Each year, the Association of the United States Army presents its prestigious National Awards to individuals who, in various capacities, have served the Army and the Association with distinction.

Learn about the 2025 recipients below.
 

General George Catlett Marshall Medal

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The United States Army Medal of Honor Recipients

The Board of Directors of the Association of the United States Army hereby awards the George Catlett Marshall Medal to United States Army Medal of Honor recipients for their selfless service to the nation.

For 250 years, from the American Revolution to today, United States Army soldiers have steadfastly and selflessly served the nation with courage and skill. Among those legions of heroes is this special group of soldiers who earned the nation’s highest award for valor for their bravery, sacrifice and integrity above and beyond the call of duty in the brutal crucible of combat.

Any of these recipients would humbly tell you they were merely doing their job or looking out for the soldier to their left and to their right. But we recognize their valor and gallantry, their willingness to sacrifice themselves for others, and their dedication to their fellow soldiers.

Their stories move and inspire us. Their continued dedication and service to their nation, their Army and their fellow soldiers and veterans uplift and energize us. And their commitment and resilience encourage and motivate us.

Their courage and legacy endure and remain examples for us all.

For all they have done and for their continued service to the Army and the nation, the Association of the United States Army presents its highest award, the George Catlett Marshall Medal, to United States Army Medal of Honor recipients.

 

General Gordon R. Sullivan Leadership Medal

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Gen. Michael Garrett, US Army Retired

The General Gordon R. Sullivan Leadership Medal is presented to General Michael Garrett, U.S. Army Retired, for his exemplary leadership and mentorship for the advancement of the United States Army.  

A former commander of U.S. Army Forces Command, General Garrett served in the U.S. Army for nearly 40 years. The son of an Army command sergeant major, General Garrett spent his entire life in and around the Army and received his commission in 1984 upon graduation from Xavier University in Ohio. 

General Garrett served several assignments in the 75th Ranger Regiment and commanded the 82nd Airborne Division’s 3rd Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment. He activated and commanded the 25th Infantry Division’s 4th Brigade Combat Team, deploying the unit to Iraq in 2006. 

He also commanded U.S. Army Central before leading U.S. Army Forces Command, the Army’s largest command, from March 2019 until his retirement in July 2022. 

A role model and great mentor who has dedicated himself to helping others, General Garrett remains active in the military community, serving as chairman of the Board of Commissioners of the American Battle Monuments Commission. He also is an executive in residence at Fayetteville State University and a distinguished senior fellow on national security at the Middle East Institute. He serves on the board of several organizations, including Textron, First Command Financial Services and Semper Fi & America’s Fund.  

In recognition of his lifetime of exemplary leadership and mentorship for the advancement of the U.S. Army, the Association of the United States Army proudly presents the General Gordon R. Sullivan Leadership Medal to General Michael Garrett, U.S. Army Retired.

 

General Creighton W. Abrams Medal

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Jennie Taylor

The General Creighton W. Abrams Medal for exceptional service to the United States Army is awarded to Jennie Taylor, a Gold Star widow and nationally recognized military advocate. 

An educator by training, Taylor turned her grief into purpose following the death of her husband, Utah Army National Guard Maj. Brent Taylor, who was killed in Afghanistan in November 2018 while serving
 on a leave of absence from his elected position as mayor of North Ogden, Utah. 

Taylor became a powerful voice for service and sacrifice, traveling the country to speak on topics such as resilience, grief and leadership. She is the founder and director of the Major Brent Taylor Foundation, which aims to train service-oriented leaders, honor military members, first responders and their families, and engage communities in meaningful acts of service.  

A mom of seven, Taylor is on advisory boards for the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation and the Woody Williams Foundation. She hosts the podcast “Relentlessly Resilient,” which features more
 than 200 episodes focused on cultivating emotional strength in challenging times, and is an adjunct professor at Utah State University and Weber State University. 

In recognition of her exceptional and selfless service, the Association of the United States Army proudly presents the General Creighton W. Abrams Medal to Jennie Taylor.

 

Sergeant Major of the Army William G. Bainbridge Medal

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Command Sgt. Maj. Michael R. Boyd, US Army Retired

The Sergeant Major of the Army William G. Bainbridge Medal is awarded to Command Sergeant Major Michael R. Boyd, U.S. Army Retired, for his exceptional service to the Noncommissioned Officer Corps.  

Command Sergeant Major Boyd, who retired from the U.S. Army Reserve in 2009 after 23 years of service, enlisted in 1986 and served in many leadership positions including platoon sergeant, first sergeant
 and command sergeant major in the 478th Engineer Battalion at Fort Thomas, Kentucky. 

In 2003, Command Sergeant Major Boyd mobilized with the battalion for Operation Enduring Freedom, the first mobilization in battalion history. He deployed again with the battalion in 2007, this time to Iraq where the soldiers conducted route clearance, bridging and construction missions in support of Multi-National Corps-Iraq.  

Upon returning home, Command Sergeant Major Boyd ensured all 550 soldiers who had deployed received the care they needed to reintegrate with their families and employers.  

A native of Cincinnati, Ohio, Command Sergeant Major Boyd is now an applications engineering and project management leader for Makino Inc., a machine tool manufacturer. He also is president of AUSA’s Major Samuel Woodfill chapter in Cincinnati and Second Region Executive Vice President. 

In addition to AUSA, Command Sergeant Major Boyd is deeply involved in his community, working with Army recruiting battalions and ROTC cadets in the Cincinnati area.

In recognition of his demonstrated leadership and the highest ideals of duty and character, the Association of the United States Army proudly presents the Sergeant Major of the Army William G. Bainbridge Medal to Command Sergeant Major Michael R. Boyd, U.S. Army, Retired.

 

Major General Anthony J. Drexel Biddle Medal

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David Fulton

The Major General Anthony J. Drexel Biddle Medal is awarded to David Fulton for his outstanding contributions to the Association of the United States Army.  

Fulton is the president of AUSA’s European Region and a former president of the association’s General Creighton W. Abrams chapter in Wiesbaden, Germany. 

A 1986 graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York, Fulton was commissioned as an infantry officer. Over his Army career, he served in infantry and human resource management assignments, retiring in 2006. He has continued to serve, working for the Army in civilian leadership capacities and is currently director of the Wiesbaden Mission Support Element in Germany for U.S. Army Europe and Africa. 

Fulton’s involvement with AUSA began when the European Region needed help revitalizing the General Creighton W. Abrams chapter. He volunteered to serve and quickly led the chapter to an unprecedented six consecutive awards as AUSA’s Best Overseas Chapter. His success at the chapter led to his election as region president. 

In addition to his volunteer service with AUSA, Fulton is president of the Army in Europe and Africa Retired Soldier Council. He also is on the West Point Men’s Gymnastics Endowment Committee and has returned to his alma mater annually for the past 27 years to volunteer as a cadet mentor and meet administrator for the men’s gymnastics program.  

In recognition of his dedication and loyalty, the Association of the United States Army proudly presents the Major General Anthony J. Drexel Biddle Medal to David Fulton.

 

Major General James Earl Rudder Medal

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Col. Steve Patarcity, US Army Retired

The Major General James Earl Rudder Medal is awarded to Colonel Steve Patarcity, U.S. Army Retired, for his outstanding contributions to the advancement of the Association of the United States Army’s goal of a seamless, multicomponent Army.  

Most recently a strategic planner and program manager with the Office of the Chief of Army Reserve until his retirement this summer, Colonel Patarcity has almost 50 years of military and civilian government service, including 33 years in uniform.  

Commissioned in 1977 from the ROTC program at Duquesne University in Pennsylvania, Colonel Patarcity served in numerous positions in command and staff assignments from platoon to division. He also served as command executive officer and chief of staff for the 200th Military Police Command, deputy commander of the 220th Military Police Brigade, and the operations officer and staff supervisory operations officer for the 99th Regional Readiness Command. 

As an Army civilian, Colonel Patarcity was a strategic planner in the Office of the Chief of Army Reserve’s operations and plans directorate. In this role, he revitalized a program that had been dormant for almost five years, leading a team in developing innovative approaches to the Army Reserve’s Security Cooperation and International Affairs Program.  

His efforts led to a more than 80% increase in joint training exercises, senior leader engagement and professional military education with key allies, including Canada, the U.K., France, Germany, Denmark, Estonia, Poland, Finland, Ireland, the Republic of Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Italy and the Philippines. 

Colonel Patarcity and his team also developed the Global Reserve Forces Network, a new alliance enabling reserve component allies and partners to share common interests and methods for improving training, mobilization and readiness.  

Since 2005, Patarcity has served as senior vice president of AUSA’s Fort Pitt chapter in McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania.  

In appreciation of his outstanding service and dedication to our nation and the Army Reserve, the Association of the United States Army proudly presents the Major General James Earl Rudder Medal to Colonel Steve Patarcity, U.S. Army, Retired.

 

Lieutenant General Raymond S. McLain Medal

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Gen. Daniel Hokanson, US Army Retired

The Lieutenant General Raymond S. McLain Medal is awarded to General Daniel Hokanson, U.S. Army Retired, for his exemplary service and outstanding contributions to the advancement of the Association of the United States Army’s goal of a seamless, multicomponent Army.  

General Hokanson, who retired last August after serving as the 29th Chief of the National Guard Bureau, postured the Army National Guard at the forefront of national and international responses and enabled it to perform at the highest levels while prioritizing soldiers and families. 

From 2019 through 2021, General Hokanson oversaw some of the most complex requests in National Guard history, including the COVID-19 pandemic response, unprecedented wildfires and hurricanes, and international deployments.  

General Hokanson’s impact on Army National Guard readiness was unmatched, and through his unwavering leadership, the component successfully executed more than 27 million domestic response missions during his tenure as chief. 

A 1986 graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York, General Hokanson served on active duty in air cavalry, attack helicopter and aircraft test organizations before joining the Oregon National Guard. He commanded at the company, battalion and brigade combat team levels and served as the 30th adjutant general of Oregon.  

He also served as deputy commander of U.S. Northern Command and vice commander of U.S. Element, North American Aerospace Defense Command. A veteran of Panama, Iraq and Afghanistan, General Hokanson commanded the 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team in Iraq and was chief of staff for Combined Joint Task Force Phoenix in Afghanistan.  

General Hokanson also was a member of the United States World Helicopter Team and founded the National Guard’s first Military Assistance to Safety and Traffic and Military Air Rescue Team programs, where he commanded nearly 100 air rescue and firefighting missions throughout the Pacific Northwest. He was director of the Army National Guard and vice chief of the National Guard Bureau before serving as chief from August 2020 to August 2024. 

In appreciation of his outstanding service and dedication to our nation and the Army National Guard, the Association of the United States Army proudly presents the Lieutenant General Raymond S. McLain Medal to General Daniel Hokanson, U.S. Army Retired.

 

Joseph P. Cribbins Medal

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Erick Ocasio

The Joseph P. Cribbins Medal for exemplary service by a Department of the Army civilian is awarded to Erick Ocasio, an Army civilian for 16 years who serves as director of programs, policy and projects in the U.S. Army Europe and Africa G-6.  

In his role at U.S. Army Europe and Africa, Ocasio, a former soldier, is responsible for a $250 million information technology portfolio that enables the provisioning of IT services throughout the command’s footprint. 

In the past year, Ocasio was instrumental in strengthening the IT capability for V Corps in Poland and enabling strategic services for forces deployed throughout Europe as part of Atlantic Resolve. He also is the communications warfighting function lead for the Army’s support to Ukrainian forces, executing $80 million worth of IT capabilities and requirements since the start of the invasion. 

Ocasio also is passionate about developing leaders. He is an active participant in the Army’s Senior Leader Development Program and provides mentorship to six people in the junior program. He also leads biweekly leadership discussions for emerging military and civilian leaders. 

In a personal capacity, Ocasio co-founded Cyber Marvels, a nonprofit that introduces science, technology, engineering and mathematics activities to elementary and middle school children. He also hosts the popular podcast “Leadership is Tricky,” where he discusses leadership challenges in today’s complex and evolving environment.  

In recognition of his tireless efforts, caring attitude and dedication, the Association of the United States Army proudly presents the Joseph P. Cribbins Medal to Erick Ocasio, a distinguished Department of the Army Civilian.

 

John W. Dixon Award

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Lt. Gen. David Halverson, US Army Retired,
CEO and chairman of Cypress International

The John W. Dixon Award for outstanding contributions to national defense by a member of the industrial community is awarded to Lieutenant General David Halverson, U.S. Army Retired, Chairman and CEO of Cypress International. 

A 1979 graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York, Lieutenant General Halverson retired from the Army in June 2016 after more than 37 years of service and a final assignment as assistant chief of staff for installation management. In that role, he transformed the business approach to global installation management and programmed $19 billion in energy, general services, force protection, construction and quality of life programs annually for over 154 installations across the Army. 

After retiring from the Army, Lieutenant General Halverson became CEO of Cypress International, a consulting firm that specializes in helping industry support DoD and other federal government agencies. In January 2018, he became the Chairman and CEO. 

Established in 1978, Cypress International is involved in a range of strategic initiatives that support U.S. defense priorities and industry partners. Under Lieutenant General Halverson’s leadership, the company is focused on critical defense priorities such as artificial intelligence, microelectronics, long-range precision fires, mission command and assured positioning, navigation and timing. 

From forming strategic alliances to enhance services for defense industry suppliers to providing defense market research and budget analysis, Cypress International helps shape national sustainment and logistics policy discussions. 

Lieutenant General Halverson continues to serve as a tireless ambassador for the Army and its values. He is a life member of AUSA, president of the National Field Artillery Association, serves on the Armed Forces YMCA board and is on the Senior Advisory Group for the Commanding General at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, among other groups. 

In recognition of his unwavering leadership and support for the men and women of our Armed Forces and their families, the Association of the United States Army proudly presents the John W. Dixon Award to Lieutenant General David Halverson, U.S. Army, Retired.

 

AUSA National Service Award

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Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors

The Association of the United States Army National Service Award is presented to the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors for exemplary service and demonstrated enduring support to the American Soldier and the United States Army community.  

Established in 1994 by Bonnie Carroll, the group known as TAPS provides a vital support network for those mourning the loss of a military loved one. Motivated by the death of her husband, Brig. Gen. Tom Carroll, in a 1992 Army plane crash in Alaska that also killed seven other soldiers, Carroll transformed her personal loss into a purposeful mission. 

More than 30 years later, TAPS is the leading national organization dedicated to offering compassionate care to those grieving the death of a hero who selflessly served their country. The organization provides peer-based emotional support, a 24/7 helpline, connections to community-based care across the country and help navigating the complexities of available resources and benefits. 

TAPS also offers programs for survivors, including its National Military Survivor Seminar and Good Grief Camp that has been held annually in Washington, D.C., over Memorial Day weekend since 1994. There also are regional survivor seminars for adults and youth programs across the country. 

TAPS is the gold standard for providing critical long-term grief support for military families who’ve lost a loved one. Ms. Carroll and her staff, many of whom are survivors of military loss themselves, and the countless volunteers continue to reach out to survivors and provide the resources and support that began 31 years ago. 

In grateful appreciation for its dedicated service to the men and women in uniform and their families, the Association of the United States Army is honored to present the National Service Award to the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors.

 

AUSA Volunteer Family of the Year Award

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The Miller Family

The Association of the United States Army Volunteer Family of the Year Award for promoting the well-being of soldiers and their family members is presented to Sergeant First Class Alexander Miller and family.  

Sergeant First Class Miller, who joined the Army in 2013 as a combat engineer, is newly assigned to the 1st Armored Division’s 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team at Fort Bliss, Texas. Previously, he was a senior observer, coach and trainer with the 1-410th Brigade Engineer Battalion at Fort Knox, Kentucky. Together with his wife, Christy, who is pursuing a degree in social work, and their son Mason, who will be 2 in February, the Millers logged more than 700 hours in a single year volunteering at the Fort Knox Warrior Warehouse, supporting more than 2,000 military families with furniture, clothing and household items.  

The Millers organized donation drives, managed inventory and coached families through the intake process. They also instituted quarterly metrics to better track families served, items distributed and volunteer hours, which in turn helped leaders direct fundraising efforts and sharpen program priorities. 

The Millers also have offered immediate aid to families who’ve lost everything in house fires and provided comfort and resources to survivors of domestic violence. Through a partnership with WaterStep, a Kentucky-based organization focused on safe water, sanitation and hygiene, the Millers even turned donated shoes into clean water technologies, transforming local generosity into global change. 

The family also volunteered at Feeding America, Kentucky’s Heartland and Central Valley Feed the Homeless, as well as the M.O.D. Squad Teen Outreach Ministry, providing mentoring to military-connecting teens on leadership, resilience and community service. 

It is with sincere gratitude and appreciation that the Association of the United States Army presents our Volunteer Family of the Year Award to this remarkable Army family.