The Association of the U.S. Army has announced the recipients of its 2025 National Awards, which honor individuals for their selfless service and dedication to the Army and its soldiers.

“I want to congratulate our National Award recipients and thank them for their commitment, dedication, selfless service and support to soldiers and our Army,” said retired Gen. Bob Brown, AUSA president and CEO. “They are examples for us to emulate, and each of our honorees has made such a difference in the lives of others, our Army and our nation. They represent the very best of AUSA, and I can’t wait to honor them in October at our Annual Meeting.”

The awards will be presented at the AUSA Annual Meeting and Exposition, Oct. 13–15 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C.

During the annual meeting, in conjunction with the Army’s 250th birthday, AUSA also will present Army Medal of Honor recipients with the 2025 George Catlett Marshall Medal. AUSA’s highest award, the Marshall Medal is presented for distinguished and selfless service.

This is not the first time the medal has gone to a group instead of a person. In 2024, the Marshall Medal was awarded to The U.S. Army Noncommissioned Officer. In 2020, it was awarded to The Army Family, and it was awarded to The American Soldier in 2004.

Here’s a look at this year’s National Award recipients.

Sullivan Leadership Medal

The General Gordon R. Sullivan Leadership Medal is being presented to retired Gen. Michael Garrett.

Named for AUSA’s former president and CEO and the 32nd Army chief of staff, the award was presented for the first time in 2024. It recognizes an individual who demonstrates exemplary leadership and mentorship for the advancement of the Army both during and after their uniformed or civilian service or in an executive role as an industry leader.

“Gen. Mike Garrett is a role model and remains a great mentor in everything he does,” said retired Lt. Gen. Roger Schultz, chairman of the Army War College Foundation who received the inaugural Sullivan Medal last year. “Throughout his life, he has dedicated himself to helping others in a way that’s truly in a class all his own. It’s an honor for me to share space on the Sullivan award roster with this distinguished soldier.”

“Rare company—that he is,” Schultz added.

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

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 Forces Command from March 2019 until his retirement in July 2022.

He remains active in the military community, serving as chairman 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. 

Abrams Medal

The General Creighton W. Abrams Medal for exceptional service to the U.S. Army will be 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.

“Jennie Taylor exemplifies the enduring strength of patriotism through purposeful leadership, lifelong service and a legacy forged in sacrifice,” Angela Ritz, a longtime Army civilian, wrote in a letter endorsing Taylor’s nomination.

Taylor 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.

“Jennie’s leadership transcends titles,” Ritz wrote. “She brings people together—Gold Star families, military kids, corporate donors, school teachers, public servants—and inspires them to lead, serve and honor those who defend our nation. Her voice and example have become a guiding force for how America remembers, serves and aspires.”

Drexel Biddle Medal

The Major General Anthony J. Drexel Biddle Medal for outstanding contributions to the Association of the U.S. Army will be awarded to retired Lt. Col. David Fulton, president of AUSA’s European Region.

“David Fulton is the definitive candidate for AUSA’s Biddle Medal,” said Gemma McGowan, president of AUSA’s General Creighton W. Abrams chapter in Wiesbaden, Germany, in nominating Fulton for the award. “His dedication to the association, the Army and its community spans over 16 years, marked by consistent leadership and a profound commitment to soldiers, families and retirees.”

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.

His involvement with AUSA began when the European Region needed help revitalizing the General Creighton W. Abrams chapter, McGowan wrote in her nominating letter. Fulton 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 Campaign 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.

“Rarely has any individual taken such a genuine interest in all facets of the military community, and his impact on the association’s influence in Europe is unprecedented,” McGowan wrote.

Fulton has demonstrated unwavering dedication to AUSA, soldiers and their families, Gen. Christopher Donahue, commanding general of U.S. Army Europe and Africa, wrote in a recommendation letter in support of Fulton. “A distinguished veteran and civilian with 40 years of federal service, Mr. Fulton embodies the Soldier for Life ethos,” Donahue wrote.

Maj. Gen. Joseph Jarrard, special assistant to the chief of the National Guard Bureau and 2021 recipient of AUSA’s Lieutenant General Raymond S. McLain Medal, has known Fulton since they served together as lieutenants in 1989. They later worked together when Fulton was the Abrams chapter president and Jarrard was assigned to U.S. Army Europe and Africa.

Fulton “set the standard for his love of the Army and his untiring efforts to promote the Army and AUSA,” Jarrard wrote in a letter of recommendation. “Dave’s infectious positive attitude permeated throughout the organization. Everyone knew who Dave Fulton was and that he represented AUSA.”

McLain Medal

The Lieutenant General Raymond S. McLain Medal, given to a current or former member of the National Guard for advancing a seamless and component-integrated Army, will be awarded to retired Gen. Daniel Hokanson, who retired last August after serving as the 29th chief of the National Guard Bureau.

“Gen. Hokanson’s priorities of people, readiness, modernization and reform postured the [Army National Guard] at the forefront of national and international responses,” Lt. Gen. Jonathan Stubbs, director of the Army National Guard, wrote in a letter nominating Hokanson for the award. “Through a global pandemic, civil unrest, wars across the globe and natural disasters, Gen. Hokanson’s leadership enabled the [Army National Guard] to perform at the highest levels while prioritizing soldiers and families.”

A tireless supporter of military families, Hokanson initiated the drill weekend child care pilot program for the Army National Guard—the first of its kind, Stubbs said. The program enables dual military and single parents to manage the care of their family while serving their country.

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

“Gen. 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,” Stubbs wrote.

A 1986 graduate of West Point, 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, Hokanson commanded the 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team in Iraq and was chief of staff for Combined Joint Task Force Phoenix in Afghanistan.

Hokanson 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.

Rudder Medal

The Major General James Earl Rudder Medal, given to a current or former member of the U.S. Army Reserve for advancing a seamless and component-integrated Army, is awarded to retired Col. Steven Patarcity, who retired this summer after serving as a strategic planner and program manager with the Office of the Chief, Army Reserve.

“Mr. Patarcity exemplifies what it means to be a Soldier for Life, … representing a lifetime of unwavering commitment to our nation’s defense,” Stephen Austin, assistant chief of the Army Reserve, wrote in a letter nominating Patarcity for the award.

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, Patarcity served in numerous positions in command and staff assignments from platoon to division. He also has 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.

His “distinguished career” culminated in a “transformative 10-year tenure” as the strategic planner for the Office of the Chief of Army Reserve’s operations and plans directorate, Austin wrote.

“In this role, he revitalized a program that had fallen dormant for almost five years, leading a team in developing innovative approaches to the Army Reserve’s Security Cooperation and International Affairs Program, thereby fundamentally reshaping how the Army Reserve engages with our partner nations,” Austin wrote.

Patarcity’s actions led to a more than 80% increase in joint training exercises, senior leader engagement and professional military education with key allies—and an expansion from Canada and the U.K. to also engaging with France, Germany, Denmark, Estonia, Poland, Finland, Ireland, the Republic of Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Italy and the Philippines.

He 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.

A veteran of Kuwait and Iraq, Patarcity was decorated by the French government in May 2024 with the Medaille de la Defense Nationale for his work in expanding security cooperation contacts between the Army Reserve and the French Army.

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

“He is a proven leader, a dedicated professional and a true champion of the Army Reserve and the soldiers it serves,” Austin wrote. “His legacy will continue to strengthen our forces and safeguard our nation for years to come.”

Bainbridge Medal

The Sergeant Major of the Army William G. Bainbridge Medal for contributions to the Army Noncommissioned Officer Corps will be awarded to retired Command Sgt. Maj. Michael R. Boyd, who retired from the Army Reserve in 2009 after 23 years of service and is president of AUSA’s Major Samuel Woodfill chapter in Cincinnati and executive vice president of the association's Second Region.

“Mike stands apart because of his constant professional and ongoing commitment to our Army and the soldiers who serve,” Brig. Gen. John Dunn, deputy commanding general of the 200th Military Police Command, wrote in a letter endorsing Boyd for the award. “This quality that he demonstrates as the chapter president is the same quality that generated his success as a first sergeant and command sergeant major in combat, namely, unwavering support and caring for the people within the organization.”

Boyd enlisted in the Army Reserve 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, 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, Boyd ensured all 550 soldiers who had deployed received the care they needed to reintegrate with their families and employers.

A native of Cincinnati, Boyd is now an engineering and project management leader for Makino Inc., a machine tool manufacturer.

In addition to AUSA, Boyd is deeply involved in his community, working with Army recruiting battalions and ROTC cadets in the Cincinnati area. “His dedication to fostering the next generation of military leaders is commendable and reflects his deep commitment to professional development within our profession,” Maj. Gen. Mark Quander, deputy commanding general for military and international operations for the Army Corps of Engineers, wrote in a letter endorsing Boyd for the award.

Quander, who most recently commanded the Corps of Engineers’ Great Lakes and Ohio River Division in Cincinnati, also lauded Boyd’s work with area veterans and those still serving. Boyd “embodies the spirit of the NCO corps” and displays a “dedication to duty, commitment to excellence and unwavering integrity,” Quander wrote.

Cribbins Medal

The Joseph P. Cribbins Medal for exemplary service by a Department of the Army civilian will be 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, Fulton, AUSA’s European Region president and recipient of this year’s Biddle Medal, wrote in a letter nominating Ocasio for the award. At work, Ocasio is an active participant in the Army’s Senior Leader Development Program and provides mentorship to six people in the junior program, Fulton wrote. 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.

“Erick is known throughout U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden for his professional character of service and his sincere commitment to ensuring the operational readiness of [U.S. Army Europe and Africa’s] IT infrastructure,” Col. David Mayfield, the garrison commander, wrote in a letter endorsing Ocasio. “As a Department of the Army civilian, Erick has developed and nurtured networks of talented employees from a vast array of organizations to ensure our critical networks remain secure, safe and ready at all times.”

Ocasio also stands out for his efforts to develop leaders, Mayfield wrote. “His devotion to doing what is right is inspirational, and he epitomizes all those values we hold dear in our Department of the Army Civilian Corps and our military communities.”

Fulton agreed. “Mr. Erick Ocasio's service and volunteerism stand as an outstanding example of what right looks like in our Army,” Fulton wrote. “He lives the Soldier for Life philosophy and is doing all he can to extend that philosophy to improve the leadership and readiness of our soldiers, civilians and their families.”

Volunteer Family of the Year

The AUSA Volunteer Family of the Year Award for promoting the well-being of soldiers and their family members is presented to the family of Sgt. 1st Class Alexander Miller.

Miller and his wife, Christy, together with their son Mason, who will be 2 in February, don’t just mirror AUSA’s mission, they multiply it, retired Command Sgt. Maj. Steven Laick, president of AUSA’s Fort Knox, Kentucky, chapter, wrote in a letter nominating the family for the award. “Their approach is a living blueprint for community engagement, making them the unmistakable choice for AUSA’s 2025 Volunteer Family of the Year.”

Miller, who joined the Army in 2013 as a combat engineer, is now assigned to the 1st Armored Division’s 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team at Fort Bliss, Texas, but he most recently was a senior observer, coach and trainer with the 1-410th Brigade Engineer Battalion at Fort Knox. Together with his wife, who is pursuing a degree in social work, 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.

They 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.

“Their compassion doesn’t stop at the gates of Fort Knox,” Laick wrote. “The Millers 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, Laick wrote.

The Millers 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.

“Together, Alexander, Christy and Mason are writing a story defined not by accolades, but by action,” Laick wrote. “They are proof that one family—with open hands and open hearts—can shape the future, one gesture at a time.”

Dixon Award

The John W. Dixon Award for outstanding contributions to national defense from industry will be awarded to retired Lt. Gen. David Halverson, CEO and chairman of Cypress International, a consulting firm that specializes in helping industry support DoD and other federal government agencies.

A 1979 graduate of West Point, 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, Halverson became CEO of Cypress International, and in January 2018 became the group’s 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 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.

Throughout his career, in uniform and afterward, Halverson has demonstrated “an unwavering dedication to the core values of the United States Army,” retired Maj. Gen. Dan Hughes wrote in a letter endorsing Halverson for the award.

In retirement, he continues to serve as a tireless ambassador for the Army and its values, Hughes wrote. Halverson 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.

“The true measure of LTG Halverson’s contribution lies in the enduring impact he has made on individuals, organizations and the Army as a whole,” Hughes wrote. “Programs he started continue to flourish; leaders he mentored now serve with distinction in positions of great responsibility; and the values he upheld remain foundational to the Army’s culture. … His record is one of distinguished achievement, profound compassion, and lasting influence.”

National Service Award

AUSA is honored to present its National Service Award to the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors.

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.

“Simply said, TAPS takes care of people better than any other organization on this planet,” retired Lt. Gen. Joseph Anderson, 2024 recipient of AUSA’s Abrams Medal who worked with TAPS while in uniform and has served on its board of directors since 2019, wrote in a letter nominating the group for the award. “The bottom line is that our military services are neither resourced nor equipped to deal with these grieving families. TAPS fills a void like no other and maintains that continuity of support that the services cannot provide over time.”

TAPS is the gold standard for providing critical long-term grief support for military families who’ve lost a loved one, Deborah Mullen, spouse of former Joint Chiefs Chairman retired Adm. Michael Mullen, wrote in a letter endorsing TAPS.

“There is simply not enough paper or time to share all the stories of how TAPS has saved the lives of survivors who reach out to TAPS for support,” wrote Mullen, who also serves on the organization’s board of directors. “Bonnie and her staff, many of whom are survivors of military loss themselves, and the countless volunteers—peer mentors and military mentors for children and many others—continue to reach out to survivors and provide the resources and support that began 31 years ago.”