Service Recognition and Achievements

Images of military personnel receiving awards and certificates, recognizing valuable contributions and accomplishments within their respective roles.

Blanchfield Army Community Hospital conducted a change of Responsibility ceremony where Command Sgt. Maj. Marlon E. Faulds relinquished responsibility of his position to Master Sgt. Johnny D. Thompson, December 9, 2022, at Wilson Theater on Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

Spc. Aaron Nunez, Arkansas National Guard, receives an award from Command Sgt. Major John Hernandez, Oklahoma state command sergeant major, for being the runner up for Best Soldier in the National Guard Region V Best Warrior Competition at the Regional Training Institute, Oklahoma City, May 20, 2022. Soldiers from across six states tested their physical and mental proficiency to earn the title Best Warrior at Camp Gruber Training Center, near Braggs, Okla., May 15-20, 2022. (Oklahoma National Guard photo by Spc. Caleb Stone)

Tech. Sgt. Ebonee Thomas, a Production Recruiter for the state of Alabama, presents two Recruiting Lead Generation Certificates to members of Wing Staff at Sumpter Smith Joint National Guard Base, Alabama, Jan. 7, 2024. This certificate signifies that the member has provided a lead that led to an individual joining the Air National Guard.

Staff Sgt. Scott McGowan, a Company A, 1st Battalion, 222d Aviation Regiment drill sergeant, receives an Army Commendation Medal from Col. Jake Miller, 128th Aviation Brigade commander, for winning the 128th Aviation Brigade Drill Sergeant of the Year competition, at Fort Eustis, Virginia, April 14, 2022.

Senior Master Sgt. Bryan Hanggi, 712th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron maintenance supervisor, center, receives the 512th Airlift Wing 2023 Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Year award from Col. Doug Stouffer, left, and Chief Master Sgt. David Melby on Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, Feb. 4, 2024. Hanggi led 290 Airmen at Air Mobility Commands largest global airlift generation hub, enabling 15,000 maintenance actions that resulted in a 92.1% logistics departure rate, among other accomplishments. Air Force

Brig. Gen. Thomas Vickers gives Sgt. 1st Classs James Hanson his graduation certificate. Hanson, 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.

Master Sgt. Reuben Wright, 168th Security Forces Squadron, 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 Lt. Col. Timothy Kirchner, right, 422nd Air Base Squadron outgoing commander, receives the Meritorious Service Medal during a 422nd ABS change of command ceremony at Royal Air Force Croughton, England, June 6, 2022. The ceremony is a military tradition that represents a formal transfer of a units authority and responsibility from one commander to another.

Blanchfield Army Community Hospital conducted a change of Responsibility ceremony where Command Sgt. Maj. Marlon E. Faulds relinquished responsibility of his position to Master Sgt. Johnny D. Thompson, December 9, 2022, at Wilson Theater on Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

Brig. Gen. Thomas Vickers gives 1st Lt. Jaclyn Franz her graduation certificate. Franz, 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.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Charles Loiacono was presented a gift during his retirement ceremony held at the 117th Air Control Squadron on Hunter Army Airfield, Savannah, Georgia June 12, 2022. Loiacono was commissioned into the Air Force in 2003 after graduating from the Academy of Military and Science at McGhee-Tyson Air National Guard Base, Tennessee and became an Air Battle Manager shortly after. In his 35-years of military service Loiacono deployed 12 times and has accumulated over 3,740 flying hours in the E-8C JSTARS, of which 1,927 hours are combat flying hours.

CRYSTAL CITY, VA. (Aug. 26, 2022) - Lt. Gen. Michael Schmidt, F-35 Joint Program Executive Officer, poses with a member of the EOTS LO Degrader Team after presenting the team member with the Team of the Quarter award during a semi-virtual all-hands ceremony at the program headquarters in Crystal City, VA., Aug. 26, 2022. The F-35 Joint Program Office is the Department of Defense's focal point for the 5th generation strike aircraft for the Navy, Air Force, Marines, and our allies. The F-35 is the premier multi-mission, 5th generation weapon system. Its ability to collect, analyze and share data is a force multiplier that enhances all assets in the battle space: with stealth technology, advanced sensors, weapons capacity, and range. The F-35, which has been operational since July of 2015, is the most lethal, survivable, and interoperable fighter aircraft ever built. (Photo by America Henry-Wingo/Released)

Maj. Gen. Maria Barrett (right) received the Distinguished Service Medal from Army Cyber Command Commanding General, Lt. Gen. Stephen Fogarty (left), prior to the NETCOM Change of Command Ceremony, April 19, at Fort Huachuca, Ariz. Barrett relinquished command of NETCOM to Maj. Gen. Christopher Eubank during the Change of Command Ceremony. Barrett will pin her third star and take command of ARCYBER May 3, 2022, at Fort Gordon, Ga.

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Jeannine Ryder, left, 59th Medical Wing and Market Director, San Antonio Military Health System, presents USAF Col. David Walmsley, right, out-going commander, 59th Training Group the Legion of Merit during the change of command, June 24, 2022, Joint Base San Antonio-Ft. Sam Houston, Texas.

Lt. Col. Addison F. Ladiero (right), the former Regional Cyber Cyber-CONUS Director, receives the Army Meritorious Service Medal from NETCOM Deputy Commander for Operations, Col. Scott Bird, during an awards ceremony held prior to the Change of Director ceremony, held in the NETCOM HQ, Fort Huachuca, Ariz.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Kristen E. Westby, left, commander, 122nd Fighter Wing Maintenance Group, presents the Meritorious Service Medal to Capt. Cole E. Hoopingarner, commander, 122nd FW Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, during a change of command ceremony in Fort Wayne, Indiana, October 15, 2022.

Let's give a shout-out to Senior Airman Trenten Walters from the 81st Training Wing Public Affairs for being chosen as the Warrior of the Week this week! Walters serves as the 81st TRW social media manager, creating and sharing content that highlights Team Keeslers mission and its people. Walters also serves in the command information section where he produces and edits articles and visual information products in alignment with the 81st TRW, Second Air Force, Air Education and Training Command and the Department of the the Air Force priorities.

The 22nd Air Refueling Wing hosted its 3rd Quarter Award Ceremony at the Robert J. Dole Community Center Ballroom, Oct. 25, 2022, at McConnell Air Force Base, Kan. The quarterly awards highlight Airmen, civilians and teams across the wing for the work they have done throughout the past quarter.

Staff Sgt. Bryan Kummer, Nebraska National Guard, receives an award from Command Sgt. Major John Hernandez, Oklahoma state command sergeant major, for being the runner up for Best NCO in the National Guard Region V Best Warrior Competition at the Regional Training Institute, Oklahoma City, May 20, 2022. Soldiers from across six states tested their physical and mental proficiency to earn the title Best Warrior at Camp Gruber Training Center, near Braggs, Okla., May 15-20, 2022. (Oklahoma National Guard photo by Spc. Caleb Stone)

Master Sgt. Daniel Brandon, from the 49th Civil Engineer Squadron, accepts the First Sergeant of the Quarter Award during the 49th Wings 1st quarter awards ceremony, June 10, 2022, on Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico. Quarterly award winners were selected based on their technical expertise, demonstration of leadership and job performance.

U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Wade Edwards, a member of the 117th Mission Support Group, is awarded and congratulated by senior leadership of the 117th Mission Support Group at Sumpter Smith Joint National Guard Base, Alabama, Aug. 13, 2022. The all call opened with awards and later addressed other items regarding the 117th Mission Support Group.

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Sean Choquette, 12th Air Force (Air Force Southern) vice commander, awards Capt. Charles Heisler, 563d Rescue Group HH-60G Pave Hawk pilot, the Air Medal with Valor during an award ceremony at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., Dec. 12, 2022. The Air Medal with Valor is awarded to military personnel who distinguish themselves by single acts of heroism or extraordinary achievement in combat or combat support while in participation of aerial flight.

Maj. David Perkins, 374th Maintenance Squadron incoming commander, right, receives a guidon from Col. Philip Dorsch, 374th Maintenance Group commander, during the 374th MXS change of command ceremony, May 23, 2022, at Yokota Air Base, Japan. Receiving the guidon signifies Perkins accepting command of the 374th MXS.

U.S. Air Force Col. John Gustafson, left, commander, 386th Expeditionary Mission Support Group, presents Lt. Col. Benjamin E. Carlson, outgoing commander, 386th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron, with the Meritorious Service Medal during a change of command ceremony at the base theater at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, June 17, 2022. Under his command, Carlson oversaw 461 personnel providing construction management, maintenance, force protection and emergency services to 1,600 facilities.

U.S. Air Force Col. Jason Barnes, center, commander of the 407th Air Expeditionary Group, presents Lt. Col. Nicholas Redenius, the outgoing commander of the 61st Expeditionary Airlift Squadron, with the Meritorious Service Medal during a redesignation and change of command ceremony at the base theater at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, April 2, 2022. The 61st EAS was deactivated and redesignated as the 41st EAS.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Sean Robere, from the 311th Fighter Squadron, accepts the Instructor Pilot of the Quarter Award, during the 49th Wings 3rd Quarter Award ceremony at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, Nov. 21, 2022. Quarterly award winners were selected based on their technical expertise, demonstration of leadership and job performance.

011119-F-3886C-003. Base: Osan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

Marcus Frazee with the Fort McCoy Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation 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. Frazee was being recognized for excellent customer service, and more.

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.

U.S. Air Force Col. Angelina Maguinness, 17th Training Group commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Breana Oliver, 17th TRG superintendent, present 2nd Lt. Shannon Gray, 315th Training Squadron student, the 17th TRG Student of the Month award for March 2022, Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, April 15, 2022. The 315th TRSs mission is to train, educate and inspire the future intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance warriors.

U.S. Army Gen. Daniel Hokanson (left), Chief of the National Guard Bureau presents U.S. Army Maj. Gen. David Baldwin, 46th adjutant general of the California National Guard with his retirement order at Mather Field, Sacramento, California, Sept. 28, 2022. Baldwins wife, children, and colleagues gather to celebrate his achievements and 40 years of service.

Sgt. Patrick Duffy, 1-168th General Support Aviation Battalion 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)

Lt. Col. Michael J. Lovelace, deputy staff judge advocate, stands with his daughter by his side, along with Maj. Gen. David J. Francis, U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence and Fort Rucker commander, after being presented the Meritorious Service Medal for his selfless service and dedication to mission accomplishment, during a ceremony at the USAACE headquarters building June 24, 2022.

Senior Master Sgt. Bruce Pascucci, left, the 310th Space Wing first sergeant, passes the Diamond Sharp award to Tech. Sgt. Tiffany MacDonald during the Unit Training Assembly, Sept. 11, 2022. The First Sergeant Council gives the award to Airmen who have demonstrated exemplary ,commitment to Air Force core values and/or exceptional service of others.

U.S. Air Force Col. Clinton Wilson, left, commander of the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing, presents the 386th Expeditionary Medical Squadron guidon to Lt. Col. John Stubbs, the incoming commander of the 386th EMDS, at the base theater at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, May 30, 2022. The 386th EMDG was deactivated and redesignated as the 386th EMDS.

Col. Andrew Marsiglia, right, assumes command of the 635th Materiel Maintenance Group from Col. Ryan Bakazan, 635th Supply Chain Operations Wing commander, during a ceremony at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, July 26, 2022. The 635th MMG is the Air Forces only organic Basic Expeditionary Airfield Resources unit and is responsible for providing flexible and responsive resources and expertise to support the Nations priorities.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Devin Floyd, armament flight chief and interim wing weapons manager with the 36th Maintenance Squadron, receives the Linebacker of the Week Award from U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Paul R. Birch, commander of the 36th Wing, accompanied by U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. John E. Payne, command chief of the 36th Wing, at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, July 13, 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.

U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Jeffery VanAntwerp, the Deputy Commanding General for Operations at the 25th Infantry Division and Command Sgt. Maj. Robert Haynie, Commanding Sergeant Major of the 25th Infantry Division, recognized soldiers from the brigade and battalion retention teams during the Commanding General's Retention Awards Ceremony October 21, 2022 at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. Soldiers were recognized for exceeding their retention goals in fiscal year 2022.

Command Chief Master Sgt. Daniel Conner receives one of his retirement gifts on Dec. 3, 2022 at Camp Withycombe, Oregon.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Elaine Warren, client systems technician with the 644th Combat Communications Squadron, receives the Linebacker of the Week Award from U.S. Air Force Col. Larry Fenner, 36th Wing vice commander, and U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. John E. Payne, 36th Wing command chief, at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, July 27, 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.

Col. Terry Rosenbalm, 507th Maintenance Group commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Mark Smith, 507th MXG Senior Enlisted Advisor, present the Maintenance Professional of the Year award to Tech. Sgt. Stephen Crawford April 30, 2022, at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma.

Members of the 149th Fighter Wing pose for a group photo on Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, Feb. 4, 2024. The 149th FW was recognizing outstanding Airmen of the Year winners from the wing. Air National Guard

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

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 Master Sgt. Clarice Thurmond on Aug. 7, 2022, at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia.

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.

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.

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 Col. Jason Allen, 81st Training Wing vice commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Sarah Esparza, 81st TRW command chief, congratulate Senior Master Sgt. Veronica Logan, 81st TRW law office senior enlisted leader, on her promotion to chief master sergeant during the chief master sergeant release ceremony inside Gaude Lanes at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, Dec. 6, 2022. Three Keesler Airmen earned their chief master sergeant stripe during the 2022 promotion release. Air Force officials selected 514 senior master sergeants for promotion to chief master sergeant out of 2,526 eligible for a selection rate of 20.34%.

Illinois Army National Guard Col. Eric Smith, the Commander of the 34th Division Sustainment Brigade, was presented with the "Staff Eagle" for serving as the Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics (G4) in the Illinois National Guard's Joint Force Headquarters from July 2022 to September 2023. Smith will deploy with his brigade's headquarters later this month. Maj. Gen. Rodney Boyd, the Assistant Adjutant General - Army for the Illinois National Guard and the Commander of the Illinois Army National Guard, presented the Eagle to Smith at the Illinois Army National Guard Commander's Update Brief on January 9 at the Guard's headquarters on Camp Lincoln in Springfield, Illinois.

The 2022 Minnesota National Guard Women's Leadership Forum was held at General Mills headquarters in Golden Valley, Sept. 17, 2022. Throughout the day, Minnesota National Guard service members participated in professional development, education and mentorship."A priority for the Minnesota National Guard is partnerships," said Maj. Gen. Shawn Manke, Adjutant General of the Minnesota National Guard. "And General Mills' support demonstrates our shared partnership and the depth of our shared partnership and common goal of diversity and inclusion and the desire to really lift women up." (Minnesota National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Mahsima Alkamooneh)

The Virginia Air National Guard chiefs' council recognizes Lt. Col. Fallon Martin, 192nd Support Squadron, during her retirement ceremony on July 9, 2022, at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia. Martin's 20 years of military service was celebrated by family and friends along with numerous retired and currently serving military personnel who impacted her career.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Alexandria Smith, a ground transportation operations center dispatcher with the 378th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron, is presented the Unsung Hero Award at Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, July 11, 2022. The Unsung Hero award, presented by PSAB Top 3 Association, recognizes up-and-coming leaders within the ranks of E1 through E6 who exemplify their services core values, inspiring others and contributing to the improvement of customer service and the overall mission.

U.S. Tech. Sgt. Luke Taylor, a member of the 117th Mission Support Group, is awarded and congratulated by senior leadership of the 117th Mission Support Group at Sumpter Smith Joint National Guard Base, Alabama, Aug. 13, 2022. The all call opened with awards and later addressed other items regarding the 117th Mission Support Group.

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Clark C. Urban, 1st Battalion, 58th Aviation Regiment, Fort Novosel, Alabama, receives the 2023 Air Traffic Control Manager of the Year Award during the Army Aviation Senior Leader Forum dinner at Fort Novosel, Alabama, Jan. 24, 2024. 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 Michael Corsaro, chief warrant officer of the branch, and Command Sgt. Maj. Kirk Coley, branch command sergeant major, retired Maj. Gen. Walter Davis, 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.

U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Jeffery VanAntwerp, the Deputy Commanding General for Operations at the 25th Infantry Division and Command Sgt. Maj. Robert Haynie, Commanding Sergeant Major of the 25th Infantry Division, recognized soldiers from the brigade and battalion retention teams during the Commanding General's Retention Awards Ceremony October 21, 2022 at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. Soldiers were recognized for exceeding their retention goals in fiscal year 2022.

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.)

U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Santos Soto, Joint Task Force-Bravo J-3 senior enlisted leader, poses for a photo with senior leaders from Joint Task Force-Bravo recognizing his promotion at Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras, Jan. 23, 2024. In this new capacity, Soto will serve his future command as the senior enlisted advisor representing enlisted, warrant officers and lieutenants to higher echelons of leadership.

U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Benjamin Lemon (left), the U.S. Army Garrison Humphreys senior enlisted leader, presents an award to U.S. Army Spc. Justin A. Geiseman (right) at the United States Army Garrison Humphreys Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers (BOSS) program 3rd Quarter Awards Ceremony at Humphreys Family Theater for being the Boss Representative of the Month of May on June 28, 2022. Awardees were recognized for excellence, dedication, achievements connected to the BOSS program.

Senior Airman Whitney Erhart, 131st Bomb Wing Public Affairs Specialist, stands for a photo with Chief Master Sgt. Barbara Johnson, the wing staff chief for the 131st Bomb Wing, April 2, 2022, at Jefferson Barracks Air National Guard Base, St. Louis, Missouri. Erhart was promoted and received several awards for her work in 2021.

U.S. Air Force Col. Ryan Garlow, left, 100th Air Refueling Wing commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Tiffany Griego, right, 100th ARW command chief, congratulate Staff Sgt. Brandon Kapp, 100th Maintenance Squadron unit deployment manager, for being the ReaDy Airman of the Week at Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, Jan. 18, 2024. A unit deployment manager is responsible for conducting all administrative functions for Airmen that are deployed to accomplish peace or wartime contingency operations.

U.S. Air Force Staff. Sgt. Andrew Rivera, public affairs specialist, 139th Airlift Wing, Missouri Air National Guard, is awarded the Air Force Achievement Medal during an awards ceremony at Rosecrans Air National Guard Base, St. Joseph, Missouri, April 30, 2022. The Air Force Achievement Medal is awarded to Air Force personnel for outstanding achievement or meritorious service rendered specifically on behalf of the Air Force.

Lt. Col. Sarah Summers, left, 709th Technical Maintenance Squadron commander, poses with Maj. Jason Cammarata, Air Force Technical Applications Center Detachment 403 outgoing commander, after presenting him with a Meritorious Service Medal for his leadership and dedicated time as commander of Det. 403 at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, June 16, 2022. The MSM is a military award presented to members of the Armed Forces, who distinguished themselves by outstanding meritorious achievement or service to the U.S..

Lt. Col. Joshua Shimko, left, 66th Air Base Group deputy commander, and Senior Master Sgt. Alan Kitler, 66th Comptroller Squadron senior enlisted leader, present an award to Senior Airman Aaron Green, 66 Comptroller Squadron technician, at Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., Jan. 17. Green was selected as the 66th Air Base Group's Staff Agency Airman of the Year and will now move on to compete at the group level Feb. 9.

Public Affairs Specialist and Newspaper Editor Scott T. Sturkol with the Fort McCoy Public Affair Office receives a United States Army Material Command Award Certificate from Fort McCoy Garrison Commander Col. Stephen Messenger on Aug. 4, 2022, at Fort McCoy, Wis. Sturkol earned a first place and an honorable mention in the 2021 Army Material Command David G. Harris Public Affairs Competition. He eared first place in Category G3: Training Documentation Photograph with a photo of cold-water immersion training from Cold-Weather Operations Course class 21-04 in March 2021. And he earned the honorable mention in Category J4: Training Documentation Video for a video that was entitled, CWOC Class 21-04 student completes cold-water immersion training at Fort McCoy, Part I.” And like the training documentation photograph category, entries in this category also depict the U.S. military’s participation in a joint or service exercise, or other training event.

Lt. Col. Mike Barton, Commander of the Illinois Army National Guard's 232nd Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, presents the American Flag 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.

U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Santos Soto, Joint Task Force-Bravo J-3 senior enlisted leader, poses for a photo with senior leaders from Joint Task Force-Bravo recognizing his promotion at Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras, Jan. 23, 2024. In this new capacity, Soto will serve his future command as the senior enlisted advisor representing enlisted, warrant officers and lieutenants to higher echelons of leadership.

U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Niave Knell, 1st Infantry Division senior mission commander, (left) presents Melanie Osbourne (right) with the 1ID Volunteer Recognition Award during the 1st Family Volunteer Award Recognition Ceremony at Victory Chapel on Fort Riley, Kansas, June 23, 2022. 1ID recognized the volunteers as part of the Big Red One Year of Family, a campaign designed to show appreciation to Families for their contributions to the Big Red One Family, the Fort Riley community, and the U.S. Army.

U.S. Army U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Frank Stanco (left), the acting senior commander of Fort Riley, and U.S. Army Col. William McKannay (right), the Fort Riley Garrison commander, present Amanda, Abigail and Chris Stewart (centered left to right) the Military Family Volunteer of the Year award April 21, 2022, at Fort Riley, Kansas. The Steward Family was awarded during Fort Rileys annual Volunteer of the Year award ceremony for their volunteer work with the United Service Organization.

Chief Master Sgt. Gary Reny, officially retired during a ceremony on Otis Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts, Sep. 10, 2022. Reny celebrated his retirement after 35 years of honorable military service with many family members and friends.

Chief Master Sgt. Gary Reny, officially retired during a ceremony on Otis Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts, Sep. 10, 2022. Reny celebrated his retirement after 35 years of honorable military service with many family members and friends.

Senior Airman Daniel Page, 168th Logistics Readiness Squadron, 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)

Col. Bradley Weast (left), 39th Medical Group commander, takes the guidon from Lt. Col. Damian Pardue, outgoing commander of the 39th Healthcare Squadron (HCOS), during a change of command ceremony at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, June 1, 2022. During the ceremony, Pardue relinquished command to Weast, who then charged Lt. Col. Amanda Davis with leading the 39th HCOS. The change of command ceremony is a long-standing military tradition that represents the formal transfer of command from one officer to another. Davis previously served as the 60th Medical Readiness Flight commander for the 60th Medical Support Squadron at Travis Air Force Base, Calif.

Staff Sgt. Suzie Lopez, right, is congratulated by the I Corps CSM, Command Sgt. Maj. John Troxell upon graduation from the Basic Combatives Instructor Course held at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. Lopez is the first female in the Washington National Guard to complete the difficult instructors course. The Basic Combatives Instructor Course is formerly known as "Level III".

U.S. Army Sgt. Sidney Perry, assigned to 55th Signal Company (Combat Camera), receives a token of appreciation from U.S. Army Col. Darcy Saint-Amant during the awards ceremony for the 2022 Spc. Hilda I. Clayton Best Combat Camera Competition at Fort A.P Hill, Virginia, May 23, 2022. The annual multi-day competition tests the physical, tactical and technical proficiency of visual information and public affairs specialists across the DOD and participating international competitors.

Alexis Holloway with the 716th Test Squadron, second from left, accepts the award for Category II Civilian of the Year during the Arnold Engineering Development Complex Annual Awards ceremony Feb. 15, 2024, at Arnold Air Force Base, Tenn. Also pictured are AEDC Commander Col. Randel Gordon, left, AEDC Deputy Director Kevin Muckerheide and AEDC Senior Enlisted Leader Chief Master Sgt. Jennifer Cirricione. Air Force

Chief Master Sgt. Robert Bailey, senior enlisted leader of the 157th Air Intelligence Squadron, gives his father a coin during his promotion ceremony, April 2, 2022, at Jefferson Barracks Air National Guard Base, St. Louis, Missouri. Bailey thanked his family for their support through the years.

Col. Lara Morrison, 914th Air Refueling Wing commander, and Mr. Joseph Saeli (left), a representative of the New York Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, presented the ESGR's Patriot Award to U.S. Air Force retired Col. James Regenor (right), VeriTX CEO, at Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, New York, on Dec. 2, 2022. The award is given to civilian employers who show exemplary support to their employees who serve in the Guard or Reserve.

Staff. Sgt. Emily Williams, right, 66th Security Forces Squadron unit trainer, shakes hands with Col. Taona Enriquez, installation commander, during a technical sergeant release event at Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., July 29. Air Force officials selected 5,430 staff sergeants for promotion to technical sergeant, including including five at Hanscom AFB.

Col. Kristin Derda presents Col. Zara Walters with the Order of St. Martin's Award for superior logistics performance during the change of command ceremony for the 144th Digital Liaison Detachment on Aug. 7, 2022 at Geiger Field, Airway Heights, Wash. The 144th Digital Liaison Detachment provides liaison capability between Army forces, Joint/Coalition Forces Land Component Command, Joint Task Force, subordinate headquarters and multinational headquarters to ensure communication, mutual understanding, and unity of purpose and action.

Maj. Gen. Torrence Saxe, adjutant general of the Alaska National Guard, presents the Governors Trophy to Golf Company, Detachment 2, 2-211th General Support Aviation Battalion in an award ceremony held at Bryant Army Airfield, Alaska, April 29, 2022. Throughout 2021, the medical evacuation unit rescued 15 Alaskans, trained with over 400 Indian Army Soldiers, and received the Jolly Green Rescue of the Year Award, ultimately leading them to receiving the Alaska Governors Trophy and Distinguished Unit Citation.

U.S. Air Force Gen. Kevin Schneider, Pacific Air Forces commander, recognizes Airmen during his visit at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Feb. 28, 2024. Schneider visited with Airmen across the installation to discuss the quality of life on station to learn more about the unique challenges Airmen and families face while being stationed in Alaska. Air Force

U.S. Army Centrals Commanding General, Lt. Gen. Ronald Clark, poses with volunteers recognized for their service at Patton Hall on Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., May 19, 2022. Single Soldiers can enhance their morale, and welfare and sustain combat readiness by volunteering with organizations like the Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers program.

Lt. Gen. Stephen N. Whiting, Space Operations Command Commander, presents challenge coins to Clear Space Force Station Arctic Airmen and Guardian superior performers in their duties to protect and defend the homeland. The Clear SFS members provide strategic missile warning, missile defense, and Upgraded Early Warning Radar as an integral part of deterrence in support of Homeland Defense. Clear SFS is home to Arctic Airmen and Guardians assigned to the 13th and 213th Space Warning Squadrons, providing 24/7 missile warning, missile defense, and space domain awareness.

301st Fighter Wing members pose for a photo at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, Texas on April 03, 2022. Col. Allen Duckworth, 301 FW Commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Michael Senigo presented an award to the 73rd Aerial Port Squadron for having the most steps as a group in the Walk Across Texas challenge.

U.S. Marines pose for a photo with Shelly Estrella 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.

The 3rd Quarter Workforce Town Hall Ceremony was held at the Riverbend Golf Course for civilian employees to connect with the Camp Humphreys command team, June 24, 2022. During the town hall meeting, U.S. Soldiers and civilian federal employees were recognized for years of service and superior job performance.

(pictured left to right) Tripler Commander, Col. Bill Soliz, 1st Lt. Molly Murphy, Staff Sgt. Heekyu Chang, and Tripler Command Sgt. Maj. John Contreras.

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Dennis P. LeMaster (left), Deputy Commanding General-Support U.S. Army Medical Command and Command Sgt. Maj. Clark J. Charpentier (right), MEDCoE Command Sergeant Major pose for a photo during a retirement ceremony held on Fort Sam Houston, Texas on December 2, 2022. Charpentier, originally from Louisiana, is the senior Army 68W Combat Flight Paramedic and retired from active duty after serving 30 years in the United States Army.

TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. Steve Alexander, left, the paint section deputy chief with the 569th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, receives a certificate of service for 40 years of federal civilian service presented by Brig. Gen. Brian Moore, the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Complex commander. Alexander also received letters of appreciation from three general officers within the Air Force Materiel Command and a lapel pin. Air Force

Brig. Gen. Patricia R. Wallace bids farewell to the 91st Training Division, 84th Training Command in a Relinquishment of Command ceremony at Fort Hunter Liggett on December 3, 2022. Later this month, Brig. Gen. Wallace will next assume the top leadership role with the 80th Training Command (The Army School System) as Commanding General. Prior to the official ceremony, Brig. Gen. Wallace was presented with several parting gifts and mementos as a token of appreciation for her service to the 91st, including a personalized commemorative plaque.

Col. J. Stock Dinsmore, Virginia National Guard J4 director of joint logistics, celebrates his retirement from the Virginia Air National Guard during a ceremony presided over by Brig. Gen. Catherine M. Jumper, Virginia Air National Guard commander, Jan. 6, 2024, at the State Military Reservation in Virginia Beach, Virginia. During his VaANG career, Dinsmore served as commander of the 192nd Wings Mission Support Group and the 203rd RED HORSE Squadron, or Rapid Engineer Deployable Heavy Operational Repair Squadron Engineers. He was celebrated by family and fellow service members at the 203rd RED HORSE where he spent more than 20 years of his service.

Staff Sgt. Ricky D. Gibbs, 1st Battalion, 58th Aviation Regiment, receives the 2020 Air Traffic Controller 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.

On June 2, White Sands Missile Range held a Volunteer Appreciation Ceremony for the volunteers of the community on post. WSMR Commander Brig. Gen. Eric D. Little, presenting the Emma Marie Baird Award to Maria Pangborn. Pangborn is the first person at WSMR to ever receive this prestigious award for volunteers.

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. William A. Patrick, right, superintendent of plans and programs with the 182nd Security Forces Squadron, Illinois Air National Guard, receives the Tech. Sgt. Brian C. McMillen Memorial Enlisted Security Forces Award from wing commander Col. Daniel McDonough in Peoria, Illinois, April 2, 2022. The award honors those who uphold the highest standards of professionalism and personal dedication indicative to security forces personnel.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Anthony Stevens, a member of the 117th Security Forces Squadron, is awarded and congratulated by senior leadership of the 117th Mission Support Group at Sumpter Smith Joint National Guard Base, Alabama, Aug. 13, 2022. The all call opened with awards and later addressed other items regarding the 117th Mission Support Group.

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 gift from the Joint Staff to Sgt. 1st Class Gorup during the ceremony.

Glen Pinnell was recognized by Yuma Test Center Commander Lt. Col. Shane Dering during a small ceremony where Pinnell was awarded the Civilian Service Achievement Medal for his contributions.

Petty Officer 1st Class Lacy McMahon receives recognition from Air Force Col. Joseph Leonard, maintenance group commander for the 117 Fighter Wing unit of the New Jersey Air National Guard, for her service in training their unit personnel in CPR and increasing their overall deployment readiness, May 4, 2022. McMahon embodied the Coast Guards values to remain Always Ready, and went above and beyond to assist other military services in maintaining their readiness to respond to calls when needed.

From left, Command Sgt. Maj. Thomas J. Holland, Maj. Gen Christopher C. LaNeve, Command Sgt. Maj. David R. Pitt, and Lt. Gen. Christopher T. Donahue pose for a photo during the 82nd Airborne Division's Change of Responsibility on Stang Field, Fort Bragg, N.C., Feb 10 2023. The Division bid farewell to Pitt and welcomed Command Sgt. Maj. Randolph Delapena.

Dr. Steven Dewey (left), deputy support operations officer, 1st Theater Sustainment Command, presents a gift to Capt. Bradley Ball (right), operational contract support officer in charge, SPO, 1st TSC, during an award ceremony at Fort Knox, May 18, 2022. Ball was assigned to the 1st TSC from February 2019 to May 2022.

Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann presented Col. Todd Schaffer with the Legion of Merit for his service as the State Medical Readiness Detachment commander and State Surgeon for the North Dakota Army National Guard, from October 2015 to April 2023. Schaffer's extraordinary efforts brought North Dakota to the top of the nation for both medical and dental readiness.

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