Military Retirement Ceremonies

Photos capturing emotional moments during military retirement ceremonies, commemorating service members' years of dedication and commitment.

Lt. Col. Jeffrey Bishop receives the Meritorious Service Award for his time as the 131st Logistics Readiness Squadron commander at Whiteman Air Force Base Missouri, Sept. 11, 2022. He relinquished command to work at the Air National Guard Readiness Center in Maryland supporting the Manpower and Personnel Directorate.

Lt. Col. Mike Barton, Commander of the Illinois Army National Guard's 232nd Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, presents the retirement certificate to 1st Sgt. Tyler Heleine during Heleine's Sept. 10 retirement ceremony on Camp Lincoln, Springfield. Heleine, the Sheriff of Coles County, Illinois, retired after more than 21 years of service in the Illinois Army National Guard including a 2004-2005 tour in Iraq with the 1544th Transportation Co.

Yorktown, Va. (January 30, 2024) Master at Arms Chief Aaron J. Olander is presented with the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal by Captain Dan Patrick, Commanding Officer, Naval Weapons Station Yorktown during an all hands award quarters event at the installations Nelson Chapel.

Lt. Col. Jeffrey Bishop receives the Meritorious Service Award for his time as the 131st Logistics Readiness Squadron commander at Whiteman Air Force Base Missouri, Sept. 11, 2022. He relinquished command to work at the Air National Guard Readiness Center in Maryland supporting the Manpower and Personnel Directorate.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Anthony Maggio, the Equal Opportunity Director at the 117th Air Refueling Wing, holds a retirement ceremony at Sumpter Smith Joint National Guard Base, Alabama, Jan. 6, 2024. Maggio retired after 22 years in the United States Air Force and the Air National Guard.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. James Freeman, 17th Training Group deputy commander, presents the 315th Training Squadron Enlisted Student of the Month award to Airman 1st Class Madison DiCicco, 315th TRS student, Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, May 20, 2022. DiCicco worked hard for her award and has shown her dedication to her squadron and the training she received at Goodfellow.

Headquarters Detachment, Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center held an award ceremony for Annual Training 2022 at Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center, Mississippi, August 5, 2022.

Lt. Col. Shaun Cruze, commander 152nd Logistics Readiness Squadron, Senior Master Sgt. Rommie Brown and Col. Brian Gunderson, Nevada Air National Guard Director of Staff-Air pose after Brown was awarded the Maj. Gen. Drennan A. Clark Order of Nevada Medal during the April unit training assembly roll call at Nevada Air National Guard Base, Reno. Brown began his career with the United States Army in 1990, serving as a mechanized infantryman providing protection for soldiers. He then joined the Nevada Air National Guard in 1994, serving over 27 years with the Nevada Air National Guard in various positions in the 152nd Airlift Wing to include the 152nd Logistics Readiness Squadron and the 152nd Intelligence Squadron. This award is presented for exceptional service of 25 years to the United States Military. Of this service, 20 years must be in the Nevada National Guard. The member's career achievement must have had a significant impact on the Nevada Military and represent dignity and accomp

Col. Geoffrey Whittenberg, the outgoing commander, is presented with the Army Legion of Merit Medal, for his 29 months of faithful service to the 1st Armored Division Combat Aviation Brigade.

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, presents a retirement certificate to Sgt. 1st Class Gorup during the ceremony.

U.S. Air National Chief Master Sgt. Scott Fish awarded newly promoted Chief Master Sgt. Shawn Sperrey with the Chief Master Sgt. plaque February 3rd, 2024 at the 101st Air Refueling Wing, Bangor, Me. The Chief Master Sgt. plaque signifies the accomplishment of a valued service member who has reached the pinnacle of the enlisted ranking system. Air National Guard

U.S. Air Force Col. Josh B. Pyers, left, commander of the 387th Air Expeditionary Group, presents the Legion of Merit to Lt. Col. John D. Garvin, outgoing commander of the 387th Air Expeditionary Squadron, during a change of command ceremony at the base theater at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, June 2, 2022. Prior to arriving at Ali Al Salem, Garvin served as an assistant professor of leadership psychology at the United States Military Academy at West Point.

The 1st Battalion, 212th Aviation Regiment received the Order of Daedalians 2021 Lt. Gen. Allen M. Burdett, Jr. Army Aviation Flight Safety Award during a ceremony at U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence headquarters building June 21, 2022. Lt. Col. Edward C. Adams, commander, 1-212th commander, accepted the award from retired Maj. Gen. Ronald K. Andy Andreson, vice commander of the Order of Daedalians. Adams was joined by Command Sgt. Maj. Denep A. Garcia, 1-212th Aviation Regiment sergeant major, and Chief Warrant Officer 3 Miguel J. Aguirre, battalion aviation safety officer.

Headquarters Detachment, Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center held an award ceremony for Annual Training 2022 at Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center, Mississippi, August 5, 2022.

U.S. Air Force Tech Sgt. Lauren Hayes, receives the Linebacker of the Week Award from U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Paul R. Birch, 36th Wing commander, and U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. John E. Payne, 36th Wing command chief, at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, June 29, 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.

Let's give Tech. Sgt. Franki Torres from the 334th Training Squadron a shout-out for being chosen as the Warrior of the Week during this week's staff meeting! As a command and control battle management operator instructor, Torres has instructed 272 hours, trained two distinguished graduates and 176 Community College of the Air Force hours. Upon completion of the instructor supervisor course, he has overseen instructor evaluations, revision of course objectives and instructor qualification. As the squadron unit deployment manager, Torres ensures deployment readiness for 94 members, coordinates in/out area of responsibilities briefs, and monitors training requirements in support of two combatant commands. As the squadron unit control center, he ensures personnel are trained in duties and leads shift scheduling for both exercises and real world events, including the 334th TRS annual HURCON exercise which encompasses training for 130 personnel. Additionally, his passion for learning is see

U.S. Air Force Col. Clinton Wilson, center, commander of the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing, presents Lt. Col. Nicholas Gronlund, the outgoing commander of the 386th Expeditionary Communications Squadron, with the Legion of Merit during a change of command ceremony at the base theater at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, June 27, 2022. Gronlund led over 120 Airmen, providing critical communications support to 6,000 joint service and coalition personnel across three bases.

U.S. Army Gen. Ed Daly, U.S. Army Materiel Command commander, presents U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Heidi Hoyle, outgoing Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command commander, the Distinguished Service Medal for her dedication to the command June 23, 2022, at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois. Hoyle was the 22nd Commanding General in SDDC history.

Maj. Gen. Matthew V. Baker, commanding general for the 88th Readiness Division, presents Col. Adam T. Dietrich, outgoing commander of the Mission Command Support Group (MCSG), 88th Readiness Division, with the Meritorious Service Medal for his dedicated service at the change of command ceremony at Ft. Snelling, Minnesota, Nov. 20, 2022. MCSG supports over 30 subordinate units within the 88th Readiness Division.

U.S. Army Spc. Brianna Mazza, assigned to the 628th Aviation Support Battalion, 28th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade is recognized by Maj. Gen. Mark Schindler at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pa. October 23 for her first place finish in the Pennsylvania National Guards 2022 summer photo contest.

Col. Mitchell Sieglock, commander of the 96th Aviation Troop Command, presents Chief Warrant Officer 3 Ryan Schwend, a CH-47 Chinook helicopter pilot with 1st Battalion, 168th General Support Aviation, with the U.S. Army Aviation's Broken Wing Award in a ceremony held at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, June 18, 2022. Schwend and the rest of his crew successfully landed their catastrophically damaged Chinook during a mission in Afghanistan in 2020.

Let's give Staff Sgt. Patrick Lanier from the 81st Training Wing a shout-out for being chosen as the Warrior of the Week during this week's staff meeting! Lanier has provided exceptional support to the 81st TRW as the Command Post's Command and Control Operations Systems NCO in charge. He played a key role in the Keesler Command Posts renovation totaling in excess of $450,000. He monitors and maintains all Command Post communication systems, software and program applications, specifically the Emergency Mass Notification System (Giant Voice and AtHoc) as the Keesler Air Force Base AtHoc account manager. Lanier is an asset to the 81st TRW as he has boosted the command post mission capabilities for two major commands, Numbered Air Forces, wings and multiple tenant units.

Lt. Col. Stephen Frodsham, 192nd Wing inspector general, retires from the Virginia Air National Guard after a career of more than 22 years, on April 1, 2023, at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia.

Brig. Gen. Thomas Vickers gives Staff Sgt. Kyle Robinson his graduation certificate. Robinson, along with fifteen others, graduated from the Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP) Foundation Course on May 27, 2022 at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait. He and the others will work to combat sexual harassment and assault in their units and the Army.

Chief Master Sgt. Maurice Williams, command chief master sergeant of the Air National Guard, coins Master Sgt. Nick Kuykendall for outstanding performance on Sept. 11, 2022. Kuykendall is the 231st Civil Engineering Flight superintendent at Jefferson Barracks Air National Guard Base, St. Louis, Missouri.

Four Nevada Air Guardsmen graduated from the Community College of the Air Force during the August drill, August 13, 2022. Col. David R. Chauvin, chief of staff, assigned to the Nevada Air National Guard presented each graduate their diploma at the Nevada Air National Guard base, Reno, Nevada.

Col. Mathew Gaetke, 51st Operations Group commander, left, presents Lt. Col. William Yoakley, 51st Operations Support Squadron outgoing commander, a Meritorious Service Medal at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, June 7, 2022. The MSM is an award presented to members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguish themselves through outstanding meritorious achievement or service to the U.S. Yoakleys dedication and leadership of the 51st OSS earned him the MSM.

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY SOUDA BAY, Greece (June 29, 2022) Master-at-Arms Third Class Danielle Morris receives a promotion memorandum from Navy Capt. Rafael C. Facundo, commanding officer, Naval Support Activity Souda Bay, Greece, during a frocking ceremony held in the base gym on June 29, 2022. Naval Support Activity Souda Bay is an operational ashore base that enables U.S., Allied, and Partner nation forces to be where they are needed when they are needed to preserve security and stability in the European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility.

U.S. Air Force Col. Angelina Maguinness, 17th Training Group commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Breana Oliver, 17th TRG superintendent, present Airman 1st Class Cassian Utrie, 315th Training Squadron student, a 17th TRG Student of the Month award for March 2022, Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, April 15, 2022. Utrie worked hard for his award and has shown his dedication to his squadron and the training he received at Goodfellow.

220726-N-WF272-1049 YORK, Pa. (July 26, 2022) U.S. Navy Lt. Joshua Udy, a native of Colorado Springs, Colo., enlisted programs officer assigned to Navy Talent Acquisition Group Philadelphia, presents a reenlistment certificate to Firecontrolman (Aegis) 1st Class Christopher Odierno, a native of San Diego, during a reenlistment ceremony held at Navy Recruiting Station York, July 26, 2022. NTAG Philadelphia encompasses regions of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland and West Virginia, providing recruiting services from more than 30 talent acquisition sites with the overall goal of attracting the highest quality candidates to ensure the ongoing success of Americas Navy.

Col. John Goodson III took the reins of the 37th Training Group from Col. Joyce Storm July 22 at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. Col. Lauren Courchaine, 37th Training Wing commander, presided over the ceremony.

Chief Master Sgt. Maurice Williams, command chief master sergeant of the Air National Guard, coins Senior Airman Joseph Kummer for outstanding performance on Sept. 11th, 2022. Kummer is a Cyber Security Operator for the 239th Combat Communications Squadron at Jefferson Barracks Air National Guard Base, St. Louis, Missouri.

U.S. Army Col. Travis McIntosh, 10th CAB Commander, and Falcon Soldiers, welcomed Col. Michael Babin, the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) Commander, and Canadian Troops to Fort Drum, NY June 21, 2022. The RCAF 1 Wing Troops flew to Wheeler-Sack Army Airfield on their CH-147F, the equivalent to our CH-47F Chinook helicopter.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Jennifer Mack, right, is awarded the Meritorious Service Medal by Col. Erik Dunn, 673d Mission Support Group commander during the 673d Force Support Squadron change of command ceremony at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, July 18, 2022.

U.S. Air National Guard Chief Master Sgt. Christopher Labonte, former member of the 101st Maintenance Squadron, holds his retirement ceremony, September 10th, 2022, at the 101st Air Refueling Wing, Bangor, Maine. Labonte retires after 26 years of service.

Lt. Col. Mark Jordan and Sgt. Maj. John Maison receive the 2022 Air Traffic Control Unit of the Year Award on behalf of 1st Battalion, 107th Aviation Regiment, Tullahoma, Tennessee, 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.

Brig. Gen. Thomas Vickers gives 1st Lt. Courtney Green her graduation certificate. Green, along with fifteen others, graduated from the Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP) Foundation Course on May 27, 2022 at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait. She and the others will work to combat sexual harassment and assault in their units and the Army.

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY SOUDA BAY, Greece (Feb. 15, 2024) Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Logan Conklin, assigned to Naval Support Activity (NSA) Souda Bay, Greece, receives a Flag Letter of Commendation from Capt. Odin J. Klug, commanding officer, NSA Souda Bay, on behalf of Rear Adm. Brad Collins, commander, Navy Region Europe, Africa, Central, during an awards ceremony on Feb. 15, 2024. NSA Souda Bay is an operational ashore installation that 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. Navy

Maj. Timothy Ladwig (left), plans officer in charge, 1st Theater Sustainment Command, is presented the Army commendation medal by Dr. Steven Dewey, deputy support operations officer, 1st TSC at Fort Knox, Kentucky, June 14, 2022.

Capt. Eric Lanser, 168th Medical Group, 168th Wing received the Alaska Domestic Emergency Ribbon upon returning home from assisting communities affected by the remnants of Typhoon Merbok in Nome, Alaska, Sept. 30, 2022. The Alaska Joint Task Force members removed more than 180,000 pounds of debris and logged more than 3,000 work hours across 32 communities. (Alaska National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Julie Avey)

Team Charleston welcomes its newest honorary commanders at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, Nov. 4, 2022. The purpose of the Honorary Commander program is to establish and maintain relationships with local civic leaders in order to increase public awareness of the Air Force missions and programs.

Lt. Gen. Alexus G. Grynkewich, Ninth Air Force (Air Forces Central) commander (right), presents a gift to Lt. Gen. Maan Al-Saadi, Iraqi Air Defense commander at the IAF headquarters, Baghdad, Iraq, Sep. 6, 2022. During his visit, Grynkewich met with Iraqi military and embassy leaders to better integrate military operations, strengthen resolute partnerships and ensure security within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. (US. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Dominic Tyler)

Brig. Gen. Toni Lord, Virginia National Guard air component commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Kelly Reich, Virginia Air Guard state command chief master sergeant, present the Air Combat Command Superior Performance Award to Staff Sgt. James Rowe on Aug. 7, 2022, at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia.

WASHINGTON, DC (June 30, 2022) - Capt. Mark Burns (left), Naval Support Activity Washington commanding officer, frocks Master-at-Arms 3rd Class William Robles-Gonzalez (right) to the rate of 2nd class during a ceremony held onboard Washington Navy Yard.

Lt. Col. Farrah Schluter, 301st Logistics Readiness Squadron commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Angela Rooney, 301 FW LRS senior enlisted leader, hold Rooneys retirement order at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, Texas on June 4, 2022. Rooney officially retires in October 2022, after 25 years of military service.

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY SOUDA BAY, Greece (July 21, 2022) Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Blue Richison receives a promotion memorandum from Navy Capt. Rafael C. Facundo, commanding officer, Naval Support Activity Souda Bay, Greece, during a frocking ceremony held in the base gym on July 21, 2022. Naval Support Activity Souda Bay is an operational ashore base that enables U.S., Allied, and Partner nation forces to be where they are needed when they are needed to preserve security and stability in the European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility.

Maj. Nathan Thomsen (left), 788th Civil Engineer Squadron commander, presents the Air Force Civilian Achievement Award to Fire Emergency Services Flight Assistant Chief Larry Osterhage on Oct. 25, 2022, during the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Fire Station 2 at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. Osterhage oversaw construction of the new facility, which upgrades the living and working environments for firefighters and shortens emergency response times on the flightline.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Courtney Garrett, 35th Force Support Squadron, accepts the 35th Fighter Wing Honor Guardsman of the Quarter award, from Col. Jesse Friedel, 35th FW commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Aaron Sanchez, 35th FW acting command chief, during the first quarter award ceremony at Misawa Air Base, Japan, May 20, 2022. The purpose of the 35th FW Awards Program is to recognize the outstanding professionalism, technical competence, and extraordinary performance of members in the categories of enlisted, officer, civilian, and teams.

U.S. Air Force Col. Catherine Cat Logan, commander of Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling and the 11th Wing, and Chief Master Sgt. Clifford Lawton, senior enlisted leader of JBAB and command chief of the 11th WG, award Tech. Sgt. Brandon Miller, 11th Civil Engineer Squadron power production supervisor, with a certificate for a Strips for Exceptional Performers promotion, Nov. 23, 2022, at JBAB, Washington D.C. The STEP program allows commanders an opportunity to immediately promote enlisted Airmen who exhibit exceptional potential beyond their rank.

Let's give Airman Chinmayee Lalgondar from the 81st Comptroller Squadron a shout-out for being chosen as the Warrior of the Week during this week's staff meeting! She proactively took personal responsibility of the outstanding order process and revived the program by making a concerted effort to assist members in completing their voucher, reducing the number of outstanding documents by over 50% in less than three months. Lalgondar's efforts cleared 190 outstanding orders valued at $160,000, which prevented GTC delinquencies and put much-needed cash in the pockets of returning deployers.

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY SOUDA BAY, Greece (June 29, 2022) Boatswains Mate Second Class Colin Sahlbom receives a promotion memorandum from Navy Capt. Rafael C. Facundo, commanding officer, Naval Support Activity Souda Bay, Greece, during a frocking ceremony held in the base gym on June 29, 2022. Naval Support Activity Souda Bay is an operational ashore base that enables U.S., Allied, and Partner nation forces to be where they are needed when they are needed to preserve security and stability in the European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility.

Staff Sgt. Amber L. Starnes, Company D, 1st Battalion, 222d Aviation Regiment, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, receives the 2022 Army Aviation Trainer 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.

Chris Thompson with the Fort McCoy Directorate of Human Resources receives a commander's coin for excellence and a special appreciation letter from the Garrison Command Team on April 7, 2022, from Garrison Commander Col. Michael Poss at Fort McCoy, Wis. Thompson was being recognized for excellent customer service, and more.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Nathan Thomsen, 788th Civil Engineering Squadron commander, inducts and presents Toni Overholser, Clark State Community College Advancement vice president, with an Honorary Commanders certificate and commanders pin Oct. 12 at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. The Honorary Commanders Program objective is to educate local leaders about a units mission and foster a supportive relationship with the community.

Lt. Col. Kevin Easter relinquishes command of the 1-229th Attack Battalion, 16th Combat Aviation Brigade to Lt. Col. Nicholas Holten at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash. on Jun. 10, 2022.

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.

Our Wyvern Warrior Team of the Weeks members are Master Sgt. Wykeisha Opoku, Tech Sgt. David Monroy, Staff Sgt. Heather Gilbert, Senior Airman Julian Jordan and Senior Airman Preston Hatter, from the 31st Medical Support Squadron Resource Management Office (RMO).The RMO flight oversees the 31st Medical Groups $11.6 million budget. The team identified a seven-year third-party collections billing error that resulted in $1.3 million in lost funds. They then screened patients during front desk check-in procedures to gain third party insurer information and prevent misspent government funds. The changes boosted compliance from 21% to 90%.The team also facilitated the Defense Health Agency (DHA) manpower realignment by verifying and updating 50 local national and GS personnel files as well as 2,000 line items, ensuring a seamless transfer of function. They were proactive with the realignment through establishing relationships with the U.S. Army to coordinate DoD Civilian Personnel Office tra

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. John V. Meyer III (left), the commanding general of the 1st Infantry Division and Fort Riley, presents U.S. Army Col. Thomas B. Bull Smith (right), the outgoing commander of the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, with the Legion of Merit Award before a change of command ceremony May 25, 2022, Fort Riley, Kansas. Smith received the award for his meritorious service while serving as the 2ABCT commander.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Wymon Fillerup, center, 35th Operations Support Squadron intelligence analyst, Col. Michael Richard, left, 35th Fighter Wing commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Aaron Sanchez, right, 35th Mission Support Group senior enlisted leader, pose for a photo after Fillerup was coined for the Wild Weasel of the Week at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Aug. 11, 2022. Fillerup received recognition from Misawas top leadership for his outstanding performance and community involvement.

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)

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY SOUDA BAY, Greece (Jan. 11, 2024) Air Traffic Controller 2nd Class Andrew Gaylord, assigned to Naval Support Activity (NSA) Souda Bay, Greece, receives a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal from Capt. Odin J. Klug, commanding officer, NSA Souda Bay, during an awards ceremony on Jan. 11, 2024. 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.

U.S. Air National Guard Brig. Gen. Edwin Vanderworlde, South Dakota National Guard Director, Joint Staff of Joint Force Headquarters, passes the state command chief sword to incoming Command Chief Master Sgt. Andy Anderson, South Dakota National Guard, during a state command chief change of responsibility ceremony at Joe Foss Field, South Dakota, Sept. 10, 2022. The sword symbolizes a formal transfer of command chief responsibilities and duties from one command chief to another.

QUANTICO, Va. (June 16, 2022) - DCSA Director William Lietzau awards and pins the Defense Meritorious Service Medal (DMSM) on Army Tech. Sgt. Marcus Ayala at an award ceremony. Ayala - the first U.S. Armed Forces member to receive the DMSM from DCSA - received the medal in front of his family, friends and colleagues after distinguishing himself with exceptional meritorious achievement while on active duty as a budget analyst and financial manager.

Let's give Sgt. Steven Kloberdanz from the Keesler Marine Detachment a shout-out for being chosen as the Warrior of the Week during this week's staff meeting! He is a qualified instructor for the General Purpose Electronic Test Equipment Calibration and Maintenance School and serves as the subject matter expert within three courses of instruction. He is also a qualified instructor for the Intermediate Level Calibration of Physical/Dimensional Test and Measuring Systems Course as well as the Advance Calibration Technical School. Kloberdanz has provided 926 hours of college-level instruction in five separate courses of instruction to 22 different classes instructing a total of 260 Navy and Marine Corps entry level students and fleet personnel.

U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Scott Beeson, the U.S. Army Center for Initial Military Training command sergeant major, shakes hands with Staff Sgt. Joshua Lagle, distinguished leadership board winner of Class 03-22, Advance Leaders Course at the U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence Noncommissioned Officer Academy April 4, 2022 at Fort Eustis, Virginia.

Staff Sgt. Nicholas Irvin of the Alaska Joint Task Force, 168th Security Forces, 168th Wing received the Alaska Domestic Emergency Ribbon upon returning home from assisting communities affected by the remnants of Typhoon Merbok in Nome, Alaska, Sept. 30, 2022. The Alaska Joint Task Force members removed more than 180,000 pounds of debris and logged more than 3,000 work hours across 32 communities. (Alaska National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Julie Avey)

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Jacquita Melton assumed the role of Command Chief of the Ohio Air National Guard's 178th Wing in Springfield, Ohio during a change of authority ceremony held Dec. 3, 2022. Melton is the ninth command chief master sergeant of the Ohio National Guard's 178th Wing.

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY SOUDA BAY, Greece (Feb. 15, 2024) Master-at-Arms 1st Class Mark Gallegos, assigned to Naval Support Activity (NSA) Souda Bay, Greece, receives a Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal from Capt. Odin J. Klug, commanding officer, NSA Souda Bay, during an awards ceremony on Feb. 15, 2024. NSA Souda Bay is an operational ashore installation that 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. Navy

YOKOSUKA, Japan (Oct. 20, 2022) Capt. Les Sobol, Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY) presents a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (NAM) to Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Nathan Lamoureux during an award ceremony at Benny Decker Theater onboard CFAY. For more than 75 years, CFAY has provided, maintained, and operated base facilities and services in support of the U.S. 7th Fleet's forward-deployed naval forces, tenant commands, and thousands of military and civilian personnel and their families.

WASHINGTON, DC (June 30, 2022) - Capt. Mark Burns (left), Naval Support Activity Washington commanding officer, frocks Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Katleen Puentes (right) to the rate of 2nd class during a ceremony held onboard Washington Navy Yard.

Master Sergeant Jose P. Mendoza is promoted to the rank of Sergeant Major at a very special ceremony including words by special guest CSM Brian A. Hester, Command Sergeant Major, Army Futures Command, at AFC Headquarters in Austin, TX on October 14th, 2022 (US Army Photo by Patrick Hunter)

220826-N-EJ241-1002DIEGO GARCIA, British Indian Ocean Territory (Aug. 26, 2022) - Chief Master-at-Arms Zane E. Kentner, assigned to U.S. Navy Support Facility (NSF) Diego Garcia, receives a Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal from Capt. John F. Wilson, commanding officer of NSF Diego Garcia during awards at quarters. NSF Diego Garcia provides logistic, service, recreational, and administrative support to U.S. and allied forces forward deployed to the Indian Ocean and Arabian Gulf.

U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Manuel Rios, right, the senior enlisted leader of 11th Combat Aviation Brigade (CAB), and Sgt. Andrew Green, left, with 90th Aviation Support Battalion, 11th CAB, pose with a Certificate of Achievement at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, May 25, 2022. 11th CAB leadership presented Green a Certificate of Achievement for excelling in his duties as a paralegal specialist while mobilized in support of Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve.

Master Sgt. Christopher Kronenwetter, Michigan Air National Guard Chaplain Corps Superintendent, receives the 2021 Air Force Chaplain Corps Minuteman Award by Col. Leah Boling, Director, Air National Guard Chaplain Corps at the 110th Wing, Battle Creek Air National Guard Base, Mich., June 4, 2022. The award is given annually to one Religious Affairs Airman for excellence in his/her field, and for going above and beyond typical responsibilities. Kronenwetters leadership nominated him for the 2021 Minuteman Award for his outstanding work in the Wing and the State of Michigan. He contributes his success to a supportive family, leadership, and peers that cultivate an environment for professional growth. Pictured left to right, Chief Master Sgt. Andre Williamson, Career Field Manager, Air National Guard Corps, Master Sgt. Cristopher Kronenwetter, Col. Leah Boling, and Col. Shawn Holtz, Commander, 110th Wing, Air National Guard Base, Mich.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Nathan Olsen,49th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, center, receives a certificate from U.S. Air Force Maj. Donald Bolda, 49th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron commander, left, during the 2022 Dedicated Crew Chief Appointment Ceremony at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, Nov. 18, 2022. To receive the title of DCC, a crew chief must demonstrate a history of superior performance in their career, comply with all safety practices and complete all required training.

Staff Sgt. Ryan P. Hunter, Det. 1, Company C, 2d Battalion, 238th Aviation Regiment, Frankfort, Kentucky, receives the 2022 DUSTOFF Flight Medic 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.

Yuma Test Center Commander Lt. Col. Shane Dering awarded Jonathan Clark a Civilian Service Achievement Medal Jan 18.

U.S. Space Force Lt. Gen. Stephen Whiting (left) and Chief Master Sgt. John Bentivegna, Commander and Senior Enlisted Leader of Space Operations Command, recognize Mr. Phillip Gramling (center) at SpOC Headquarters at Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado, April 21, 2022.

U.S. Navy Capt. Paul Tremblay, the III Marine Expeditionary Force (III MEF) Chaplain, and his spouse Cheri Tremblay present a Legion of Merit on Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan, June 7, 2022. Trembley was awarded for his dedicated and faithful service to III MEF.

U.S. Army Spc. Isaac Eriksen, left, an infantryman assigned to the 1st Battalion, 102nd Infantry Regiment, Connecticut Army National Guard, receives the Soldier of the Year award from U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Roger Sicard, right, the state Command Sergeant Major, Connecticut Army National Guard, inside the auditorium of the Regional Training Institute at Camp Nett, Niantic, Connecticut, East Lyme, Connecticut, March 26, 2023. The 2023 Connecticut Army National Guard Best Warrior Competition drew soldiers from across the Connecticut Army National Guard and over the course of three days these competitors faced off against one another in a variety of events testing their physical fitness, land navigation skills, marksmanship skills and warrior task competencies.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Duke A. Pirak, left, deputy director, Air National Guard, presents the General Larry O. Spencer Innovation Award to Maj. Nick Detloff, center left, mission crew commander, 225th Air DefenseSquadron, Western Air Defense Sector; Capt. Sharon Torres, center right, 143rd Cyber Space Operations Squadron; Senior Airman Lance Richards, tactical air control party specialist, 116th Air Support Operations Squadron, onOct. 27, 2022, at Camp Murray, Washington. This award represents an individual or team who demonstrated innovation that improves efficiency, operational readiness, and replication of innovation across the U.S. Air Force. (Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Emily Moon)

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY SOUDA BAY, Greece (Nov. 28, 2022) Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Raul Gonzalez, assigned to Naval Support Activity (NSA) Souda Bay, Greece, receives a frocking letter from Capt. Odin J. Klug, commanding officer, NSA Souda Bay, during a frocking ceremony at the Fitness Center on Nov. 28, 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.

220804-N-FD648-1028 NORFOLK, VA - Rear Adm. Dennis Velez, commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 10 and George H.W. Bush CSG,left, awards a Bravo Zulu to Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Colton Macluney aboard the Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser USS Vicksburg (CG 69) August 4, 2022.

U.S. Marines pose for a photo with volunteer Lindsey Knowles at the Volunteer Appreciation Ceremony on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 3, 2023. The Volunteer Appreciation Ceremony provides units in the Camp Lejeune area the opportunity to recognize Marines, Sailors, and family members who earned a Presidential Volunteer Service Award or made a significant impact through their volunteer efforts.

Col. Rhett Blackmon, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Galveston District (SWG) presents Paul Cox an SWG Certificate of Appreciation for volunteering to participate in the Black History Month observance. Cox, an engineering technician, portrayed film director, author, and photojournalist Gordon Parks.

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.

Let's give Tech. Sgt. Shaniqua Anderson from the 81st Operational Medical Readiness Squadron a shout-out for being chosen as the Warrior of the Week during this week's staff meeting! Anderson manages two sections, leads 16 personnel and oversees 11 programs. She has coordinated 1,200 medical evaluations, 200 deployment clearances and 3,000 ancillary tests enabling $3.7 million in healthcare services. Additionally, Anderson revised the periodic health assessment standard of operation, improving the completion rate by 7%, driving the periodic health assessment readiness to 99.8% which was key to Air Education and Training Commands number one rating. Furthermore, she has implemented weekly medical standards training, coordinated three professional development seminars and forged individual medical readiness working groups where she enhanced the growth of 60 Airmen.

U.S. Army Reserve Brig. Gen. Michael Yost, 807th Deputy Commanding General, pins the Purple Heart on Sgt. 1st Class Andrea, 1972nd Medical Detachment (Combat Stress Control) Behavioral Health NCO, on Sept. 11, 2022, at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.

628th Air Base Wing annual award winners are presented with an award from 628th ABW leadership during the 2023 628th ABW Annual Awards Ceremony at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, Feb. 8, 2024. 628th ABW leadership recognized the accomplishments in numerous categories to include enlisted Airmen, Sailors, officers, civilians, and teams. Air Force

HIALEAH, Fla. (Feb. 9, 2024) Navy Talent Acquisition Group (NTAG) Miami Commanding Officer Cmdr. Johnny Lykins presents a Navy and Marines Corps Achievement Award to Aviation Ordnance 1st Class Robert Gonzales, during a presentation held at Navy Reserve Center Miami in Hialeah, Fla., on February 9, 2024. NTAG Miami, has 38 recruiting locations throughout South Florida, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, with the combined mission to recruit the highest caliber Sailors to meet the needs of the Fleet. Navy

Tech. Sgt. Louis Veliz, center, 66th Security Forces Squadron physical security noncommissioned officer in charge, poses for a picture with Lt. Col. Richard Baysinger, immediate left, 66th Air Base Group deputy commander, and Chief Master Sgt. William Hebb, far left, and other defenders during the E-7 release ceremony at Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., June 2.

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY SOUDA BAY, Greece (July 21, 2022) Boatswains Mate 2nd Class Rebecca Brook is acknowledged as the Sailor of the Quarter by Navy Capt. Rafael C. Facundo, commanding officer, Naval Support Activity Souda Bay, Greece, during an awards-at-quarters ceremony in the base gym on July 21, 2022. Naval Support Activity Souda Bay is an operational ashore base that enables U.S., Allied, and Partner nation forces to be where they are needed when they are needed to preserve security and stability in the European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility.

Gov. Andy Beshear, left, presents the Kentucky Governors Outstanding Unit Citation to the Kentucky Air National Guards 123rd Special Tactics Squadron during Leadership Development Day at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Ky., Feb. 5, 2023. The award recognizes the units rescue efforts following tornadoes and flooding that struck the Commonwealth in 2021 and 2022. The Airmen cleared 140,000 square feet of rubble at a collapsed factory, evacuated 40 flood victims and recovered four missing children.

U.S. Air Force Gen. Mike Minihan, left, Air Mobility Command commander, andChief Master Sgt. Brian Kruzelnick, right, AMC command chief, congratulateMaster Sgt. David Suter, 735th Air Mobility Squadron, for being named AMC'sMaintenance Professional of the Year, senior non-commissioned officecategory, during an AMC All Call with 735th AMS and 515th Air MobilityOperations Wing personnel at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii June 22,2022.

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY SOUDA BAY, Greece (Aug. 25, 2022) Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Michael Wright, assigned to Naval Support Activity Souda Bay, receives a Joint Service Commendation Medal from Capt. Odin Klug, commanding officer, Naval Support Activity Souda Bay, Greece, during an award ceremony, Aug. 25, 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.

Mr. Steve Austin, the Assistant Chief of the Army Reserve, visits the Integrated Personnel and Pay System - Army (IPPS - A) Reserve component cutover team and gifts a start note to CW3 Jonathan Faber on Dec. 6, 2022 in Arlington, VA. The USAR has approximately 60 in-person participants from every MSC across the Reserve and approximately 300 online assistants with the IPPS - A brownout and cutover tasks. Mr. Austin came to personally recognize their dedicated efforts and how important their roles are as cutover members setting up commands for success.

Master Sgt. Gregory A. Fellows receives the Bronze Star Medal Sept. 1, 2022, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. Fellows led a Recovery Task Force and provided a staging area in order to react to base-wide medical emergencies in Afghanistan on August 29, 2021.

TINIAN, Northern Mariana Islands (Sept. 14, 2022) - Guest speaker Rear Admiral Benjamin Nicholson, left, Commander, Joint Region Marianas, presented Capt. Lance Flood, 30 NCR outgoing commander, the Legion of Merit for his leadership, during a change of command ceremony held at the 107th Seabee Memorial in Tinian, Northern Mariana Islands, Sept. 9.Capt. Flood demonstrated innovative leadership. His efforts have made the Fleet more ready today and set the path toward shaping the Naval Construction Force of tomorrow.30 NCR conducts tactical and operational level planning, maintains major contingency response capability, and executes general engineering across the full range of military operations within the USINDOPACOM area of responsibility, fulfilling CTF 75 requirements in order to support the combatant command and other service component efforts to protect and defend the United States, its territories, allies, and interests; promote regional security and deter aggression. 30 NCR over

Fort McCoy Garrison Commander Col. Michael Poss and Fort McCoy Garrison Deputy Commander Lt. Col. Chad Maynard present an employee with the Fort McCoy Directorate of Public Works (DPW) with an award on June 1, 2022, at Fort McCoy, Wis. Thirty-one DPW employees received Army Civil Service Commendation and Achievement Medals for Operation Allies Welcome (OAW) support. OAW took place at Fort McCoy between Aug. 15, 2021, and Feb. 15, 2022. The installation supported the housing, processing, and relocating of approximately 13,000 Afghan guests who were airlifted from Afghanistan in August 2021.

YOKOSUKA, Japan (May 23, 2022) - Rear Adm. Richard Seif, commander, Submarine Group Seven, right, and Erin Seif, Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society Honorary Chair of Volunteers, left, present a certificate of appreciation to Machinist Specialist 1st Class Petty Officer William Jordan, for his support raising funds during the 2022 NMCRS Active Duty Fund Drive onboard Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka, May 23. At the end of each ADFD season, NMCRS offices from around the world host an appreciation ceremony recognizing commands that have the highest donation per capita, the highest donation contribution, and outstanding command key persons for the Marine Corps and the Navy. NMCRS is a private, non-profit organization that has been financially assisting Marines, sailors and their families through interest-free loans and grants since 1904. For more than 75 years, CFAY has provided, maintained, and operated base facilities and services in support of the U.S. 7th Fleets forward-deployed nav

Marianne Malizia, director of diversity and inclusion for the Air Force, presents the Air and Space Force Commendation Medal to Maj. Julie Clavier during a Department of the Air Force Pride celebration at the Pentagon, Arlington, Va., June 6, 2022. Guests spoke about the importance of diversity, inclusion and the contributions of LGBTQ service members in the military.

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