← Military & Defence

Military Promotion Ceremonies

Images capturing military personnel during promotion ceremonies, emphasizing camaraderie, formal oaths, and family participation in a ceremonial setting.

Col. Joseph Venghaus (left), Trial Judge, 5th Judicial Circuit, and Col. Jennifer Venghaus, the U.S. Army South Staff Judge Advocate, recite the oath to office during their joint promotion ceremony at the Fort Sam Houston Courthouse in Fort Sam Houston, Texas, Feb. 9, 2024. The couple met in college at Southwestern University, got married during law school in 2002, and have been serving in the Army together for 20 years. Army

Major General Colby M. Broadwater III, Deputy Commander of III Corps and Fort Hood, accepted the Korean Medal of Appreciation from the Korean American Cultural Foundation of Seoul, Korea for his father, a Korean War Veteran who helped defend his country during the Korean War. The presentation took place during the Foundations WINTER EVENT 2000 held at the Palmer Theater, Fort Hood, Texas. Base: Fort Hood State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: III CORPS

Family, friends, fellow Marines, and guests pay their respects to U.S. Marine Corps CWO4 Hershel "Woody" Williams during the West Virginia State Memorial services in the State Capitol Rotunda, July 3, 2022 in Charleston, W.Va. Born on October 2, 1923, in Quiet Dell, WV, Woody enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve on May 26, 1943, and advanced to the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 4 before his retirement in 1969 after 17 years of service. During WWII, Woody served in New Caledonia, Guadalcanal, and Guam before landing in Iwo Jima where his actions earned him the Medal of Honor. At the time of his death on June 29, 2022, he was the last living World War II Medal of Honor recipient.

Newly appointed 908th Operations Group Commander, Col. Shane Devlin, receives his Air Force Commanders Insignia from his wife during an assumption of command ceremony, August 8, 2022, at Maxwell Air Force Base Alabama. The insignia is worn by all commanders to signify their leadership position.

YOKOSUKA, Japan (Sep. 30, 2022) - Lt. Cmdr. Chris Guaydacan, force protection officer assigned to Commander, Submarine Group (CSG) 7, presents the United States flag to his mother during his retirement ceremony, Sept. 30. Guaydacan retires with over 30 years of combined service to his country.

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

104th Fighter Wing honor guard members bring forward bouquets of flowers during a change of command ceremony June 12, 2022, at Barnes Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts. A change of command ceremony is a military tradition that represents the formal transfer of responsibility of a unit from one commanding officer to another.

Lt. Gen. Sean A. Gainey receives his third star from his children, Tatjana and Justin, during a promotion ceremony at the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Commands Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, headquarters, Jan. 9, 2024, while Gen. Randy George, U.S. Army chief of staff, left, watches.

Spc. Jeremy Whipple, U.S. Army National Guard competitor smiles as his sponsor makes an adjustment to his uniform prior to the board apperance Sept. 29 during the 2008 Department of the Army NCO/Soldier of the Year competition at Fort Lee, Va.

290th Military Police Brigade, U.S. Army Reserve, held a change of command ceremony and a change of responsibility ceremony at Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center, Mississippi, on Friday, August 5, 2022. During the ceremony, Col. John Dunn relinquished command to the incoming commander, Col. Jonathan Bennett. Following the change of command, Command Sgt. Maj. Jeffery Culberson assumed responsibility from Command Sgt. Maj. Kyle Jenkins.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Erik Swan, a battalion schools noncommissioned officer in charge assigned to the Headquarters, and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 63rd Armor Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, and his family are honored during a division retirement ceremony August 19, 2022, Fort Riley, Kansas. Swan, who served 22 years in the military, received the Meritorious Service Medal, the Department of the Army Certificate of Retirement, a Certificate of Appreciation, and a folded American flag.

Soldiers assigned to the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) participate in an Army Full Honor Wreath Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery, Va., July 15, 2022. The wreath was laid by The Honorable Lourdes Aflague Leon Guerrero, Governor of Guam, and The Honorable Michael F.Q. San Nicolas, Delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives in the 116th U.S. Congress, in honor of the liberation of Guam, and was hosted by Maj. Gen. Allan M. Pepin, commanding general, Joint Task Force-National Capital Region and the U.S. Army Military District of Washington.

U.S. Navy Sailors assigned to the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Arlington (LPD 24) and U.S. Marines attached to the II Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF) pose for a photo at the New York Veterans Home in New York City, Nov. 10, 2022. Arlington Sailors and II MEF Marines are participating in events in and around New York City during the week-long Veterans Day New York celebration to honor the service and sacrifice of the nations veterans.

TSgt Randolph Palada and David Halperin engage with audience members after their President's Day concert at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library

Chief Sherilyn Mancheno was promoted to the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 3 during a ceremony at the U.S. Army Transportation Museum at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va. June 14.Mancheno was pinned by her daughters Erin Rodriguez, 9, Nadi Rodriquez, 5, and mother Yolanda Cevallos.

U.S. Navy Master Chief Master-at-Arms James Meares, assigned to the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74), and his family, receive his final salute ashore, during his retirement ceremony, after 30 years of service, at Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Ceremonial Hangar, onboard Naval Air Station Oceana, June 03, 2022. The John C. Stennis is in Newport News Shipyard working alongside NNS, NAVSEA and contractors conducting Refueling and Complex Overhaul as part of the mission to deliver the warship back in the fight, on time and on budget, to resume its duty of defending the United States.

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

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

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Tyler Clines, a recruiter with Permanent Contact Station Cullman, stands with Roy Drinkard, one of the oldest living Marines, and Matt Gentry, the Cullman County Sheriff, on June 20, 2022 in Cullman, Alabama. Drinkard attended the 2022 Sheriffs Youth Leadership Academy, which teaches Cullman youth how to be responsible and effective leaders, to talk about his service and the importance of persevering in the face of adversity.

Officer candidate Matthew S. Criado is pinned with the rank of second lieutenant during an Officer Candidate School commissioning ceremony Aug. 7 at Ft. Indiantown Gap, Pa. Criado was also recognized for having the highest academic average achieved on all examinations, signifying his superior academic achievement amongst his peers.

Office of Civil Rights - Veterans Day - Admiral Michelle J Howard speaking at a Veterans Day Event , Environmental Protection Agency

U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Chris Bridson, Headquarters and Support Company, Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 1st Infantry Division, and his family are honored during a division retirement ceremony on September 16, 2022, at Fort Riley, Kansas. Bridson, who served 20 years in the military, received the Meritorious Service Medal, the Department of the Army Certificate of Retirement, a Certificate of Appreciation, and a folded American flag.

U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Joey D. Blacksher wifes, Kendle Balcksher is honored with a bouquet of flowers during a retirement ceremony for Command Sgt. Maj. Joey D. Blacksher on Stringer Drop Zone, Dahlonega, Ga., February 2, 2024. Command Sgt. Maj. Blacksher served 22 years of dedicated serve to the U.S. Army and the United States of America. Army Reserve

Attendees of the 75th Annual Air Force Ball stand during the singing of the National Anthem in Las Vegas, Nevada, Sept. 10, 2022. This years Air Force Ball theme was Leaders in Innovation and celebrated great leaders within the Air Force.

U.S. Army Chief of Staff Gen. Raymond T. Odierno presents a Bronze Star Medal and the Army Chief of Staff coin to George Joe Sakato at the WWII Nisei Veterans Program National Veterans Network tribute to the 100th Infantry Battalion, 442nd Regimental Combat Team and Military Intelligence Service Nov. 1, 2011 in Washington, D.C. Sakato is a Medal of Honor recipient and a Japanese- American World War II veteran.

Scott Air Force Base leadership sits 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.

GEN Gordon R. Sullivan (far left), Army CHIEF of STAFF, watches as MGEN Michael J. Nardotti, Jr. (second from left) administers the oath of office to GEN John H. Tilelli, Jr. as the new Vice CHIEF of STAFF. GEN Tilelli's wife Valerie assists by holding the Bible as their daughter Jeanne (right) looks on. Base: Pentagon State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. select Jacobb Interrante, 312th Training Squadron instructor, and his wife walk through the saber cordon, inducting him into the Top 3 at the Senior Noncommissioned Officer Induction Ceremony on Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, Aug. 5, 2022. Each inductee entered the room through a saber cordon which is used to salute the new SNCO.

Chief Master Sgt. Rio Wendell, the Component Maintenance Flight superintendent with the 127th Maintenance Squadron, poses with his family at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Michigan, Aug. 14, 2022. Chief Master Sergeants are the highest enlisted rank achievable in the United States Air Force making up only one percent of the enlisted force.

Retired U.S. Marine Corps Col. Kevin Herrmann, former director of the Total Force Structure Division, poses for a photo with his family during his retirement ceremony at the General Raymond G. Davis Center on Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, Sept. 30, 2022. Herrmann is retiring after 43 years of honorable combined service to the Marine Corps.

Lt. Col. Mark Bush and family are presented awards prior to a change of command ceremony at Rose Barracks, Vilseck, Germany, June 16, 2022. Lt. Col Mark Bush relinquished command of 3rd Squadron 2nd Cavalry Regiment to Lt. Col. Peter Erickson.

U.S. Marine Col. Daniel Whitley, center, the commanding officer of Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, poses for a photo with Purple Star award recipients during the Bonsall Unified School District Purple Star designation ceremony at Bonsall West Elementary School in Oceanside, California, April 5, 2022. The school district earned the Purple Star award for their excellence in serving military-connected students. Whitley is a native of Massapequa, New York.

Maj. Gen. David Hodne, commanding general of the 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson, recognizes Charles and Donna Watkins during the 45th annual Fort Carson Good Neighbor Induction Luncheon, April 14, 2022, at Fort Carson, Colorado. The Watkins unending loyalty and support to the Army community and military Families make them good neighbors to Fort Carson along with service members and their Families.

221021-N-ON904-1092 YOKOSUKA, Japan - (Oct. 21, 2022) Families and sponsors pin newly selected chief petty officers during the FY23 Chief Petty Officer Pinning Ceremony for Commander, Submarine Group 7, Defense Service Office (DSO) Pacific, and Commander, Naval Forces Japan held at the CNFJ Auditorium, Oct. 21. Seven Chief Petty Officer Selects were promoted to the rank of Chief Petty Officer during the ceremony. Each Sailor had their anchors pinned and donned their CPO covers for the first time in front of their fellow CPOs, command leadership, family and friends.

Soldiers with 11th Airborne Divisions 9th Army Band perform during the 52nd Annual Military Appreciation Banquet, June 11, 2022, at the Carlson Center in Fairbanks. The Greater Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce event recognized 13 Soldiers and Airmen, both active duty and Guard, and two civilians for their exceptional achievements and volunteer efforts in support of the military community.

From left: Clyde Cassidy, Maj. Gen. Greg Knight, Richard H. Hamilton, William B. Busier, and Ralph McClintock pose for a group photo after the POW/MIA Day observance at Camp Johnson, Vermont, on Sept. 16, 2022. POW/MIA Day is observed the third Friday of September to honor veterans who were held as prisoners of war or who were missing in action. Knight is Vermont's adjutant general. Cassidy, Hamilton, and Busier are former World War II POWs, and McClintock is a former crew member of the U.S.S. Pueblo, which was captured by North Korea in 1968.

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. Base: Usarc Puerto Nuevo State: Puerto Rico (PR) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: MACOMS

1st Sgt. Charles L. Johnson Retirement Ceremony, 30th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, Air Defense Artillery Commandant's Office, Fort Sill, Oklahoma. 1st Sgt. Charles L. Johnson retired today after 20 over years serving in the U.S. Army. His presence as a senior enlisted Soldier as part of the Air Defense community is one that will not soon be forgotten. Johnson spent over 8 years stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma and contributed immensely to the Air Defense mission by serving as a 1st Sgt. for 30th Air Defense Artillery and by leading troops towards careers of excellence while serving in the Commandant's office as the Operations NCO (Non-Commissioned Officer).Johnson served two tours overseas, one to Kuwait and one to Bahrain. His time there was well noted by the various military awards he received and prestigious accolades. Since gearing towards retirement Charles began studies in the hopes of becoming a teacher, but says that he would "still like to work close with A

Sieglinde Schmalzl, 40-year awardee, and Garrison Commander Col. Kevin Poole distribute cake to the other ceremony participants during the length of service award.

STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Mississippi (May 23, 2022) - Rear Adm. Ronald Piret, Commander, Navy Meteorology and Oceanography Command, presided over the promotions of Naval Oceanographys newest Senior and Master Chief Aerographers Mates at NASA Stennis Space Center, Mississippi May 23, 2022. Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command directs and oversees more than 2,500 globally-distributed military and civilian personnel who collect, process and exploit environmental information to assist Fleet and Joint Commanders in all warfare areas to make better decisions faster than the adversary.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Annika Hutsler, veteran, receives a medal for swimming, during the 2022 DoD Warrior Games in Orlando, Fla. on Aug. 26, 2022. The annual event celebrates the resiliency and dedication of wounded, ill, and injured U.S. Service Members and veterans.

STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Mississippi (May 23, 2022) - Rear Adm. Ronald Piret, Commander, Navy Meteorology and Oceanography Command, presided over the promotions of Naval Oceanographys newest Senior and Master Chief Aerographers Mates at NASA Stennis Space Center, Mississippi May 23, 2022. Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command directs and oversees more than 2,500 globally-distributed military and civilian personnel who collect, process and exploit environmental information to assist Fleet and Joint Commanders in all warfare areas to make better decisions faster than the adversary.

U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Ronald R. Ragin the commanding general for the 13th Expeditionary Sustainment Command poses for a family photo during a change of command ceremony at Ft. Hood, Texas, July 15, 2022. Soldiers with the 13th ESC honored the outgoing general and incoming commander, Brig. Gen. Sean P. Davis, by marking the event in traditional fashion by passing command to the incoming general.

220528-N-PW480-0412 CHICAGO (May 28, 2022) Commander, Naval Service Training Command (NSTC) Rear Adm. Jennifer Couture speaks with Rickover High School Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC) cadets during a Gold Star Family breakfast in the Walnut Room of Macys Department Store, May 28. Couture joined Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot, U.S. government representatives, and senior military officers to commemorate Memorial Day and remember service members who gave the ultimate sacrifice during their service to the United States. NSTC supports naval accessions training for 98 percent of the Navys new officers and enlisted Sailors. This training includes the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) at more than 160 colleges and universities across the country, Officer Training Command (OTC) in Newport, Rhode Island, Recruit Training Command (RTC), the Navys only boot camp, as well as the NJROTC and Navy National Defense Cadet Corps (NNDCC) citizenship development program at mo

U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Jason L. Morris, the Commanding General of Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) San Diego, and the Western Recruiting Region, gives the guest of honor, Lt. Gen. Ronald L. Bailey, USMC, Ret. a gift during a birthday ball ceremony in San Diego, Nov. 5, 2022. The Marine Corps birthday ball was held in traditional celebration of the founding of the United States Marine Corps on Nov. 10, 1775. (Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Grace J. Kindred)

030613-F-4705H-022. Base: Maxwell Air Force Base State: Alabama (AL) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: Army

Soldiers from the 1st Infantry Division interact with attendees of the Chicago Wolves Salute to Service game in Chicago, Illinois, Nov. 12, 2022. 1ID Soldiers attended the game and held a reenlistment ceremony after the second period.

220420-A-BS696-2773CHAMBERSBURG, Pa.Col. Rick Allbritton, commander, Letterkenny Army Depot, and Todd Black, deputy to the commander, present employees with awards for 40 Years of Service at the virtual awards ceremony at the depot April 20. Pictured are Timothy L. Cuff, Gerald D. Smeltzer, Reginald L. Tolbert and Barton R. Patterson, Jr., including Col. Rick Allbritton, commander, Letterkenny Army Depot and Todd Black, deputy to the commander.

LCDR Alfred Williams, Executive Officer of Naval Weapons Station Yorktown and Matthew Headrick, Military Educator at the Hampton Roads Naval Museum, cut a cake at the conclusion of a historical presentation about the Battle of Midway to servicemembers. The presentation occurred at Yorktowns Scudder Hall on Tuesday, June 7, 2022. The presentation coincided with the 80th Anniversary of the battle, which occurred on June 4-6, 1942.

240204-N-PN185-1018 - Cedar Park, Texas (Feb. 4, 2024) A local French horn student poses with the United States Navy Bands French horn section following the Navy Bands 2024 national tour concert at the Cedar Park High School Performing Arts Center. The Navy Band will travel 2500 ground miles over 18 days to 7 states, giving 12 public concerts as well as 5 performances for students in schools. Navy

Col. Jason Vattioni, 377th Air Base Wing commander, and members of Team Kirtland listen to a speech during the 75th Anniversary Air Force Ball at Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M., Oct. 14, 2022. The roaring 20s themed ball featured karaoke, food and refreshments, a photo booth, a cake cutting, and a speech by guest speaker Chief Master Sgt. Stephanie Cates, 377th Air Base Wing command chief.

230324-N-LN782-1156 (Mar. 24, 2023) U.S. Navy Recruit Training Command's Pass in Review in Great Lakes, Illinois, Mar. 24, 2023. More than 40,000 recruits train annually at the Navy's only boot camp

240204-N-PN185-1019 - Cedar Park, Texas (Feb. 4, 2024) Captain Kenneth Collins, the commanding officer/leader of the United States Navy Band, poses with a local student following the Navy Bands 2024 national tour concert at Cedar Park High School Performing Arts Center. The Navy Band will travel 2500 ground miles over 18 days to 7 states, giving 12 public concerts as well as 5 performances for students in schools. Navy

The 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Wisconsin Army National Guard, conducted a change-of-responsibility ceremony, August 7, 2022 at its headquarters company at Camp Douglas, WI. During the ceremony, Command Sgt. Maj. John L. Dietzler relinquished responsibility of the brigade to Command Sgt. Maj. Aaron J. Johnson.

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Andrew Ezell, the comptroller of 4th Marine Corps District (4MCD), poses for a photo with his family during his promotion ceremony at 4MCD headquarters, New Cumberland, Pa., Sept. 1, 2022. Promotion ceremonies are a significant achievement in a service members career and are a testament to their commitment, mastery of duties and skills, and leadership capabilities.

061117-N-1688B-056. Base: Virginia Beach State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Christopher Thola, a flight operations specialist with Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 3, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, re-enlists at Mount Soledad Veterans Memorial Park, San Diego, Calif. on July 21, 2022. I decided to re-enlist because I wanted to be present, and part of the Marine Corps being ready to respond to any crisis and contingency throughout the world. Something I have taken away from my career so far is that each Marine should continue to develop themselves with new experiences and perspectives.Thola is a Santa Clarita, Calif. native. The Marine Corps retains qualified Marines which improves leadership and its performance in competition and combat.

Military delegation visiting Main Interior for Toys for Tots promotional event, meetings with Secretary Dirk Kempthorne and other senior officials

031114-M-9903G-001. Base: USMC Recruit Depot,Parris Island State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Michael Bradley was promoted to lieutenant colonel at a promotion ceremony held at Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center, Mississippi, August 6, 2022. Bradley was pinned by his wife, Dawn, and his daughter, Farris. Col. Rick Weaver, commander of Camp Shelby, was also in attendance.

Brig. Gen. David G. Shoemaker, left, Headquarters U.S. Indo-Pacific Command deputy director for operations, encourages Lt. Col. Michael Edwards, 8th Mission Support Group deputy commander, to cut a cake, during a celebration for Brig. Gen. Robin Olds' 100th birthday at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, July 15, 2022. More than 150 service members gathered to celebrate and honor Olds for his 100th birthday.

Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen H. Hicks speaks at the National Capital Region ROTC Detachment commencement at Fort Myer, Virginia, May 20, 2022. The class of 2022 had 87 cadets with 14 of them commissioning as Distinguished Military Graduates, the top 20% of cadets in the nation.

Rear Adm. Laura Dickey, outgoing 5th District commander, and Rear Adm. Shannon Gilreath, incoming 5th District commander, stand for an interview by local media after the 5th District's change-of-command ceremony in Portsmouth, Virginia, May 11, 2022. The change of command is a time-honored tradition that promotes continuity and authority of command within the Coast Guard. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Emily Velez.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington president & CEO Gabrielle Webster talks with members of the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team after a performance for Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington Oct. 25, 2022, Washington, D.C. Webster is the Honorary Commander assigned to the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard. Joint Base Anacostia-Bollings Honorary Commander program helps strengthen the relationship between service members and the communities of the National Capital Region.

(From left to right) U.S. Army Medical Center of Excellence (MEDCoE) Commanding General, Maj. Gen. Dennis LeMaster, Florence Emery, representing the eldest Civilian teammate, Pvt. Frederick Leblanc, the youngest permanent party Soldier in the command, and MEDCoE Command Sgt. Maj. Clark Charpentier, cut an Army birthday cake during the Best of the Best award and cake cutting ceremony at JBSA-Fort Sam Houston, on the Armys 247th Birthday, June 14, 2022.

The 168th Wing hosted a Dining Out event in Fairbanks, Alaska, for Airmen to keep Air Force traditions alive and continue morale-building ceremonies. The Air Force Dining Out event started approximately in the 1930s with Army Air Corps General H. Hap Arnolds Wing Dings. The guest speaker at the 2022 168th WG Dining Out was Gregory D. Gadson, a motivational speaker, retired Colonel in the United States Army, and former commander of the U.S. Army Fort Belvoir Garrison. He is also a bilateral above-the-knee amputee.

Maj. Gen. Rodney Faulk, commanding general of the U.S. Army Reserves 99th Readiness Division (left), presents a four-year Minuteman Scholarship to Pvt. Ethan Korch, a signal support specialist with the 157th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion in Horsham, Pennsylvania, during a ceremony Jan. 3 at the New York Stock Exchange in Manhattan. Korch is set to attend Temple University where he will simultaneously serve in the U.S. Army Reserve Officer Training Corps as he prepares for service as an U.S. Army Reserve officer upon graduation. The Minuteman Campaign is a U.S. Army Cadet Command initiative to offer Guaranteed Reserve Forces Duty scholarships to candidates who self-select for service in the reserve component. The GRFD scholarship provides full tuition and fees or room and board for up to four years at a public or private school.

US Air Force SENIOR AIRMAN Eric Sawyer, 11th Wing, Bolling Air Force Base, Washington DC, celebrates by holding up the Sandler Cup award after winning first place in the base defense event during the closing ceremonies of DEFENDER CHALLENGE 2000. This competition showcases the talents and capabilities of 13 international Security Forces teams in seven physical fitness, base defense, and policing skills over six days. Subject Operation/Series: DEFENDER CHALLENGE 2000 Base: Lackland Air Force Base State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

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

U.S. Air Force Maj. Rafael Toro-Quinones, left. U.S. Air Forces in Europe Band commander and conductor, poses for a group photo with Honored Demonstration Band of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Senior Solider Anna Khabarova, right, soloist, Senior Airman Aliyah Richling, center right, USAFE Band vocalist, and National Presidential Orchestra of Ukraine Lt. Col. Maksym Husak, right, Deputy Head and Conductor, after a performance with the U.S. Air Forces in Europe Ambassadors Rock Band at the Przemyskie Centrum Kultury i Nauki Zamek in Przemyśl, Poland, Oct. 20, 2022. Through music, the USAFE Band serves as a bridge to increase our cultural ties and enrich the partnerships between the U.S. and Poland.

Chief Warrant Officer Five (CW5) Patrick J. Muenks retirement ceremony takes place at the Army Aviation Support Facility, Jefferson City, Mo., Sept. 23, 2022. Muenks retired after 41-years of dedicated service to the Missouri Army National Guard. (Photo by U.S. Army National Guard Spc. Rose Di Trolio.)

NAVAL BASE GUAM (Sept. 1, 2021) - Lt. Cmdr. Brian Matic relieved Cmdr. Constancia Dean as commanding officer of Navy Reserve Center (NRC) Guam during a change of command ceremony held at the U.S. Naval Base Guam Chapel. Formerly known as Navy Operational Support Center (NOSC) Guam, NRC Guam provides administrative, logistical, and medical support to nine Navy Reserve units, comprised of over 230 Navy Reservists residing and drilling in eight different countries and Guam.

050121-F-8109E-006. Base: Hickam Air Force Base State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

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.

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Caroline Miller (far left), Commander 502nd Air Base Wing and Joint Base San Antonio, and Chief Master Sgt. Casy Boomershine (left center), 502nd ABW/JBSA command chief, pose for a photo with Sandra Cortez (far left), Irma Iris Duran de Rodriguez (left), Elaine de los Santos (center right), Karrie Fristoe (right) and Allison Reyes (right), Mar. 31, 2022, Pfingston basic military center, JBSA-Lackland, Texas.

502nd Air Base Wing held an honorary commanders hail and farewell ceremony, March 31, 2023, at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. This program promotes mission partner relationships between Joint Base San Antonio and the 502nd Air Base Wing and community leaders throughout the city of San Antonio and surrounding areas.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Troy Taylor was appointed the twelfth Ohio state command chief for the Ohio Air National Guard during a change of authority ceremony on September 10, 2022, at Robert S. Beightler Armory in Columbus, Ohio. Maj. Gen. James Camp, the Assistant Adjutant General for Air, Ohio National Guard, performed the ceremony as Taylor accepted authority from the previous state command chief, Chief Master Sgt. Heidi Bunker.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Kristina Montgomery, 27th Special Operations Wing command chief, and Chief Master Sgt. Antonio Cooper, 14th Flying Training Wing command chief, preserves a commemorative scroll signed by the Airmen and Guardians of Air Force Special Operations Command and Air Education and Training Command during the Order of the Sword Ceremony at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, Oct. 15, 2022. This was the first dual major command Order of the Sword Ceremony, held to honor retired Lt. Gen. Brad Webb, the former commander of both AETC and AFSOC. The Order of the Sword is an honor awarded by noncommissioned officersto recognize an individual who has contributed significantly to the well-being and development of the enlisted force.

Vice Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. Randy A. George visits with 2022 DoD Warrior Games athletes during the closing ceremony at ESPN Wide World of Sports complex in Orlando, Florida on Aug. 28, 2022. The DoD Warrior Games are composed of over 200 wounded, ill and injured service members and veteran athletes, competing in 12 adaptive sporting events Aug. 19-28, 2022 at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida.

LisaPrattAnnouncedWinner7240.jpg: Co-host GeNienne Samuels (left) announces Army spouse Lisa Pratt (third from left) of Fort Carson, Colo., as the winner of the 2009 Operation Rising Star singing contest Nov. 20 at Wallace Theater on Fort Belvoir, Va. Runner-up Capt. Donald Williamson (second from left) moves to give Pratt a congratulatory hug alongside co-host Victor Hurtado and members of the U.S. Army Band's Downrange.

Military Working Dog Miko and Nick Armstrong, Mikos former handler, pose for a photo at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, Sept. 26, 2022. MWD Miko served seven years at the 4th Security Forces Squadron.

Congratulations to Col. Kara-Marie Delaney on her promotion.

051106-A-9419D-030. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Grand Ledge State: Michigan (MI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

040708-F-8217W-003. Base: San Antonio State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Troy Taylor was appointed the twelfth Ohio state command chief for the Ohio Air National Guard during a change of authority ceremony on September 10, 2022, at Robert S. Beightler Armory in Columbus, Ohio. Maj. Gen. James Camp, the Assistant Adjutant General for Air, Ohio National Guard, performed the ceremony as Taylor accepted authority from the previous state command chief, Chief Master Sgt. Heidi Bunker.

An Air Force 75th birthday cake is on display during the Air Force 75th Anniversary Ball Sept. 24, 2022, in Great Falls, Mont. Traditionally, the lowest and highest-ranking service members are the first to cut the cake. In addition, the ball provides an opportunity for Airmen to reflect and commemorate those who served before.

220408-N-IW288-0015 SEATTLE- Navy Counselor 1st Class Carlos Medina-Sanchez is highlighted as this week's Recruiter in the Spotlight.

Maj. Gen. Anthony R. Hale, U.S. Army Intelligence Center of Excellence and Fort Huachuca commanding general, stands with Sandra Fox, the daughter of 1st Lt. John R. Fox, Buffalo Soldier and Medal of Honor Recipient, during the 2nd annual Buffalo Soldier Day ceremony at Fitch Auditorium, July 28.

FORT OGLETHORPE, Ga. (Jan. 14, 2016) Capt. Matt Berta, left, commander of Navy Region South East Reserve Component Command, stands next to Vice Adm. Robin Braun, Chief of Navy Reserve, as she presents a Purple Heart shadow box to the widow of Logistics Specialist 2nd Class Randall Smith, and their three daughters. Smith sustained fatal gunshot wounds during the terrorist shootings July 16, 2015 at the Navy Operational Support Center in Chattanooga, Tenn.

Gov. Spencer Cox, left, and Mr. Gary Harder, Utah Department of Veterans and Military Affairs present Master Sgt. Brian Carpenter, 75th Air Base Wing, Hill Air Force, the State of Utah Service Member of the Year Awards at the Capitol Rotunda, June 9, 2022.Carpenters wife received the award on his behalf.The purpose of the awards is to recognize the outstanding performers from each of the major military entities in the state representing the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Space Force from active duty, guard and reserve organizations.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Marcus Odom, 334th Training Squadron flight chief and instructor supervisor, poses for a photo with his family during the Chief Master Sergeant Recognition Ceremony inside the Bay Breeze Event Center at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, April 8, 2022. Four Keesler Airmen earned their chief master sergeant stripe during the 2022 promotion release. Chief master sergeants make up one percent of the Air Force enlisted force.

Soldiers assigned to the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) and their families celebrate the Army's 247th Birthday with a Festival on Fort Myer, VA, on June 12, 2022. Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth, Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army Gen. James A. McConville, and Sgt. Maj. of the Army Michael A. Grinston hosted the event.

From right, retired U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Charles Rock, Master-at-Arms Seaman 3rd Class Marilynn Rawls, Master-at-Arms Seaman Jaxon Rinn, and Command Master Chief Dennis Hunt cut the birthday cake, in accordance with Navy tradition as the oldest and youngest Sailors present, during the Commander, Fleet Activities Sasebo (CFAS) Navy Ball held Oct. 13, 2022 at CFAS 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.

Darlene Kern, a deployment readiness coordinator with 8th Engineer Support Battalion, 2nd MLG, stands proudly with her award after her award ceremony on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Dec. 12, 2022. Kern received an award of appreciation for her dedicated 25 years serving the Department of Defense.

220503-N-SS900-1018 SAN DIEGO (May 3, 2022) A cake is displayed during a Carrier Strike Group One change of command ceremony aboard Naval Air Station North Island, May 3. During the ceremony, Rear Adm. Daniel Martin was relieved by Rear Adm. Carlos Sardiello as commander, Carrier Strike Group One.

of 2