Military Personnel Award Ceremonies

Ceremonies honoring military personnel for service and achievements, featuring awards presentations and group photos with service members in uniform.

U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Ronald J. Place, DHA director, and his wife, Carol, meet with DHA employees during a farewell event with the workforce Dec. 9 at Defense Health Headquarters in Falls Church, Virginia. Place will depart the Agency Jan. 3, 2023 after serving as the agencys third director and retire following 36 years of service to the nation, the Army and the military health system.

1st Sgt. Adriana Towns receives the 2020 Air Traffic Control Unit of the Year Award on behalf of Company F, 2d Battalion, 4th Aviation Brigade, Task Force Mustang, Afghanistan, during the Army Aviation Senior Leader Forum at Fort Rucker, Alabama, Jan. 25, 2023. Presenting the award is Maj. Gen. Michael McCurry, U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence commander and Army aviation branch chief, Chief Warrant Officer 5 Myke Lewis, chief warrant officer of the branch, Command Sgt. Maj. James Wilson, branch command sergeant major, retired Maj. Gen. William T. Crosby, Army Aviation Association of America president, and an industry partner. The award is one of several Army Aviation Association of America National Functional Awards presented annually for a specific area or specialty within the Army Aviation community.

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Timothy P. Herrington was recognized for more than 28 years of service to the Mississippi Army National Guard during a retirement ceremony held at Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center, Mississippi, August 6, 2022. Herrington previously served as a commissioned officer obtaining the rank of colonel. Herrington was present the Legion of Merit, the Mississippi Magnolia Cross and was promoted to the rank of brigadier general. His wife, Carmen, was presented the Mississippi Magnolia Necklace and a certificate of appreciation. (U.S. Army National Guard photos by Sgt. Jovi Prevot)

U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Melanie Pomerville, 217th Combat Operations Squadron accepts the Omar N. Bradley award on behalf of Staff Sgt. Wendy Dannemiller, 217th Combat Operations Squadron during the Armed Forces Appreciation Luncheon at Firekeepers Casino and Hotel, Battle Creek, Mich., May 13, 2022. Here (from left), Command Chief Master Sgt. Jenny Balabuch, 110th Wing Command Chief, Senior Master Sgt. Pomerville, U.S. Navy Cmdr. T.R. Shaw (ret.) and Col. Shawn Holtz, 110th Wing Commander pose for the presentation photo. The community-focused luncheon is hosted by the Military Affairs Committee at the Battle Creek Area Chamber Foundation and highlights awards recipients from the Defense Logistics Agency, Army and Air National Guard and the Navy and Marine reserves stationed in Battle Creek, Mich. 110th Wing service members Senior Airman Courtney Wallace, 110th Security Forces Squadron and 1st Lt. Jordan Walker, 272nd Cyber Operations Squadron also received the Omar N. Bradley

Illinois Army National Guard Sgt. 1st Class Anthony Gorup, the Noncommissioned Officer-Charge of the Illinois National Guard's Joint Operations Center, retired with almost 26 years of service on Sunday, May 15, during a ceremony on Camp Lincoln in Springfield. Gorup spent 21 years of his career in the Infantry and deployed four times, the last being with the 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team to Afghanistan from 2008 to 2009. Pictured is Colonel Seth Hible, the Chief of the Illinois National Guard Joint Staff, presenting a certificate of appreciation to Sgt. 1st Class Gorup's spouse, Molly Beth, during the ceremony.

Retired Chief Warrant Officer 2 Bryan J. Nelson, 1st Battalion, 58th Aviation Regiment, receives the 2020 Air Traffic Control Manager of the Year Award during the Army Aviation Senior Leader Forum at Fort Rucker, Alabama, Jan. 25, 2023. Presenting the award is Maj. Gen. Michael McCurry, U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence commander and Army aviation branch chief, Chief Warrant Officer 5 Myke Lewis, chief warrant officer of the branch, Command Sgt. Maj. James Wilson, branch command sergeant major, retired Maj. Gen. William T. Crosby, Army Aviation Association of America president, and an industry partner. The award is one of several Army Aviation Association of America National Functional Awards presented annually for a specific area or specialty within the Army Aviation community.

GREAT LAKES, Il. (Sep. 14, 2022) Naval Station Great Lakes and tenant commands reconize command ombudsmen during a ombudsman appreciation ceremony at the National Museum of the American Sailor. Opened in 1911, NSGL is the Navys largest training installation and the home of the Navys only Boot Camp. Located on over 1600 acres overlooking Lake Michigan, the installation includes 1,153 buildings with 39 on the National Register of Historic Places. NSGL supports over 50 tenant commands and elements as well as over 20,000 Sailors, Marines, Soldiers, and DoD civilians who live and work on the installation.

U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Ronald J. Place, DHA director, and his wife, Carol, meet with DHA employees during a farewell event with the workforce Dec. 9 at Defense Health Headquarters in Falls Church, Virginia. Place will depart the Agency Jan. 3, 2023 after serving as the agencys third director and retire following 36 years of service to the nation, the Army and the military health system.

U.S. Air Force Col. Steven Thomas, the wing vice commander of the 182nd Airlift Wing, Illinois Air National Guard, retires in Peoria, Illinois, April 30, 2022. Thomas served in the role for five years.

The TAMC Command Team and Deputies presented an overview of the recent TAMC Command Climate Survey results and action plan.

Matthew Clear with Arnold Air Force Base Services, second from left, accepts the award for Non-appropriated Fund Category II Civilian of the Year during the Arnold Engineering Development Complex Annual Awards ceremony Feb. 15, 2024, at Arnold AFB, Tenn. Also pictured are AEDC Commander Col. Randel Gordon, left, AEDC Deputy Director Kevin Muckerheide and AEDC Senior Enlisted Leader Chief Master Sgt. Jennifer Cirricione. Air Force

U.S. Air Force Maj. Fany E. Colon De Hays, 56th Force Support Squadron commander, coins Chris Calcaterra and Alex Tsakaris, honorary commander inductees, during a ceremony, Oct. 14, 2022, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. The honorary commander coin signifies the induction of an individual as an honorary commander for the 56th Fighter Wing.

The Utah Air National Guard celebrated its Airmen of the Year during a banquet held in their honor at the Zions Bancorporations Midvale Technology Campus on Jan. 6, 2023, in Midvale, Utah. The Airmen of the Year award program recognizes Airmen who display superior leadership, job performance, and personal achievement.

The Park Ridge, Illinois, Police Department was awarded the Above and Beyond Award during the annual Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) awards banquet in Bloomington, Illinois, May 13. The Park Ridge PD was nominated for the award by Capt. Emory Taylor. The Above and Beyond award is given in limited numbers and presented annually by ESGR members. It is designed to recognize those employers who have gone above and beyond the legal requirements of the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act in granting leave to their Guard and Reserve employees for military duty. Pictured from left, Maj. Gen. Peter Nezamis, Assistant Adjutant General - Air, and Commander of the Illinois Air National Guard, Taylor, Park Ridge Police Chief Frank Kaminski, Laurie Silvey, state chairman, Illinois ESGR committee, and Troy Stinson, ESGR volunteer.

111118-N-AN650-004BETHESDA, Md. (Nov. 18, 2011) Adm. Jonathan Greenert, Chief of NavalOperations, left, laughs as Rear Adm. Matthew L. Nathan, commander ofNavy Medicine for the National Capital Area, has his shoulder boards attached by his wife and daughter during a ceremony at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Nathan was promoted to vice admiral and will relieve retiring Vice Adm. Adam Robinson.

Heres a scene where Fort McCoy workforce members Tyson Todd, Brenda Downing, Karla Rynes, and Kaleen Holliday were recognized for excellence July 13, 2022, by Brenda Lee McCullough, Director of Installation Management Command Directorate-Readiness at Fort McCoy, Wis. All four workforce members were recommended by their supervisors for going above and beyond in their jobs. These are photos of each of them being presented a special coin by McCullough and Fort McCoy Garrison leadership also was on hand to thank and congratulate them.

The Air & Space Forces Association Legends pose for a group photo with Space Base Delta 2 and Space Delta 4 leadership assigned to Buckley Space Force Base during the AFA Legends Tour at the Leadership Development Center on Buckley SFB, Colo., Aug. 29, 2022. The AFA works to advocate and promote aerospace power that will favorably shape policy and resourcing decisions.

Kentucky National Guard veteran Sgt. John Burlew receives a framed copy of his Bronze Star Medal with Valor certificate from Kentucky National Guard Adjutant General Haldane Lamberton with U.S. Representative Brett Guthrie present at the Owensboro Armory in Owensboro, Ky. on June 10, 2022. Burlew was awarded the medal for actions in Afghanistan in 2002

Stennis Space Center, Miss. Military and government representatives from Canadas Naval Geospatial Intelligence Maritime and Directorate of Meteorology and Oceanography (DMETOC) toured Naval Oceanography HQ and subordinate commands at NASA Stennis Space Center for an overview of mission goals, operational capabilities and collaboration opportunities, May 18-19.The Canadian DMETOC teams first visit to Naval Oceanography at Stennis comes as continued allied-relations between the U.S and Canada are strengthened through engagements enabling meaningful exchange. Canadas delegation included: Mr. Scott Graham, Senior Planner at DMETOC; LCDR Kray Roubichaud, Naval and Geospatial Intelligence Maritime, Naval Force Readiness, Royal Canadian Navy (RCN); and Major Martin Couët, DMETOC, Oceanographic Plans and Requirements.

Chief Master Sgt. Brandon Buser, 131st Logistics Readiness Squadron Senior Enlisted Leader, presents his children with U.S. flags during his retirement ceremony at Knob Noster, Missouri, June 26, 2022. Buser enlisted as a vehicle maintenance mechanic and served in a variety of leadership positions during his 30 years in uniform.

10 past Minnesota National Guard service members were honored for their service during the annual Court of Honor induction program ceremony at Camp Ripley, October 2, 2022, near Little Falls, Minnesota. The Court of Honor commemorates the lasting contributions of soldiers who have dedicated their lives to the service of the State and Nation. (Minnesota National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Mahsima Alkamooneh)

Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen H. Hicks participates in the Suicide Prevention recognition ceremony hosted by William Booth, Director, Defense Human Resources Activity, at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., Sept. 7, 2022.

Scott Air Force Base leadership stands next to deceased Senior Airman Bradley Smiths parents at a ceremony in the Essex House on Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, June 17, 2022. The ceremony took place for Smith, and a room in the Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Bud Andrews Airman Leadership School dedicated to him for his courageous acts while deployed in Afghanistan.

Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., leaders pose with Joint Base MDL's 2021 Volunteer of the Year winners April 14, 2022 at Tommy B's Community Activities Center. The ceremony highlighted the volunteers and their contribution to the Joint Base MDL community.

The Air Force Global Strike Command Financial Management team stands for a group photo at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, June 13, 2022. This office manages more than $900 million in support of the AFGSC headquarters and its nine geographically-separated wings.

Heres a scene where Fort McCoy workforce members Tyson Todd, Brenda Downing, Karla Rynes, and Kaleen Holliday were recognized for excellence July 13, 2022, by Brenda Lee McCullough, Director of Installation Management Command Directorate-Readiness at Fort McCoy, Wis. All four workforce members were recommended by their supervisors for going above and beyond in their jobs. These are photos of each of them being presented a special coin by McCullough and Fort McCoy Garrison leadership also was on hand to thank and congratulate them.

U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 5 Yolondria S. Dixon-Carter, senior warrant officer advisor to the Chief of Staff of the Army, stands with Class 007/008-22 during a graduation ceremony at Fort Eustis, Virginia, October 28, 2022. (U.S Army photo by Staff Sgt. George Prince).

060317-N-4014G-165. Base: Norfolk State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: Naval Station Norfolk

220627-N-XY052-1062: JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON - (June 27, 2022) Fire Controlman (Aegis) 1st Class Petty Officer Morgan Thorness poses with his grandparents, Navy Talent Acquisition Group (NTAG) San Antonio Commanding Officer, CDR Stephanie Simoni, and Command Master Chief, CMDCM Samuel Bernal during a frocking ceremony held at NTAG Headquarters. NTAG San Antonios area of responsibility includes more than 30 Navy Recruiting Stations and Navy Officer Recruiting Stations spread throughout 144,000 square miles of Central and South Texas territory. (U.S. Navy Photos by Edward S. Jones, NTAG San Antonio, Public Affairs Officer) #americasnavy #ForgedByTheSea #KnowYourMil #takingcareofourown #navyrecruiting #navyoutreachanddiversity #militarycityusa #BuildYourFuture #StartNow #TakeControl #NTAGSA #NewBeginnings #Forging #changinglives #stayready #worldsgreatestnavy #DEP #Seetheworld #Leadership #NTAGSwag #openingdoors #ExploretheNewYou #KnowYourWorth #Achievement #honor #Milit

Maj. Gen. Michel M. Russell Sr., commanding general, 1st Theater Sustainment Command, receives a Certificate of Appreciation from Brian Knoch, commander, American Legion Post 113 for speaking at the Memorial Day ceremony held at the Vietnam Veterans Wall in the Elizabethtown Nature Park, May 30, 2022

433rd Airlift Wing and 960th Cyberspace Wing military leaders and civilian Honorary Commanders stand for a photograph after the 2022 Honorary Commanders induction ceremony in San Antonio, April 2, 2022. The intent of the 433rd AW Honorary Commanders Program is to foster friendship between local and military communities.

Maj. Gen. Mark Schindler, Pennsylvanias adjutant general, recognized 30 Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs employees and Pennsylvania National Guard members for their extraordinary service Sept. 20 as part of Pennsylvania National Guard and Veterans Day in Pennsylvania in Harrisburg, Pa.

Rear Adm. Pete Garvin, right, commander, Naval Education and Training Command (NETC), presents Mrs. Carla McCarthy, NETC Pensacolas deputy public affairs officer, with a Civilian Service Achievement Medal certificate for her selection as NETCs 1st Qtr. fiscal year 2023 senior civilian of the quarter during an awards ceremony in Pensacola, Fla., March 28, 2022. NETCs mission is to recruit, train and deliver those who serve our nation, taking them from street-to-fleet by forging civilians into highly skilled, operational and combat ready warfighters.

Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP) representatives from the 194th Division Sustainment Support Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division Sustainment Brigade officially opened their Intervention Skills Situational Training Facility, February 3 at Camp Humphreys. The facility, brought to fruition by Staff Sgt. Sharmane Williamson and Staff Sgt. Catheryn Mayfield, provides scenario-based training that they hope will bring realism to the Soldiers that they train. The duo believes training facilities like theirs are worth replicating, allowing Soldiers to better visualize situations and topics that reinforce SHARP principles that lead to cultural change.

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

FORT LEE, Va. -- Command Sgt. Maj. Tisa W. Scott, Quartermaster School CSM, and CSM Tamisha A. Love, Fort Lee Garrison CSM, flank James Vardy, Logistics Training Department instructor and Staff Sgt. William Hudson, Petroleum and Water Department instructor, after they were named as QM School Educator and Instructor of the Year, respectively, during a ceremony Dec. 13 at the PWD auditorium. Yvonne Griffith of PWD and SSG Michael Vandenberg of LTD, were the respective runners-up. Five civilians and eight Soldiers competed in the weeklong competition that concluded Dec. 9. It included classroom evaluations; a selection panel board; Army Combat Fitness Test; 6-mile ruck mark; and essay. The winners will go on to compete in the Training and Doctrine Command competition scheduled for next year. (photo by T. Anthony Bell)

NORFOLK, Va. (May 25, 2022) - Master Chief Hospital Corpsman Hope Horan, assigned to U.S. Navy Military Sealift Command (MSC), poses for a group photo with the MSC Chiefs Mess during a frocking ceremony at Naval Station Norfolk May 25, 2022. During the event, service members gathered to show support for Horans milestone achievement of Master Chief Petty Officer.

Hampton University Cadet poses with leaders.

From left, Maj. Torrance Nevels, senior physician assistant, 1st Medical Brig, 1st. Lt. Aunjaneice Thomas, 1st. Lt. Krishna Shrestha,1st. Lt. Kassandra Beltz, and Lt. Col. Ismael Flecha Jr., IPAP clinical coordinator, Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center pose for a photo after a graduation ceremony, for the Armys three newest physician assistants, from the CRDAMC Interservice Physician Assistant Program 30 Sept.

U.S. Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo meets with the Marine Security Guard Detachment at U.S. Embassy Tashkent, in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, on February 3, 2020.

220512-N-CM812-022Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head Division (NSWC IHD) Systems Engineering Department Chief Engineer Frank Tse received the DON Meritorious Civilian Service Award on May 12. Tse was presented the award by NSWC IHD Commanding Officer Capt. Eric Correll (far right) and NSWC IHD Technical Director Ashley Johnson (far left). Also pictured is Franks wife Donna Tse.

Airman 1st Class Jorge Peralta, a 5th Force Support Squadron classification technician, Tom Ross, mayor of Minot, Col. Daniel Hoadley, 5th Bomb Wing commander and, Airman Amin Ahmadi, a 5th Logistics Readiness Squadron traffic management office apprentice, pose for photo after a naturalization ceremony at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., Aug 31, 2022. Ahmadi and Peralta participated in the first naturalization ceremony held at Minot Air Force Base. For more than 200 years the oath has been recited by many Americans on their pathway to citizenship.

GREAT LAKES, Il. (Sep. 14, 2022) Naval Station Great Lakes and tenant commands reconize command ombudsmen during a ombudsman appreciation ceremony at the National Museum of the American Sailor. Opened in 1911, NSGL is the Navys largest training installation and the home of the Navys only Boot Camp. Located on over 1600 acres overlooking Lake Michigan, the installation includes 1,153 buildings with 39 on the National Register of Historic Places. NSGL supports over 50 tenant commands and elements as well as over 20,000 Sailors, Marines, Soldiers, and DoD civilians who live and work on the installation.

ASAN, Guam (Feb. 23, 2024) - Rear Adm. Greg Huffman, commander, Joint Region Marianas, presented the 2023 Sister School-Sister Village award for large commands to the 36th Wing, Andersen Air Force Base, during an awards ceremony at JRM, Feb. 23.

From left, Master Sgt. Derrick Smith, the 111th Attack Wing Security Forces operations superintendent, Capt. Tabia Cole, the 111th ATKW Judge Advocate General deputy staff judge advocate, Vivian Claud, the 111th ATKW sexual assault response coordinator, Erin Milbourne, a direct services supervisor with the Victim Services Center of Montgomery County, and Jalla Atkins, a forensic nurse coordinator at Jefferson Abington Hospital pose for a photo during a SARC community awareness presentation on April 2, 2022 at Biddle Air National Guard Base, Horsham, PA. The event featured members of the base and the community whom shared knowledge of their roles when a sexual assault is reported.

Pictured from left are U.S. Rep. Don Bacon, former commander of Offutt's 55th Wing; Maj. Gen. Daryl Bohac, Nebraska adjutant general; Col. Kristen Thompson, 55th Wing commander; Col. Wendy Squarcia, 170th Group commander; and Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts. All spoke during an event celebrating the 20th year of the 170th Group at Offutt Air Force Base, Sept. 10, 2022.

SILVERDALE, Wash. (Feb. 14, 2023) - Sailors assigned to Trident Refit Facility, Bangor (TRFB) are recognized at a Navy League luncheon. The Navy League of the United States is a civilian organization dedicated to informing the American people that their national defense and economic wellbeing are dependent upon strong sea services. TRFB supports the nations strategic deterrence mission repairing, incrementally overhauling, and modernizing Pacific Fleet strategic ballistic missile submarines during refits.

William R. Neuiszer, member of the United States Army Memorial Detachment, receives the Public Service Medal in San Antonio, Texas, Oct. 22, 2022. This award is given to the awardees for their selfless service in volunteering their own time to give back to military families by assisting in funeral honors at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.

Maj. Gen. David J. Francis, U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence and Fort Rucker commander, presents Tasha Knox with a certificate of appreciation for her continued dedication and support to her husband, Chief Warrant Officer 5 Bernd Knox, as he completes retires from the Army after 28 years during his retirement ceremony at Fort Rucker, Alabama, June 10, 2022.

U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Ronald J. Place, DHA director, and his wife, Carol, meet with DHA employees during a farewell event with the workforce Dec. 9 at Defense Health Headquarters in Falls Church, Virginia. Place will depart the Agency Jan. 3, 2023 after serving as the agencys third director and retire following 36 years of service to the nation, the Army and the military health system.

U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Xavier T. Brunson, I Corps commanding general, poses with Pvt. Hannah Parmar and her family after her enlistment ceremony at the I Corps Headquarters Hall of Heroes on Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM), Wash., Jan. 29, 2024. Parmar is enlisting as an aviation operations specialist with Headquarters & Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion 168th Aviation Regiment (GSAB), Washington Army National Guard.

Retired U.S. Air Force Gen. T. Michael Moseley, former 18th Chief of Staff of the Air Force, is awarded a plaque to commemorate being the guest speaker during the 75th Annual Air Force Ball at the Carolina Skies club at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., Sep. 16, 2022. The ball recognizes the progress and achievements made by the U.S. Air Force since its inception on Sep. 18, 1947.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (May 5, 2022) - U.S. Navy Aviation Boatswain's Mate 1st Class Cody Chalue, attached to Navy Reserve Center Miami, is recognized as Navy League Fort Lauderdales Sailor of the Year at a Sea Services Enlisted Person of the Year Awards Reception during Fleet Week Port Everglades festivities, May 5, 2022. Fleet Weeks are designed to show Americans the investment they have made in their Navy and increase the awareness of the Navys role and purpose in our national defense.

Inter-American Defense College Leadership Welcomes Ecuadorian Air Force Brigadier General, Celiano Cevallos Calderón, Military and Aerospace Education Command, Commander and Ecuadoran Air War College students to the IADC on Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C., Aug. 23, 2022. During the visit the students were briefed by leadership and received an orientation class by a college faculty member.

Staff Sgt. Alexandra Caron, 8th Engineer Battalion, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, receives the Sergeant Audie Murphy medallion and an award from Fort Hood National Bank during a Sergeant Audie Murphy Club induction ceremony at Fort Hood, Texas, May 18, 2022. SAMC President First Sgt. Mario Espinoza and Fort Hood National Bank Vice President Fernando Fernandez are pictured with the new awardee.

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Derrick V. Lewis II, the executive officer of Recruiting Station Sacramento, and Sgt. Jacob A. Sanchez, a recruiter with Recruiting Sub-Station Roseville, Recruiting Station Sacramento, present Kelly Jones an Educators Workshop award at Woodcreek High School in Roseville, California on Nov. 8, 2022. The Educators' Workshop is a five-day program designed to better inform teachers, coaches, counselors and influencers about the benefits, and opportunities available during service in the Marine Corps. This allows attendees to return home and provide firsthand experience and knowledge to individuals interested in military service.

Col. Ivan Udell, left of center, shakes Mr. Angel Diaz hand, who is the receipt of the 2021 National Guard Family Program Community Purple Award on Monday, August 22, 2022. In a small ceremony held at the Joint Force Headquarters facility, Mr. Angel E. Diaz Jr., veteran, and co-owner of the La Reine Chicken Shack, was awarded the Family Program Community Purple Award, which is awarded to organizations or businesses that exemplifies the true meaning of the purple concept within the National Family Program by working with and for supporting both Army and Air Guard activities, service members and their families.

Maj. Gen. Mark Schindler, Pennsylvanias adjutant general, is recognized by Pennsylvania state lawmakers with a copy of the declaration proclaiming Sept. 20, 2022 to be Pennsylvania National Guard and Veterans Day in Pennsylvania at the annual Guard Day at the Capitol event Sept. 20 in Harrisburg, Pa.

Maj. Gen. Mark Schindler, Pennsylvanias adjutant general, is recognized by Pennsylvania state lawmakers with a copy of the declaration proclaiming Sept. 20, 2022 to be Pennsylvania National Guard and Veterans Day in Pennsylvania at the annual Guard Day at the Capitol event Sept. 20 in Harrisburg, Pa.

The 192nd Wing hosts a Boss Lift event on June 4, 2022, at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia. Airmen nominated supervisors from 14 civilian employers for exceptional support of their Virginia Air National Guard careers. The employers flew in an Ohio Air National Guard KC-135 Stratotanker and witnessed aerial refueling of F-22 Raptors. The Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) presented awards to the employers. ESGR is a U.S. Department of Defense program promoting cooperation and understanding between civilian employers and their Guard and Reserve employees.

Sgt. Maj. Christopher Coleman was promoted to his current rank by both of his sons during a ceremony at the Division Headquarters in Leavenworth, Kansas, January 7, 2024. Sgt. Maj. Coleman is no stranger to the Kansas National Guard, having moved to Kansas three years ago with his wife Margaret, and deploying with the 35th ID in 2022 in support of Operation Spartan Shield overseas.

070315-M-0049M-036. Base: Mcb Camp S.D. Butler State: Okinawa Country: Japan (JPN)

220402-N-KG461-1063Jacksonville, Fla. (April 2, 2022) Logistics Specialist Submarines 3rd Class Bryan Clark (center), assigned to USS Maryland (SSBN 738) (Gold), receives his Enlisted Submarine Warfare pin during the Kings Bay Submarine Birthday Ball. Also pictured are Cmdr. Henry Wicks (right), commanding officer of Maryland (Gold), and Chief Logistics Specialist Submarines John Paredes. This was the 122nd birthday of submarines in the Navy.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (May 5, 2022) - U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Ismael Sifuentes, attached to Marine Forces South, is recognized as Navy League Fort Lauderdales Marine of the Year at a Sea Services Enlisted Person of the Year Awards Reception during Fleet Week Port Everglades festivities, May 5, 2022. Fleet Weeks are designed to show Americans the investment they have made in their Navy and increase the awareness of the Navys role and purpose in our national defense.

Lieutenant Colonel Dolas Bain presents Robert Brock with an award for 40 years of government service. Base: Fort Dix State: New Jersey (NJ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Visit of Secretary Dirk Kempthorne to Ellis Island, New York City, New York, where he addressed newly naturalized U.S. citizens during Citizenship Day ceremonies, met with National Park Service (NPS) and U.S. Park Police personnel, and joined U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Director Emilio Gonzalez for announcement of joint USCIS-NPS program to welcome new citizens at National Park sites

Leadership Award recipient 2nd Lt. Eythan Caputo, Distinguished Honor Graduate recipient 2nd Lt. Bennet Samson, and Academic Excellence Award recipient Sang Hoon Lee holding their respective plaques. A graduation ceremony for Officer Candidate School class 053-22 was held at the Hawaii Army National Guard 298th Regiment Multi-Functional Training Regiment, Sergeant Deyson Cariaga Auditorium in Waimanalo, Hawaii on September 11, 2022.

Brooke Army Medical Center Commanding General Brig. Gen. Clinton Murray (left) and Command Sgt. Maj. Thurman Reynolds (right) present Shirley Adcock the Texas governors Yellow Rose of Texas Award during the Volunteer Recognition Ceremony at BAMC, Fort Sam Houston, Texas, April 13, 2022. The 94-year-old is retiring from volunteer service after serving nearly 26 years at BAMC.

Brigadier General Renea Dorvalls family pinned her with her current rank at a promotion ceremony held in the Helena Armed Forces Reserve Center auditorium on Jan. 6, 2023.Dorvall serves as the Assistant Adjutant General - Army and as commander of the Montana Army National Guard.

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Timothy P. Herrington was recognized for more than 28 years of service to the Mississippi Army National Guard during a retirement ceremony held at Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center, Mississippi, August 6, 2022. Herrington previously served as a commissioned officer obtaining the rank of colonel. Herrington was present the Legion of Merit, the Mississippi Magnolia Cross and was promoted to the rank of brigadier general. His wife, Carmen, was presented the Mississippi Magnolia Necklace and a certificate of appreciation. (U.S. Army National Guard photos by Sgt. Jovi Prevot)

Inter-American Defense College Leadership Welcomes Mr. Michael Jones, Implementation Agency for Crime and Security Executive Director to the IADC on Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C., July 27, 2022. During the visit, the guest conducted an office call with IADC Leadership, received an IADC brief, and concluded the visit with a tour of the campus with.

Ho-Chunk Nation President Marlon WhiteEagle and Fort McCoy Garrison Commander Col. Michael Poss have their photo taken May 10, 2022, with a signed memorandum of understanding between the Ho-Chunk Nation and Fort McCoy during a special signing ceremony for the memorandum/agreement in Black River Falls, Wis. 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.

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Timothy P. Herrington was recognized for more than 28 years of service to the Mississippi Army National Guard during a retirement ceremony held at Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center, Mississippi, August 6, 2022. Herrington previously served as a commissioned officer obtaining the rank of colonel. Herrington was present the Legion of Merit, the Mississippi Magnolia Cross and was promoted to the rank of brigadier general. His wife, Carmen, was presented the Mississippi Magnolia Necklace and a certificate of appreciation. (U.S. Army National Guard photos by Sgt. Jovi Prevot)

New Hampshire Adjutant Gen. David Mikolaities and New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu hold up newly signed Senate Bill 360 at a ceremony attended by Guardsmen, families, and bill sponsors Aug. 3, 2022, at the state military reservation's heritage room in Concord, New Hampshire. The law extends free in-state college tuition to NHNG spouses if service members reenlist after an initial six-year commitment.

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.

4th Fighter Wing Annual Award winners pose for a group photo with their leadership during the Annual Awards ceremony at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, Feb. 9, 2024. Annual Awards are awarded to Airmen and civilians in 13 different categories, including Volunteer of the Year, Senior Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year, Key Spouse of the Year, Airman of the Year and more. Air Force

Minnesota National Guards Soldier, 2nd Lt. Tomas Hofmann stands with Capital One of St. Clouds Shaun Rowley, Meghan Murphy, Andrew Allar, and Matthew Wind after accepting the Employer Support of The Guard and Reserve Pro Patria Award on behalf of the company, August 30, 2022, in Falcon Heights, MN. During the Minnesota State Fair's Military Appreciation Day, Employer Support of The Guard and Reserve recognized and honored 23 employers of military families. (Minnesota National Guard Photo by Staff Sgt. Mahsima Alkamooneh)

Mr. Warren Pugsley, brother of newly promoted Chief Master Sgt. Carmen Daniels, reads a proclamation signed by Shareeta Smith, Mayor of the City of Lima, Ohio, during Daniels' promotion ceremony June 4, 2022, at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia. The Mayor proclaimed this day as "Chief Master Sergeant Carmen Daniels Day" and recognized Daniels for her 24 years of military service. Daniels, the 192nd Force Support Flight senior enlisted leader, became the 176th chief in the Virginia Air National Guard.

Members of the 86th Expeditionary Signal Battalion, 11th Corps Signal Brigade and their partners from Congressman Silvestre and Carolina Reyes Elementary School, Canutillo ISD receive a partnership award from Brig. Gen. Michael Simmering, deputy commanding general - operations, 1st Armored Division, and Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Williams, senior enlisted advisor, 1st Armored Division, during the Fort Bliss Partners in Education Kick-Off Event Sept. 30, 2022 at the Centennial Banquet and Conference Center. 86th Expeditionary Signal Battalion received two awards for their partnership efforts during the 2021-2022 academic school year a Top Hours Award and the Outstanding Unit Award. (Photo by Christopher Bohn, Fort Bliss MWR)

U.S. Air Force Col. Chris McDonald, left, 436th Airlift Wing commander, and U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Carolyn Russell, right, 436th AW command chief, present Tessa Portlock, center, with a trophy during the 2023 436th AW Annual Awards Ceremony held at the Hartly Volunteer Fire Company in Hartly, Delaware, Feb. 23, 2024. She accepted the trophy on behalf of her husband U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. John Portlock, 436th Operations Group annual award winner, who was recognized as the wings Company Grade Officer of the Year. Air Force

10 past Minnesota National Guard service members were honored for their service during the annual Court of Honor induction program ceremony at Camp Ripley, October 2, 2022, near Little Falls, Minnesota. The Court of Honor commemorates the lasting contributions of soldiers who have dedicated their lives to the service of the State and Nation. (Minnesota National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Mahsima Alkamooneh)

U.S. Air Force Capt. Paul Moran, 453rd Electronic Warfare Squadron Modeling, Simulation, Analysis, and Engineering Flight commander, is awarded the Military Individual Excellence Award by the Association of Old Crows (AOC) during the 59th AOC International Symposium and Convention in Washington D.C., Oct. 26, 2022. Moran linked the 350th Spectrum Warfare Wing with nine mission partners to develop Cognitive EW.

Events honoring Eugene Melanson, departing Law Enforcement Specialist and Commander of the Special Weapons and Tactics Team of the U.S. Park Police

Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Kurt Campbell, front row center left, poses for a group photo with the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI) in Honiara, Solomon Islands, on June 29, 2011. Assistant Secretary Campbell met with RAMSI leadership during a visit to Solomon Islands. He is leading a U.S. delegation on a visit throughout the South Pacific to engage in discussions to enhance bilateral political, economic, and security relations in the region. The delegation includes Adm. Patrick Walsh, commander of U.S. Pacific Fleet, right, Office of the Secretary of Defense South/Southeast Asia Principal Director, Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Richard Simcock, right center, and U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Assistant Administrator Nisha Biswal, not pictured.

U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson visits Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland on October 4 2017.

Chief Master Sgt. John Stults (center), 419th Maintenance Squadron, poses with Col. Matthew Fritz (left), 419th Fighter Wing commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Heather Richins, 419th 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.

Ho-Chunk Nation President Marlon WhiteEagle and Fort McCoy Garrison Commander Col. Michael Poss have their photo taken May 10, 2022, with a signed memorandum of understanding between the Ho-Chunk Nation and Fort McCoy during a special signing ceremony for the memorandum/agreement in Black River Falls, Wis. 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.

Inter-American Defense College Leadership Welcomes Paraguayan General Brigadier Néstor Daniel Zalazar Echauri, Incoming Chief of Delegation of Paraguay to the Inter-American Defense Board for a campus Tour on Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C., Sept. 22, 2022. During the visit, The General attended an office call with IADC Leadership, received an IADC brief, and concluded the visit with a tour of the campus.

Peter J Buotte, Teresa L Barcinas, and Christopher E Albus all received the Whole Blood Donor Achievement Award during the Robertson Blood Center hosted the annual Blood Donor Recognition Ceremony at the Lone Star Conference Center on Fort Hood, Oct. 14.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (May 5, 2022) - U.S. Navy Personnel Specialist 1st Class Steven Ortega, attached to Navy Reserve Center Miami, is recognized as Navy League Fort Lauderdales Sailor of the Year at a Sea Services Enlisted Person of the Year Awards Reception during Fleet Week Port Everglades festivities, May 5, 2022. Fleet Weeks are designed to show Americans the investment they have made in their Navy and increase the awareness of the Navys role and purpose in our national defense.

Dr. Jamila Rattler, Executive Director (center left), and the DLIELC staffwelcomed Col. Nicholas Dipoma, Vice Commander, 2 AF (far left), who arrivedat the campus for a late afternoon immersion visit on July 25. During hisvisit, Colonel Dipoma and the accompanying 2 AF Command Chief, CMSgt.Kathleen McCool, received a welcome briefing and discussion with the seniorstaff in the DLIELC Conference Center. The 2AF vice commander and commandchief also toured the 637th International Support Squadron's Operationsbuilding and saw English language curriculum that will be utilized in afuture modernized classroom at the 332nd Training Squadron's EnglishInstruction Flight. At the 2AF DVs final stop, DLIELC Aviation LanguageTraining Center, Dipoma donned goggles, grab the flight controllers withoutany hesitation, and took a leisurely flight on one of the aviation languagetraining center's virtual flight simulators.

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY SOUDA BAY, Greece (Oct. 13, 2022) Personnel assigned to Naval Support Activity (NSA) Souda Bay, Greece, participate in an awards ceremony, Oct. 13, 2022. NSA Souda Bay is an operational ashore installation which enables and supports U.S., Allied, Coalition, and Partner nation forces to preserve security and stability in the European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility.

With the Transportation Security Administration Honor Guard in the background, Naval Surface Warfare Center, Philadelphia Division personnel representing the commands Many Voices team accept the Silver Medal at the annual Philadelphia Federal Executive Board (FEB) Excellence in Government Awards Ceremony on May 4, 2022.

Meeting during April 1 visit to Redstone Arsenal are, from left, Carrie Ricci, general counsel of the Army; Gabriel Camarillo, undersecretary of the Army; Gen. Ed Daly, Army Materiel Command commander; and Lisha Adams, AMC executive deputy to the commander.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Analise Gwin, the noncommissioned officer in charge of the commanders support staff assigned to the 36th Contingency Response Support Squadron, receives the Linebacker of the Week Award from U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen Paul Birch, the 36th Wing commander, and U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Jose Ramon, the senior enlisted leader of the 36th Maintenance Group, at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Dec. 2, 2022. The Team Andersen Linebacker of the Week recognizes outstanding enlisted, officer, civilian and total force personnel who have had an impact on achieving Team Andersens mission, vision and priorities.

040628-M-3031H-009. Base: Camp Fallujah State: Al Anbar Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: IMEF

Ninth Coast Guard District Commander Rear Adm. Michael Johnston, left, congratulates Canadian Coast Guard Commissioner Mario Pelletier on the unveiling of a marker placed on the Walk of Coast Guard History Aug. 5, 2022. The marker, dedicated during the 2022 Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival, honors the Canadian Coast Guard on its 60th anniversary. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Chief Petty Officer John Masson.

Capt. Daniel Testa, second from the right, Naval Education and Training Assistance Field Activitys (NETSAFA) commanding officer, poses for a photograph with the awardees at the 29th annual international military student officers (IMSO) conference in Pensacola, Florida, Nov. 15, 2022. Representatives from United States Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard met to discuss their critical role in the lives of foreign allies students by facilitating their transition to life in a new country and the importance that allied relationships play in maritime security on a global scale. Naval Education and Training Commands mission is to recruit, train and deliver those who serve our nation, taking them from street-to-fleet by transforming civilians into highly skilled, operational and combat ready warfighters.

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Derrick V. Lewis II, the executive officer of Recruiting Station Sacramento, and Staff Sgt. Daymon M. Bush, a recruiter with Recruiting Sub-Station Modesto, Recruiting Station Sacramento, present Matthew Taylor and Matthew Soderlund Educators Workshop awards at Gregori High School in Modesto, California on Nov. 16, 2022. The Educators' Workshop is a five-day program designed to better inform teachers, coaches, counselors and influencers about the benefits, and opportunities available during service in the Marine Corps. This allows attendees to return home and provide firsthand experience and knowledge to individuals interested in military service.

673d Communications Squadron leadership and information technology members participate in the Cyber Hangar grand opening at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, August 29, 2022. The Cyber Hangar is a service offered by the Science Applications International Corporation to provide immediate IT support from field services technicians. The Cyber Hangar located in building 6230 is exactly what our customers want: immediate service with no ticket required, said Lt. Col. Charles Barton III, 673d Communications Squadron commander. We are excited to bring this capability to team JBER.

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