a photo with Cole Sypult, a Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) scholarship recipient, in San Francisco, California, December 8, 2022. Sypult plans to attend College of the Holy Cross and will be majoring in business before commissioning as a Marine Corps Officer. Students selected for this prestigious scholarship program must uphold strict physical fitness standards and successfully complete additional military courses while maintaining normal college coursework responsibilities.

An Airman from the California Air National Guards 129th Rescue Wing wears a lanyard celebrating Pride, Aug. 28, 2022, during the Silicon Valley Pride Parade in San Jose, California. The event is California Military Departments fourth Pride parade in 2022 and gives service members an opportunity to march in the communities they serve while also promoting diversity and inclusion.

General Funk with the 2022 commissionees from Hampton University's Pirate Battalion.

MCGHEE TYSON AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Tenn. The Air National Guard I.G. Brown Training and Education Center’s total force Airmen of the first quarter in 2022 are David Barlow, the civilian of the quarter, Senior Master Sgt. Erin Cook, the senior noncommissioned officer of the quarter, and Tech. Sgt. Gilbert Sandoval, the NCO of the quarter. (U.S. Air National Guard photo illustration/Master Sgt. Mike R. Smith)