Military Competitions and Training Events

Images showcase soldiers in varied uniforms participating in military competitions, training exercises, and earning awards, reflecting camaraderie and dedication.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Urich Garcia, 45th Security Forces Squadron supra coder, stands outside the 45th SFS building at Patrick Space Force Base, Fla., April 25, 2022. Supra coders have to complete a software development bootcamp that teaches full-stack javascript development and application deployment before receiving the title of supra coder.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Jonathan Walker, a radio operator with 1st Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, I Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, redirects an AB2040 satellite communication antenna during Steel Knight 23 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Dec. 5, 2022. SK23 is a 1st Marine Division-led annual training exercise which enables the Navy-Marine Corps team to operate in a realistic, combined-arms environment to enhance naval warfighting tactics, techniques and procedures.

After 18 months, various KATUSAS had there ETS discharge ceremoney.

A U.S. Air Force Airman assigned to the 23rd Wing, loads ammo into his magazine during a Combat Arms Training and Maintenance class at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, March 21, 2023.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Kaitlyn Barone, Intelligence Analyst assigned to the 126th Intelligence Squadron poses in front of a mural she painted during her time on Operation Allies Welcome when deployed to Joint Base McGuire-Dix Lakehurst fall of 2021. Barones mural honors the sacrifice of the evacuees as well as the contributions of the service men and women who played a life changing role in the lives of the Afghanistan people. (Photo provided)

U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Mildred A. Restrepo, retention NCO and Equal Opportunity Leader for 36th Combat Aviation Brigade, 36th Infantry Division, attends to her newly assigned EO office at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, Oct. 28, 2022. Restrepo successfully supported 16 Soldiers in their completion of the Equal Opportunity Leaders Course within their first month in theater. 36th CAB, mobilized as Task Force Mustang, provides full-spectrum Army aviation operations for the Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve mission to advise, assist, and enable partnered forces in the enduring defeat of ISIS.

U.S. Marine Corps Pfc. Troy Tsapatolis, a California native and machine gunner with 2d Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, poses for a photo during Adversary Force Exercise (AFX) on Marine Air-Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, Feb. 27, 2024. AFX incorporates a range of realistic urban warfare training created to challenge the unit's combat capabilities in an urban environment in both offensive and defensive operations. Marine Corps

Col. Brian Jacobs Biography Photo

SAN DIEGO (Sept. 12, 2022) Logistics Specialist Seaman Juan Bautista, a native of Vernon, New Jersey, poses for a photo in the supply issue room aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4). Boxer is a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship homeported in San Diego.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Devin Sims, 20th Equipment Maintenance Squadron aircraft structural maintenance technician, attends his first temporary duty assignment during exercise Red Flag-Nellis (RF-N) 23-2 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, March 15, 2023. Sims, originally from Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, supports RF-N 23-2 by installing replacement parts for aircraft as needed and restores the structural integrity of the aircraft to ensure the safety of the military personnel who fly them.

I really like my job as a flight equipment technician. We pack the MAWs parachutes, life rafts, and basic survival gear. It feels good being able to give Marines the gear they would need to survive life or death situations. U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Fernando Leon, a flight equipment technician with Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 11, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), poses for a photo on Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, July 13, 2022. Leon, a Vacaville, California native, takes pride in ensuring 3rd MAW remains ready to be forward deployed and engaged anytime, anywhere, at a moment's notice.

At approximately 3:39 AM Sunday morning, US Air Force Technical Sergeant William Dunlap, 437th Security Forces Squadron, assisted the North Charleston Police Department with the apprehension of a known suspect wanted for assault with intent to kill. The suspects vehicle sped through Charleston Air Force Base gate in excess of 80 mph. And continued until his vehicle struck a curbside, blowing out a front tire. The chase continued on foot, Dunlap drew his weapon at the suspect and repeatedly commanded the suspect to STOP. Once the suspect realized it was over, he gave up and was apprehended. Base: Charleston Air Force Base State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marine Corps Chief Warrant Officer 2 Ryan T. Butler, with 1st Intelligence Battalion, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, poses for a photo at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, April 21, 2022. The award ceremony was held to recognize CWO2 Butler for his hard work and superior achievements while forward deployed with Marine Operations Group Charlie. (SPMAGTF-CR-CC).

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

Staff Sgt. Daudi Ola, a squad leader assigned to B Company, 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division inspects rappelers equipment and uniforms during Exercise Cartwheel in Nausori Highlands Training Area, Fiji, September 18, 2022. Exercise Cartwheel is a multilateral military-to-military training exercise with the U.S., Republic of Fiji Military, Australian, New Zealand, and British forces that builds expeditionary readiness and interoperability by increasing the capacity to face a crisis and contingencies by developing and stressing units at the highest training levels.

Staff Sgt. Logan Maples of the Golden Knights Black demonstration team, salutes the crowd during the Bethpage airshow, May 29th, 2022

U.S. Army Reserve Soldier, Spc. Emanuel Berriosdiaz, a signal support system specialist, 143d Expeditionary Sustainment Command, awaits promotion to the rank of sergeant during a promotion ceremony at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, Jan. 9, 2023.

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Jason Paredes, Technical Assistance Advisory Team officer-in-charge , Blount Island Command, poses for a photo in front of the USNS Seay (T-AKR-302) during exercise Native Fury 22 at Yanbu Commercial Port, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Sept. 1, 2022. Native Fury 22 is a biennial exercise focused on the demonstration of the rapid offload and integration of a Maritime Prepositioned Force in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility in support of regional security, crisis response, and contingency operations.

Soldiers and NCOs from the West Virginia and District of Columbia National Guards compete in their annual Best Warrior Competition, held at Camp Dawson, Kingwood, West Virginia, April 22, 2022. Best Warrior is an annual event where participants compete in a series of military tasks including weapons proficiency, endurance, physical fitness, medical skills, communications, and professional development activities. Winners of the local Best Warrior will compete at the regional level in May, also at Camp Dawson.

A U.S. Air Force Airman assigned to the 1st Special Operations Medical Group practices using the Military Health System Genesis Electronic Health Record System at Hurlburt Field, Fla., Nov. 8, 2022. Airmen and Department of Defense members that work within the 1st SOMDG will be trained on MHS Genesis to improve overall performance.

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Ryan Multer, company GySgt with Bulk Fuel Company, 7th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group, poses for a portrait during tactical bulk fuel operations aboard the Ocean Valor on May 3, 2022. Demonstrations of both existing and new bulk liquid distribution systems were utilized to aid development of fuel distribution in contested littoral environments.

U.S. Army Cpt. Matthew Grout, assigned to The Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Signal Brigade, hosts a town hall to explain NEO procedures during wartime situations.

U.S. Army Trooper Sgt. Joshua Macias, the Noncommissioned Officer of the Year of the III Armored Corps, assigned to 3d Cavalry Regiment, led the Salado holiday parade in a historic military jeep Dec. 1, at Salado, TX. Elements of the 3d Cavalry Regiment and the 1st Cavalry Division participated in the parade.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Vijay-Phillip Julian, 733rd Air Mobility Squadron flightline support section custodian from Kahului, Hawaii was selected as the 18th Wings Airman of the Week at Kadena Air Base, Japan. The Airman of the Week program is an opportunity for outstanding Airmen to be recognized by KAB leadership as well as showcase these young leaders to their peers.

Geoffrey C. Ferris AwardLawton Fort Sill, Oklahoma - PFC Christian Young was awarded the Geoffrey C. Ferris Award by Echo Battery 1-79th Field Artillery Battalion, 434th Field Artillery Brigade on February 23, 2024, during Basic Combat Training graduation.

Capt. Kelsey M. Hastings, a native of Seattle, Washington, was selected to serve as the Silent Drill Platoon Commander for the Marine Barracks Washington 2023 parade season. She will be the first woman to command the platoon. She will assume command on Monday, Nov. 21, 2022.

U.S. Army Spc. Michael Kapronica, an Information Technology Specialist assigned to Charlie Company, 237th Support Battalion, presents his injury card during a training exercise at Camp Grayling, Michigan, Aug. 11, 2022. Over the course of the exercise, Soldiers treated simulated casualties to prepare for potential real-world missions where triage and care by priority is necessary.

U.S. Army Soldiers from the 35th Infantry Division conduct M17 and M4 individual weapons qualification ranges at Udairi Ranges, Kuwait, Sept. 22, 2022.

Spc. Dasanna Boyer, 1st Battalion, 204th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 66th Troop Command, Mississippi Army National Guard, poses for a photo at the Hinds Community College-Academic/Technical Center in Jackson, Mississippi, Sept. 2, 2022. "I chose to serve because I discovered I had an uncle who served in Vietnam. I also decided to serve for the benefits," said Boyer.

U.S Air Force Staff Sgt. Shaun Gaskill, 633d Security Forces Squadron Combat Arms Training and Maintenance instructor, poses for a photo at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, May 19, 2022. Gaskill helped judge the 633d Security Forces Squadron Excellence in Competition tournament in which participants fired two five-round magazines and one 10-round magazine to test different tactics and proficiencies.

U.S. Marine Corps Recruit Ethan Powell with Delta Company, First Recruit Training Battalion, stands by for a class during the first day of swim training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, June 6, 2022. The basic swim qualification consists of a 25-meter swim, tower jump into the water, four-minute tread, 25-meter pack swim, and an underwater gear shed.

Staff Sergeant Catessa Palone promotes on Fort Bragg, N.C., Dec 01, 2022. Palone is the latest Staff Sergeant in the 49th Public Affairs Detachment.

U.S. Army Reserve Lt. Col. Kevin Kaufman, commander of the 457th Civil Affairs Battalion, 361st Civil Affairs Brigade, 7th Mission Support command provides remarks during a change of command ceremony May 8, 2022 at Daenner Kaserne, Kaiserslautern, Germany. Kaufman was the last commander of the 457th CAB before its scheduled deactivation in 2023.

NAVAL BASE GUAM (May 3, 2022) - Commander, Joint Region Marianas (CJRM)announced Master-at-Arms 1st Class Jimi Lee Bilon, assigned to U.S. NavalBase Guam (NBG) Navy Security Forces (NSF), as Region Sailor of the Year.Bilon competed against one other Sailor and will represent Joint RegionMarianas for the Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC) Sailor of theyear. Bilon is originally from Dededo, Guam and is a 2004 graduate of SimonSanchez High School. Prior to his selection, Bilon was named NBG Senior ofSailor of the Quarter for the 3rd Quarter in Fiscal Year 2020 and went on tobeing recognized as NBG Sailor of the Year in December 2021. In addition tohis day-to-day duties as a Master-at-Arms, he is also the NBG AssistantCommand Fitness Leader.

CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. (March 20, 2015) Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Kevin D. Baskin, a special amphibious reconnaissance corpsman assigned to the 3d Marine Special Operations Battalion, wears his Silver Star Medal after an awards ceremony at Camp Lejeune, N.C. Baskin was awarded the Silver Star for his actions in Afghanistan on April 25, 2013.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Daniel Recinos, administrative clerk with Headquarters Battalion, Marine Air Ground Task Force Training Command, Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center (MCAGCC) poses for a photo at MCAGCC, Twentynine Palms, California, Aug. 24, 2022. Recinos has been recognized as the Junior Enlisted Service Member of the Quarter, having stood out amongst his peers and demonstrated exceptional performance of his duties.

U.S. Navy Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Brianna Gausden, with 3d Medical Battalion, 3d Marine Logistics Group is one of several U.S. Marines and Sailors that provided emergency medical aid to locals involved in a traffic accident Oct. 7, 2022 in Luzon, Philippines. These service members are deployed in support of KAMANDAG, an annual bilateral exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military designed to strengthen interoperability, capabilities, trust, and cooperation built over decades of shared experiences.

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Cortez Brazill, 374th Maintenance Squadron fabrication flight chief, poses for a photo after receiving a prize during the Black History Month kick-off event at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Feb. 1, 2024. The event was the first of many planned celebrations throughout the month that will honor African-American men and women that have made great impact to the United States of America. Air Force

MILLINGTON, Tenn. - A Big Lake, Minnesota, native serves with the Fleet Survey Team (FST) collocated with the Naval Oceanographic Office and the Commander, Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command (CNMOC) at Stennis Space Center, Mississippi.

CRYSTAL CITY, VA. (May 11, 2022) - U.S. Navy LTJG Martha Byrne, a member of the F-35 Joint Program Offices Air Vehicle Systems Financial Team as part of a Business Financial Management Internship in Crystal City, poses for a portrait to be included in a Spot Lightning article. 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.

FORT HOOD, Texas - U.S. Army Spc. Leviticus Covin, an Army intelligence analyst assigned to III Armored Corps Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, salutes a dedication to the victims of 9/11 during a 9/11 memorial ceremony at Fort Hood, Texas, on Sept. 9, 2022. The dedication contained photos of the tragedy as well as a wreath of flowers.

Spc. Wyatt Walls, a fire support specialist with the Oregon Army National Guards 2nd Battalion, 218th Field Artillery Regiment, shares a laugh after successfully completing a 16-mile ruck march - the last event of the 2022 Army National Guard Best Warrior Competition, July 29, 2022, in Lynchburg, Tennessee. The competition spanned five physically and mentally demanding days as 14 competitors vie to be named the Army National Guards Soldier and Noncommissioned Officer of the Year.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Caden Soper, 492nd Aircraft Maintenance Unit avionics technician and one of the 2022 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year, poses for a photo at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, July 28, 2022. This award recognises 12 outstanding enlisted personnel for superior leadership, job performance, community involvement and personal achievements.

Contour shot of US marine in blue dress uniform on black background

U.S. Army Sgt. Javier Hernandez, infantryman with the 1st Battalion, 175th Infantry Regiment, Maryland National Guard, poses for a photo Sept. 22, 2022, at the Fifth Regiment Armory, Baltimore, Maryland. Hernandez has taken advantage of the education benefits offered by the MDARNG including Federal Tuition Assistance, State Tuition Assistance Reimbursement (STAR), and the post 9/11 GI Bill to help him achieve his goal of attending dental school. (National Guard photo by Enjoli Saunders)

Sgt. Kenny Lyon is eager to enter his new home after receiving the keys to the specially adapted house built by Homes for Our Troops April 9, 2011. Lyon was injured by a mortar round that landed nine feet behind him as he was repairing a Light Armored Vehicle during his second deployment in 2006 near Fallujah, Iraq.

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. David Galindo poses for a photo, Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, Aug. 30, 2022. Galindo was awarded the "2021 ACC AFSPECWAR SNCO of the Year" award, which recognizes one Tactical Air Control Party specialist for their accomplishments and contributions to the weapon system in the year prior.

Inter-American Defense College Leadership hosts a hail and farewell ceremony on Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C., Aug. 24, 2022. During the ceremony arriving team members were greeted and departing members received awards, parting gifts and shared a few words with fellow staff members, students and faculty.

Asian soldier smiling outdoors

Cadet 1st Class Zachary Curd returns to the U.S. Air Force Academy for his final semester after spending his fall on a STEM Cadet Semester Exchange Abroad Program with the Australian Defence Force Academy at the University of New South Wales, Canberra in Australia. Air Force

U.S. Army Sgt. Daniel Hernandez and Spc. Lance Allen, assigned to 3rd Psychological Operations Battalion (Airborne), 8th Psycological Operations Brigade (Airborne), stand for a photo before competing in the 2022 Spc. Hilda I. Clayton Best Combat Camera Competition at Fort A.P Hill, Virginia, May 17, 2022. The annual multi-day competition tests the physical, tactical and technical proficiency of visual information and public affairs specialists across the DOD and participating international competitors.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Malachi Ward, 305th Maintenance Squadron munitions inspector technician, poses for a photo at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., Jan. 26, 2023. Ward was awarded the Lt. Gen. Leo Marquez Award by Air Mobility Command for his high performance and professionalism within his career field.

A U.S. Army Paratrooper and his wife pose for a photo during his retirement ceremony on Fort Bragg, N.C., May 26, 2022. The purpose of the retirement ceremony was to honor and recognize the careers of retiring Paratroopers in the 82nd Airborne Division.

Sgt. Carter Abitago Driggs pictured with his husband, Blake Abitago Driggs at his basic training graduation held at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. Driggs re-enlisted in the Arizona Army National Guard in 2016 and graduated basic combat training in June 2017.

Midshipman Ryan Hogg, a junior at the U.S. Naval Academy, recently completed a three-week internship with Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division.

U.S. Air Force Colonel Michele Lo Bianco, 305th Operations Group commander, poses for an official photo on June 14, 2022 at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J. Lo Bianco will serve as the 15th Wing commander at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.

U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Casey Travers, Coast Guard Cryptologic Unit-Texas and Joint Base San Antonio Fiesta Ambassador, walks through the Battle of Flowers Parade in San Antonio, Texas, April 8, 2022. The Battle of the Flowers Parade honors the heroes of the Alamo, Goliad and the Battle of San Jacinto. It is the founding event of Fiesta San Antonio and the only parade in the U.S. produced entirely by women, all of whom are volunteers.

A female military Marine posing in a military uniform

250 New York National Guard Soldiers assigned to the Harlem Hellfighters 369th Sustainment Brigade said goodbye to their families for a year during a farewell ceremony 9 a.m. Sept. 18, 2022, at Camp Smith Training Site, Cortlandt Manor NY. The Soldiers of the 369th Sustainment Brigade will be deploying to Kuwait for a sustainment operations mission.

010220-D-2987S-035. State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Army Spc. Elijah Philips, assigned to U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), poses for a photo after receiving a Christmas card at Caserma Del Din, Vicenza, Italy, Jan. 4, 2023. Students from Centerville Primary Village North Elementary sent more than 400 cards to Soldiers stationed in Vicenza, Italy.

Indiana National Guard Sgt. Andrew Schnieders, Task Force 38 command assistant, and Chief Warrant Officer Dennis White, Task Force 38 logistics officer, pose with Ali during the Nov. 21, 2009, childrens health fair held at Joint Base Balad, Iraq. Children were brought on base to learn medical awareness and good personal hygiene habits in the morning, and had a chance to play with their military mentors in the afternoon.

Billy Mullinax serves as a Senior Human Resources Specialist in the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Commands G-1 Operations Strategic Recruitment Division.He held two different military occupational specialties in the U.S. Army, working in Human Resources and Military Police.

U.S. Marine Corps Chief Warrant Officer 5 Angelo A. Alvarez, a chemical, biological, radiological and neurological officer with III Marine Expeditionary Force, is one of several U.S. Marines and Sailors that provided emergency medical aid to locals involved in a traffic accident Oct. 7, 2022 in Luzon, Philippines. These service members are deployed in support of KAMANDAG, an annual bilateral exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military designed to strengthen interoperability, capabilities, trust, and cooperation built over decades of shared experiences.

U.S. Army Spc. Anthony Negron, with the New Jersey National Guards Charlie Company, 1-114th Infantry Regiment, 44th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, stands at a security position near the Capitol grounds in Washington, D.C., Jan. 11, 2021. National Guard Soldiers and Airmen from several states have traveled to Washington to provide support to federal and district authorities leading up to the 59th Presidential Inauguration.

DF-ST-87-02123. Base: Holloman Air Force Base State: New Mexico (NM) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Sgt. Devon Jones, a public affairs mass communications specialist with the 5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, takes photos of a company situational training exercise combined arms rehearsal during joint training between the U.S. Army and Finnish army at Rovaniemi, Finland, Aug. 10, 2022.

220713-N-YC738-1001 NORFOLK, Va. (July 13, 2022) Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 3rd Class Petty Officer Gordan Stijak, of St. Louis, Missouri, poses for a portrait in front of the displays for the U.S. Naval Community College and the Career Development Symposium during the CDS at Naval Station Norfolk. The United States Naval Community College is the official community college for the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. To get more information about the USNCC, go to www.usncc.edu.

pretty young woman in wwii uniform us with an american flag on white

Twelve National Guard Soldiers are competing in the Region IV Best Warrior Competition May 11-15, 2022, at Camp Ripley, Minnesota. The annual competition tests the military skills, physical strength and endurance of the top Soldiers and noncommissioned officers from the Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio National Guards. The winners will move on to compete in the National Guards competition on July 20-30, 2022, at Camp Smyrna, Tennessee. (Minnesota National Guard photo by Sgt. Bob Brown)

Sgt. Ana Esquivel is a Signal (25U) Non-Commissioned Officer with the 7th Infantry Division working in the G6 during YS83. Getting to showcase to Soldiers of all ranks the capabilities of the signal section has been amazing during this Yama Sakura exercise. Through our (both US and Japan’s) desire to exceed the standard we as bilateral partners were able to make contact with Arizona over the radio, which was pretty amazing.”

Educators, media, and influencers from Recruiting Stations Dallas and San Antonio participate in WRR's Educators' Workshop Program aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, and Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton from Aug. 1, 2022 to Aug. 5, 2022.

1st Lt. Kelly Wan is a Logistics Officer with the 7th Infantry Division. This has been an amazing opportunity for our two nations to enhance both our partnership and the defense of the region. The bonds of friendship being formed will last a lifetime. This has been the best experience of my career.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Emerson Khiev, 18th Maintenance Group engine manager from San Bernardino, California was selected as the 18th Wings Supervisor of the Month at Kadena Air Base, Japan. The Supervisor of the Month program is an opportunity for outstanding non-commissioned officers to be recognized by KAB leadership as well as showcase these leaders to their peers.

Staff Sgt. Jacob Roll is a Joint Forward Observer with 7th Infantry Division. My Japanese counterpart has been very accommodating and patient when it comes to working together and sharing our knowledge with each other. Through Yama Sakura and my counterpart, I have found a new respect for being patient and being grateful.”

Airman 1st Class Yassine Jaafary, 512th Memorial Affairs Squadron equipment manager, poses for a photo inside of the fitness center on Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, June 4, 2022. Jaafary is responsible for monitoring Dovers fitness center to ensure the facility is safe for Airmen.

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Cameron Shoenberger, Washington Air National Guard 194th Wing client systems technician, participates in exercise Yama Sakura 83 at Camp Asaka, Japan, Nov. 30, 2022. Shoenbergers role within Yama Sakuras Joint Air Coordination Element team is to facilitate any obstacles involving communication efforts.

U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Jamie Leonardi, a recruiting and retention non-commissioned officer assigned to the 6th Recruiting and Retention Battalion, Connecticut Army National Guard, holds up a sign made to encourage U.S. Army Sgt. Rachel Moniz, a fellow recruiting and retention non-commissioned officer assigned to the same battalion, who was participating in the 2023 Connecticut Army National Guard Best Warrior Competition, at Stones Ranch Military Reservation, East Lyme, Connecticut, March 25, 2023. The competition drew soldiers from across the Connecticut Army National Guard and over the course of three days these competitors faced off against one another in a variety of events testing their physical fitness, land navigation skills, marksmanship skills and warrior task competencies.

Raised in Houston, Texas. by a Mexican mother, Sgt. Elizabeth Castillo is a 92W (Water Treatment Specialist) in 46th Aviation Support Battalion, 16th Combat Aviation Brigade."My mother only spoke Spanish when she came here... it was quite a culture shock, and I'm bilingual because she was only able to speak Spanish at home when I was growing up," Sgt. Castillo said. "She never lets me forget what we have gone through for us to be here; I joined the Army so that we could both gain our citizenship and live out the American dream."Since 1775, the U.S. Army has been an institution built by many people of different backgrounds; all able to leverage their heritage to contribute unique perspectives, skills and talents to help us fight and win our nation's wars.

Cpt. Nicole Durango is a Civil Affairs Officer with 448th Civil Affairs Battalion at JBLM. It has truly been an amazing experience being able to do my job in real world environment and sharing that experience with my counterpart has made it even more special. Being able to learn alongside one another has been awesome.”

Air Force Staff Sgt. Shawn Avila is a Weapons Director with the 25th Air Support Operations Squadron. Working alongside and integrating with the Japanese is very intriguing and beyond fulfilling. Coming together in the shared mission of supporting the 7th Infantry Division in the fight.”

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