Military Promotion Ceremonies

Images from various military promotion ceremonies featuring personnel receiving awards and commendations in formal settings.

CHANGWON, Republic of Korea - Cmdr. Preston Rackauskas, Commander, Fleet Activities Chinhaes (CFAC) commanding officer addresses guests at the CFAC Navy Ball held Oct. 13 in celebration of the U.S. Navys 247th birthday. The theme of the U.S. Navys 247th birthday was "On Watch - 24/7 for 247 Years," which highlighted the Navy's enduring ability to remain fully ready to respond to and effectively deter emergent threats.

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

BGEN John M. Kirk, Director of Training, Office of the Deputy CHIEF of STAFF for Operations and Plans, Headquarters, Department of the Army, presents the Legion of Merit to COL Ward P. Chittenden, CHIEF of the Programs and Requirements Team, Institutional Training Division. The ceremony took place at the Pentagon. Base: Arlington State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

GEN Dennis J. Reimer, Army CHIEF of STAFF (left), pins lieutenant general stars on David K. Heebner, Assistant Vice CHIEF of STAFF, U.S. Army. General Reimer is assisted by LGEN Heebner's wife, Bonnie, during the promotion ceremony. Base: Pentagon State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

The Naval Safety Command celebrated the 247th Marine Corps birthday at Naval Station Norfolk, Va., November 10, 2022. The ceremony included the reading of the birthday message from the 13th Commandant of the Marine Corps and the tradition of recognizing the oldest and youngest Marines present.

The Distinguished Service Medal is awarded to MGEN William S. Augerson by LGEN Maxwell R. Thurman, deputy chief of staff for Personnel. Looking is MGEN Augerson's wife Virginia ceremony at the Pentagon. Base: Arlington State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

240227-N-N3764-1071QUITO, Ecuador (Feb. 28, 2024) - Ecuadorian Navy Rear Adm. Pablo Caicedo, Ecuadorian Navy Chief of Staff, congratulates Navy Rear Adm. Jim Aiken, Commander U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet, during the closing ceremony of the U.S./Ecuador Maritime Staff Talks (MSTs) in Quito. Rear Adm. Andrew Sugimoto, right, Commander U.S. Coast Guard Eleventh District, and Rear Adm. Aiken led the U.S. delegation to the MST. U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet conducts an annual MST with the Ecuadorian Navy to discuss upcoming operations and exercises that will improve interoperability and increase the readiness of both countries maritime forces. USNAVSOUTH/FOURTHFLT is the trusted maritime partner for Caribbean, Central and South America maritime forces leading to improved unity, security and stability. Navy

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CHANGWON, Republic of Korea - Cmdr. Preston Rackauskas, Commander, Fleet Activities Chinhaes (CFAC) commanding officer addresses guests at the CFAC Navy Ball held Oct. 13 in celebration of the U.S. Navys 247th birthday. The theme of the U.S. Navys 247th birthday was "On Watch - 24/7 for 247 Years," which highlighted the Navy's enduring ability to remain fully ready to respond to and effectively deter emergent threats.

Visit of Secretary Dirk Kempthorne to the Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C., to view Marine Corps Evening Parade, deliver remarks, and attend reception at the site, a National Historic Landmark

Army LGEN Peter A. Kind (left), Director of Information Systems for Command, Control, Communications and Computers (C4), promotes BGEN David White, Director of Plans, Office of Director of Information Systems, C4, to the rank of major general. MGEN White's wife, Jan, assists in the promotion ceremony. Base: Pentagon State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

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.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III visits with service members assigned to U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, Camp Smith, Hawaii, Sept. 29, 2022. Austin is in Hawaii meeting with key allies in the region and visiting Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility.

Opening ceremony unveiling the new Museum and Visitor Center at Gettysburg National Military Park, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, with Secretary Dirk Kempthorne joining Pennsylvania Governor Edward Rendell, National Park Service officials including Gettysburg Superintendent John Latschar, representatives of The Gettysburg Foundation, and Civil War movie actor Stephen Lang among the dignitaries delivering remarks

John C. Nipp, commander of the 184th Sustainment Command, is pinned the rank of brigadier general by his wife, Shani (left), and daughter Shelby during a promotion ceremony at the Army Aviation Support Facility in Tupelo, Mississippi, June 4, 2022.

2nd Lt. Charles Long of Chicago has his new rank pinned on by his parents, Liming Li and Manyuan Long. 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.

Vice Adm. Daniel Dwyer, commander, Joint Force Command Norfolk, passes the Joint Force Command Flag to Gen. Christopher Cavoli, Supreme Allied Command Europe commander during a change of command ceremony held aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), Jan. 12, 2024. Dwyer was relieved by Vice Adm. Doug Perry as commander, Joint Force Command Norfok, commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet, and director, Combined Joint Operations from the Sea - Centre of Excellence. U.S. 2nd Fleet is tasked with employing maritime forces in the Atlantic and Arctic to ensure acceess, deter aggression, and defend U.S., allied, and partner interests.

Army Reserve Maj. Gen. Darrell J. Guthrie, former commanding general, 88th Readiness Division, receives a Certificate of Appreciation signed by President Joseph R. Biden from retired Maj. Gen. Mark McQueen as Guthrie's wife, Shari, looks on during Guthrie's retirement ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park, Fort McCoy, Wis., July 30. 2022.

LGEN Ronald V. Hite (left), Military Deputy to the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Research, Development and Acquisition) pins on brigadier general star on John P. Geis assisted by the new general's wife, Lee Geis during the promotion ceremony. Base: Pentagon State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

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V Corps deputy commanding general Maj. Gen. Jeffery Broadwater, left, welcomes a guest during the Winter Reception held at the Imperial Castle in Poznań, Poland, Dec. 10, 2022. V Corps hosted the Winter Reception alongside NATO allies and partners to reinforce the nations existing relationship, promote interoperability, unity and bolster deterrence throughout the transatlantic. V Corps is proudly working alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces throughout Europe.

The oldest Marine present, U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Jeffrey Brewer, left, the executive officer of III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, presents a piece of cake to the youngest Marine present, Lance Cpl. Christopher RodriguezVargas, right, an embarkation specialist with G-4, supply and logistics, III MIG, during the III MIG cake cutting ceremony in celebration of the 247th Marine Corps birthday on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Nov. 3, 2022. A ceremonial ball is held every year to celebrate the Marine Corps birthday. During the ball, Marines across the globe reflect on their legacy and honor the fallen.

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U.S. Air Force Col. Benjamin Schill, left, the 149th Fighter Wing Operations Group commander, greets retired Col. Timothy Madden during an F-16 fighter pilot graduation ceremony on Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, Oct. 21 2022. Madden was the keynote speaker at the graduation.

GEN Dennis J. Reimer, Army CHIEF of STAFF (left), pins lieutenant general stars on Robert F. Foley, Commander, Military District of Washington. General Reimer is assisted by LGEN Foley's wife, Julie, during the promotion ceremony. Base: Pentagon State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Soldier hands awards for Pvt. Andrew J. Ladner to his family during a memorial service for Ladner at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Long Beach, Mississippi, April 9, 2022. Ladner, 30, of Harrison County, Mississippi, was listed as killed in action, but his remains were not accounted for until accounted for on July 9, 2021 in New Guinea.

Secretary Pompeo delivers remarks at the American Foreign Service Association Memorial Plaque Ceremony, at the Department of State, on May 3, 2019.

Visit of Secretary Dirk Kempthorne to the Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C., to view Marine Corps Evening Parade, deliver remarks, and attend reception at the site, a National Historic Landmark

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NEWPORT, R.I. (Sept. 1, 2022) Attendees of the Senior Enlisted Academy (SEA) class 254 graduation ceremony on Naval Station (NAVSTA) Newport, including Rear Adm. Pete Garvin, commander, Naval Education and Training Command, second from the right, and Jeanne-Marie Napolitano, mayor, Newport, Rhode Island, right, stand at attention or place their hand over their heart while the nation anthem plays, Sept. 1, 2022. Garvin visited NAVSTA Newport Aug. 31-Sept. 1 to speak with the staff and students of Center for Service Support, Surface Warfare Schools Command, SEA, Officer Training Command Newport, Naval Chaplaincy School, Naval Leadership and Ethics Center, and Navy Supply Corps School.

Members of the receiving line greet guests at the 229th Military Intelligence Battalions Army Birthday Ball at the Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, Calif., June 11, 2022.

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Multi-national leaders attend the Carre de Choux (Cabbage Patch) Ceremony in Carentan, France, on June 3, 2022. This ceremony commemorates the 78th Anniversary of D-Day, the largest multi-national amphibious landing and operational military airdrop in history. The Cabbage Patch Commemoration Ceremony and Parade paid homage to the Paratroopers of the 101st Airborne Division who fought enemy forces occupying this area surrounding Carentan.

Members of the U.S. Army Medical Materiel Development Activity (USAMMDA), family and friends of Maj. Daniel Rhoades gathered to honor him during his promotion to lieutenant colonel at Fort Detrick, Md., Sept. 1, 2022. Rhoades is the medical director for the USAMMDA Warfighter Expeditionary Medicine and Treatment (WEMT) Project Management Office. USAMMDA leads the Department of Defenses medical product development through contracting, agreements and interdisciplinary and integrated-product teams. (Official U.S. Army Photo by T. T. Parish/Released)

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.

President Barack Obama recognizes Medal of Honor honorees, from left, Staff Sergeant Melvin Morris, Sergeant First Class Jose Rodela, and Specialist Four Santiago J. Erevia, during the Medal of Honor ceremony in the East Room of the White House, March 18, 2014.

Secretary Dirk Kempthorne meeting at Main Interior with Marine Corps officer Chris Hardin

Maj. Gen. Shawn Manke, the adjutant general of the Minnesota National Guard, congratulates the Busztas during the Court of Honor Induction Ceremony at the Gen. John W. Vessey Recreation Center near Camp Ripley, October 2, 2022, in Little Falls, Minnesota. The Court of Honor commemorates the lasting contributions of soldiers who have dedicated their lives to the service of their communities, State, and Nation. (Minnesota National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Mahsima Alkamooneh)

Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. David H. Berger, attends a memorial reception for Gen. Richard I. Neal, at Marine Corps Barracks Washington, in Washington, D.C., July 6, 2022. Gen. Neal, who served as the 26th Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, passed away on June 17, 2022.

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U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. John F. Kelliher III, right, Deputy Commander, presents Col. Robert S. Morgan, left, the acting Chief of Staff, both with Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic, Marine Forces Command, Marine Forces Northern Command, a symbol of appreciation by the command during Morgans retirement ceremony at Sewells Point Golf Course, Norfolk, Virginia, July 8, 2022. Morgan received various accolades during his time as an enlisted Marine and commissioned officer such as the Legion of Merit, Navy Marine Corps Achievement Medal and the Combat Action Ribbon. Morgan dedicated 34 years of faithful service to the U.S. Marine Corps.

During the annual Memorial Day ceremony in Killeen, Texas, Sergeant Ruben W. Hatcher (USA, Ret.), received the Bronze Star for heroism for his actions during World War II. Here, US Army Lieutenant General Leon LaPorte, Commander, of 3rd Corps and Fort Hood, pins the Bronze Star on SGT Hatcher. Base: Fort Hood State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson chats with U.S. Marines at U.S. Embassy Cairo in Cairo, Egypt on February 12, 2018.

Former U.S. Secretary of State James Baker, flanked by former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Homeland Security Adviser Lisa Monaco, shakes hands with CENTCOM Commander Army General Lloyd Austin after arriving at King Khaled International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on January 27, 2015, to extend condolences to the late King Abdullah and call upon and meet with the new King Salman.

Visit of Boy Scouts of America delegation to Main Interior for meeting with Secretary Dirk Kempthorne, and receipt from the Secretary of National Resource Conservation Awards

U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Brian Goggin leans down so his family, Susan Goggin and Jim Goggin, can pin on his second lieutenant rank insignia during a commissioning ceremony held inside the auditorium of the Regional Training Institute at Camp Nett, Niantic, Connecticut, Sept. 6, 2022. Goggin will be an infantry officer.

Visit of Boy Scouts of America delegation to Main Interior for meeting with Secretary Dirk Kempthorne, and receipt from the Secretary of National Resource Conservation Awards

Right side rear view medium shot as US Air Force Brigadier General Kevin Chilton, 9th Reconnaissance Wing Commander, shakes hands with Frank Pitsenbarger, AIRMAN 1ST Class William H. Pitsenbarger's father, after his speech about his son during the AIRMAN Leadership School building dedication on April 11, 2000 at Beale AFB, Ca. The school was named William H. Pitsenbarger PME Center in honor of Pitsenbarger. AIRMAN Pitsenbarger was awarded the Air Force Cross, an honor that only 21 airmen have earned, for his sacrifice and bravery. AIRMAN Leadership staff felt that AIRMAN 1ST Class William H. Pitsenbarger was an enlisted role model who displayed a true-life example of the Air Force's Core .... Complete Scene Caption: Right side rear view medium shot as US Air Force Brigadier General Kevin Chilton, 9th Reconnaissance Wing Commander, shakes hands with Frank Pitsenbarger, Airman 1st Class William H. Pitsenbarger's father, after his speech about his son during the Airman Leadership School

ANSBACH, Germany (February 22, 2024) - U.S. Army Garrison (USAG) Ansbach Commander COL. Aaron Dixon hosted the annual Abend mit Freunden Spring Social, where more than 60 Host Nation dignitaries and U.S. Army personnel gathered at the Von Steuben Community Center on Bismarck Kaserne. COL. Dixon and his spouse are greeting Brigadegeneral Thomas Hambach, Landeskommando Bayern 'State Command Bavaria' at the receiving line. USAG Ansbach is a U.S. Army Power Projection Platform consisting of aviation, engineering, and artillery assets spread across nine kasernes in the heart of Middle Franconia. Army

Visit of Secretary Dirk Kempthorne to the Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C., to view Marine Corps Evening Parade, deliver remarks, and attend reception at the site, a National Historic Landmark

Marine Corps Heritage Foundation reception, hosted by Secretary Condoleezza Rice, in Benjamin Franklin Room. Among other dignitaries at the event, honoring the Department's long standing relationship with the Marine Corps in the realm of diplomatic security, were Assistant Secretary for Diplomatic Security, Richard Griffin; Under Secretary for Management, Henrietta Fore; Marine Corps Lieutenant General Jan Huly; and Marine Corps Lieutenant General George Christmas.

GREAT LAKES, Il. (Dec. 7, 2022) Capt. Jason J. Williamson, Naval Station Great Lakes commanding officer, speaks with attendees during a Pearl Harbor 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.

Minnesota Army National Guard's Col. Joshua Simer, Camp Ripley garrison commander talks with retired Command Sgt. Maj. Paul Herr during a reception at the Hangar at Camp Ripley near Little Falls, Minnesota, Oct. 2, 2022. Herr and nine other past Minnesota National Guard service members were honored for their service during the annual Court of Honor induction program ceremony today. (Minnesota National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Mahsima Alkamooneh)

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Thomas Cleven, Chairman of the Navy League, Richmond Chapter, presents CPT Moore with the Officer of the Year Award as BGEN R. Bowen stands by. Base: Crystal City State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

2nd Lt. Trevor McMinn is pinned his new rank by his wife and mother during the Officer Candidate School graduation, held at the Edward Cross Training Center, in Pembroke, NH, Sept 11. McMinn will serve as a Platoon Leader with the Delta Company, 86th Brigade Support Battalion, in Swanton, VT, upon completion of the Basic Officer Leadership Course.

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Charles Costanza, left, 3rd Infantry Division Commanding General, inducts Dr. Bill Cathcart, right, a member of Civilian Aides to the Secretary of the Army, to the Order of Saint George during a ceremony at Fort Stewart, Georgia, Aug. 26, 2022. He was especially honored for his near-decade of volunteer service to the Army in Coastal Georgia as he prepares to step down as a CASA. The Order of Saint George is an award that requires both being in the United States Armor Association and a nomination of a member also qualifying for the award, is the top award given to members of the Army's mounted force by the United States Armor Association of the United States Army.

Inter-American Defense College Leadership Welcomes Decio Rui Pialarissi, Brazilian federal revenue service agency chief to the IADC on Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C., Aug. 3, 2022. During the visit, Mr. Pialarissi attended an office call with IADC Leadership, received an IADC brief, and concluded the visit with a tour of the campus.

Ambassador Theodore R. Britton Jr. visits Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., April 22, 2022. Ambassador Britton enlisted in the Marine Corps in January of 1944 and attended recruit training at MCRD Montford Point (the recruit depot for all African Americans at the time). After graduating recruit training, Ambassador Britton went on to serve honorably in WWII and the Korean War. After his tenure with the Marine Corps, Britton was discharged at the rank of sergeant, before continuing his illustrious career into the federal government serving as the U.S. Ambassador to Barbados and Grenada, as well as the U.S. Special Representative to Antigua, Dominica, and several other countries, under the command of President Gerald R. Ford before resigning under President Jimmy Carter. Now, 78 years later, Ambassador Britton stood aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C. for the first time, taking his place amongst those Marines who all began at the yellow footprints.

Minnesotas Army Command Sgt. Maj. George Jensen presents a flower to Linda Ebert during the Court of Honor Induction Ceremony at the Gen. John W. Vessey Recreation Center near Camp Ripley, October 2, 2022, in Little Falls, Minnesota. Ebert is the wife of honoree Lt. Col. (Ret.) John F. Ebert. (Minnesota National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Mahsima Alkamooneh)

Senior Enlisted Advisor Tony Whitehead (right) and Army Sgt. First Class Chris Praino (right) at the 138th Field Artillery Brigade, Kentucky National Guard, annual ball in Lexington, Ky. on Dec. 3, 2022. Whitehead was nominated by Praino into the order after 40 years of military service.

Chief Warrant Officer 5 Tommy Smith, outgoing command chief warrant officer for the Mississippi Army National Guard, passes a symbolic sword to Maj. Gen. Janson D. Boyles, the adjutant general of Mississippi, during the MSARNG Command Chief Warrant Officer Change of Responsibility ceremony at Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center, Mississippi, Aug. 7, 2022. The sword being passed signifies Smith relinquishing his responsibilities as the senior chief warrant officer of the Mississippi National Guard after more than four years in the position.

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Jack Bright, left, a chairman on the board of commissioners for the city of Jacksonville presents U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Andrew M. Niebel, right, Marine Corps Installations East-Marine Corps Base (MCB) Camp Lejeune commanding general, a proclamation for the city of Jacksonville during the 247th Marine Corps Ball at Marston Pavilion on MCB Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Nov. 19, 2022. A celebration for the Marine Corps birthday is held every year to reflect on the traditions, history and legacy of the Marine Corps.

Event honoring the 186th birthday of Ulysses S. Grant, at the General Grant National Memorial, New York City, New York, with Secretary Dirk Kempthorne delivering remarks and joining participating dignitaries incluiding U.S. Army Brigadier General Robert Caslen, Commandant of the Corps of Cadets at the U.S. Military Academy; Adrian Benepe, New York City Commissioner of the Department of Parks and Recreation; Maria Burks, Commissioner of the National Parks of New York Harbor; and Ulysses Grant Dietz, the great-great grandson of General Grant. Also on hand for the event, featuring a wreath-laying ceremony, were members of the U.S. Military Academy Corps of Cadets Honor Guard.

Marine Corps Heritage Foundation reception, hosted by Secretary Condoleezza Rice, in Benjamin Franklin Room. Among other dignitaries at the event, honoring the Department's long standing relationship with the Marine Corps in the realm of diplomatic security, were Assistant Secretary for Diplomatic Security, Richard Griffin; Under Secretary for Management, Henrietta Fore; Marine Corps Lieutenant General Jan Huly; and Marine Corps Lieutenant General George Christmas.

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Retired Maj. Gen. Deborah Ashenhurst (left), director of the Ohio Department of Veterans Services, congratulates U.S. Army veteran Franklin D. Moore after presenting him the Ohio Military Hall of Fame for Valor medal during the OMHOF Class of 2022 induction ceremony April 22, 2022, at the Ohio Statehouse Atrium in Columbus, Ohio. Moore was awarded the Bronze Star with Valor device while serving as a medic in Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Infantry Regiment, 199th Infantry Brigade, during a combat patrol in Vietnam in January 1969. The OMHOF recognizes Ohio veterans who were awarded medals for valor during their military service.

Senior Master Sgt. Norma Przyborowski, 253rd Command and Control Group, Wyoming Air National Guard, is joined by family and friends during her retirement ceremony Joint Forces Readiness Center, Cheyenne, Wyo., May 14, 2022.

Promotion Ceremony for Sgt. Jordan Knudsen to Staff Sgt.

From left to right, Army Lt. Gen. Jon A. Jensen, director of the Army National Guard, Sgt. Tyler Holloway, with the Wyoming Army National Guard, Sgt. Spencer Fayles, with the Utah Army National Guard and Command Sgt Maj. Spencer Nielsen, senior enlisted leader of the Utah National Guard, pose for a picture during the closing ceremony of the 2022 Army National Guard Best Warrior Competition in Nashville, Tennessee, July 29, 2022. Fayles and Holloway earned the titles of Army Guard Soldier and Noncommissioned Officer of the Year, respectively. Both will go on to compete in the All-Army Best Warrior Competition at Fort Hill, Virginia, later in the year.

Korean war veteran, Sergeant First Class (Ret) Modesto Cartagena, one of the highest decorated men of the conflict, during a ceremony being held at the US Army Reserve center in Puerto Nuevo, Puerto Rico, marking the presentation of a plaque honoring the bravery, and sacrifice of all veterans of the Korean War. Much praise was given to members of the fighting 65th Infantry veterans, who were some of the most highly decorated soldiers of the Korean war. Cartagena was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star, Broze Star and Purple Heart for his service in the 65th. Base: Usarc Puerto Nuevo State: Puerto Rico (PR) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: MACOMS

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. is greeted by Air Force Col. Catherine Logan, 11th Wing commander at the Bolling Club on Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Washington, D.C., September 9, 2022. JBAB hosted this year's 75th Anniversary Air Force Ball.

Chaplain James F. Fisher was promoted to colonel by Maj. Gen. William "Bill" Green Jr., U.S. Army chief of chaplains, during a ceremony on Feb. 2, 2024, at the Fort Hamilton Garrison Chapel in Brooklyn, N.Y. Fisher serves as chief of the Strategic Initiatives Group with the Office of the Chief of Chaplains, and as senior chaplain of the Protestant Cornerstone Fellowship at the garrison. Family members joined Green in celebrating Fisher's promotion. Army

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

General Glen VanHerck, Commander, North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command, passes the guidon to Air Force Gen. retired Richard Myers, 15th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, as Command Sgt. Maj. James Porterfield, Command Senior Enlisted Leader, NORAD and USNORTHCOM, stands to receive the flag during the USNORTHCOM 20th Anniversary Ceremony on Sept. 30, 2022, at Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado. USNORTHCOM was established Oct. 1, 2002 to provide command and control of Department of Defense homeland defense efforts and to coordinate defense support of civil authorities. (Department of Defense photo by Master Sgt. Benjamin Wiseman)

U.S. Marine Corps Col. David C. Hyman, Chief of Staff, Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic, Marine Forces Command, Marine Forces Northern Command, left, and Col. Daniel T. Celotto, Commanding Officer, Headquarters and Service Battalion, Marine Forces Command, right, gather on stage following the City of Norfolk Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Ceremony, held at Attucks Theater, Norfolk, Virginia, January 15, 2024. During the ceremony, Hyman provided remarks recognizing the enduring significance of the first African American Marine Corps recruits, who trained at the segregated Camp Montford Point, North Carolina and served during World War II: They stood up against bigotry, racism, and segregation to earn the right to become a United States Marine. Im not on stage today if not for the Marines of Montford Point. These men showed extraordinary bravery and courage, which were not only tested in combat, but these men had to demonstrate bravery, courage, and grace, here on American soil. The National

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U.S. Marine Corps Col. Robert S. Morgan, the acting Chief of Staff of Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic, Marine Forces Command, Marine Forces Northern Command gives his remarks during his retirement ceremony at Sewells Point Golf Course, Norfolk, Virginia, July 8, 2022. Morgan received various accolades during his time as an enlisted Marine and commissioned officer such as the Legion of Merit, Navy Marine Corps Achievement Medal and the Combat Action Ribbon. Morgan dedicated 34 years of faithful service to the U.S. Marine Corps.

President Barack Obama presents the Medal of Honor to Staff Sergeant Salvatore Giunta. The Ceremony was held in the East Room of the White House on November 16, 2010.

U.S. Air Force Col. Marc E. Greene, 628th Air Base Wing commander, praises Col. Rebecca S. Elliot, 628th Medical Group commander, for her hard work and dedication during the 628th MDG change of command ceremony at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, June 24, 2022. Col. Elliot received a direct commission in 2002 to the Air Force Nurse Corps. and now has over 30 years of civilian and military nursing experience.

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

President Barack Obama presents the Medal of Honor to Sergeant First Class Jose Rodela during the Medal of Honor ceremony in the East Room of the White House, March 18, 2014.

Spc. Lawrence Austin, Jr. and Amanda Goodwin, children of Lawrence Austin, Sr., dons the robe on Austin, Mississippi Military Judge, during his investiture at Grenada County Court House, Grenada, Mississippi, September 10, 2022. Austin is tasked with overseeing the Mississippi National Guards Military Justice program and presiding over Courts Martial and administrative proceedings.

At the Retirement Ceremony of US Marine Corps (USMC) GUNNERY Sergeant (GYSGT) Charles C. Banks (right), USMC Sergeant Major (SGM) Jimmy D. Mashburn, Director of the STAFF NCO Academy Quantico, presents the United States colors as a gift from the unit at Marine Corps Base (MCB) Quantico, Virginia (VA). Base: Marine Corps Base, Quantico State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

20th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff U.S. Army Gen. Mark Milley greets President Joseph Biden upon Biden's arrival to Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., May 30, 2022. Biden was at ANC to participate in the 154th National Memorial Day Observance.

Deborah Lokensgard pins a retirement pin on the lapel of her husband, U.S. Air Force Col. Sigurd Lokensgard, former commander of the 129th Maintenance Group, 129th Rescue Wing, California Air National Guard, during his retirement ceremony, Aug. 6, 2022, at Moffett Air National Guard Base, California. Lokensgard is a U.S. Air Force Academy graduate who retires with more than 30 years of service.

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221129-N-MW880-1129 NAPLES, Italy (Nov. 29, 2022) Vice Adm. Thomas Ishee, commander, U.S. Sixth Fleet, talks with Italian Navy Fleet Commander Vice Adm. Aurelio De Carolis, during a reception for local military and civilian leaders honoring the U.S.-Italian relationship, aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) while anchored in the Bay of Naples, Nov. 29, 2022. The George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied, and partner interests.

U.S. Space Force Col. Max E. Lantz II, outgoing commandant of the National Security Space Institute (NSSI), right, salutes Col. Niki J. Lindhorst, commander of Space Delta 13, left, after being awarded a Legion of Merit medal during the NSSI change of command ceremony at Peterson Space Force Base, Colo., July 21, 2022. Lantz served as the commandant of NSSI since Jan. 2019 before relinquishing command to Col. Kenneth F. L. Klock.

Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army Gen. Randy A. George administers the oath of office to Vice Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army Gen. James J. Mingus, right, as his wife, Amy, center, holds the Bible, during his swearing-in ceremony at Conmy Hall, Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall in Arlington, Virginia, Jan. 4, 2024.

U.S. Air Force Col. Corey Simmons, center left, 60th Air Mobility Wing commander, passes the 60th Medical Group guidon to Col. Melissa Dooley, DHA Sacramento Market director and 60th Medical Group commander, during the DHA Sacramento Market change of directorship and the 60th Medical Group change of command ceremony at David Grant USAF Medical Center, Travis Air Force Base, California, July 13, 2022. The change of command ceremony is rooted in military history, dating back to the 18th century, where the command flag is passed to the individual assuming command in the presence of the entire unit.

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Michael Siani, Commanding Officer, Recruiting Station Dallas, presents a gift on behalf of RS Dallas to the guest of honor, Master Sgt. Victor Salinas, retired, at the 247th Marine Corps Birthday Ball held in Allen, Tx on Nov. 11, 2022. Since 1921, the Corps has celebrated their birthday and honored the legacy of the U.S. Marine Corps at the Marine Corps Ball. November 10 is the official birthday of the Marine Corps.

Official imagery from the memorial services for Chief Warrant Officer 4 Hershel Woodrow Woody Williams, Medal of Honor recipient, held at the West Virginia State Capitol, Sunday, July 3, 2022. Born in Quiet Dell, West Virginia in 1923, Williams, 98, was awarded the Medal of Honor for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while he served as a demolition sergeant serving with the 21st Marines, third Marine Division while fighting Japanese forces on Iwo Jima on Feb. 23, 1945. At the time of his death on June 29, 2022, he was the last living World War II Medal of Honor recipient.

230127-N-KT462-0572 FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, Md. (January 27, 2023) U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Timothy D. Haugh, deputy commander, U.S. Cyber Command met with the Albanian Minister of Defense, Honorable Niko Peleshi, at CYBERCOM headquarters on Fort George Meade. Md., January 27, 2023. The meeting included discussions on the strategic cyber security challenges and common objectives in cyberspace. This was the ministers first visit to CYBERCOM. (

Visit of Secretary Dirk Kempthorne to the Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C., to view Marine Corps Evening Parade, deliver remarks, and attend reception at the site, a National Historic Landmark

930201-D-9880W-021. Base: Pentagon State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

220420-A-BS696-2782CHAMBERSBURG, Pa.Col. Rick Allbritton, commander, Letterkenny Army Depot, presents Matthew Harlow, heavy mobile equipment mechanic, with the Department of the Army Civilian Service Achievement Medal in recognition of being named LEADs Wage Grade Employee of the Quarter for the first quarter during a virtual awards ceremony at the depot April 20.

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