ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED STATES ARMY

Col. Frank Rubio received the Army Astronaut Device Feb. 22 during a ceremony at the Pentagon, making him one of just three currently serving soldiers authorized to wear the device.

“Col. Rubio, you are a stellar example of the Army’s core values and what it means to lead a life of service,” Army Secretary Christine Wormuth said during the ceremony. “You inspired audiences around the world as you orbited the Earth for 371 days, and now, back on Earth, you continue to inspire others as you share your experience with the public.”

Rory Cooper, a life member of the Association of the U.S. Army’s Fort Pitt chapter, recently was honored at the White House for his work developing cutting-edge wheelchair technologies and mobility devices.

Cooper, who works with the University of Pittsburgh and the Department of Veterans Affairs, received the National Medal of Technology and Innovation from President Joe Biden during an Oct. 24 ceremony.

Through his work, Cooper has empowered the lives of “millions of Americans,” according to the citation accompanying his award.

John Gojmerac, a World War II veteran who served in the 3rd Infantry Division, recently was awarded the insignia of Knight of the Legion of Honor, France’s highest decoration.

Jeremie Robert, consul general of France in New York, presented the award to Gojmerac Oct. 20 in a ceremony in Tonawanda, New York. 

Capt. Luis Avila, who has battled back from severe injuries suffered during his fifth combat deployment, inspiring many along the way, has been awarded one of the highest honors given to members of the military police.

“I can’t think of a more deserving soldier and member of our regiment to receive this honor,” Army Inspector General Lt. Gen. Donna Martin said as she presented Avila with the Order of the Marechaussee, silver, according to an Army news release. “Today, we are here because the impossible was made possible with faith, family, courage and prayers.”

The Association of the U.S. Army has announced the recipients of its 2023 National Awards, which honor individuals for their selfless service and dedication to the Army and its soldiers.

The Association of the U.S. Army’s vice president for Leadership and Education received the 20th Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosives Command’s 2022 Defender of Liberty Award Jan. 31 in a ceremony at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland. 

More than 150 years after leading the Union Armies to victory in the Civil War, Ulysses Grant is about to be promoted to General of the Armies of the United States.

The move, authorized in the 2023 National Defense Authorization Act, would make Grant just the third officer to receive the rank. The others are John Pershing, who was promoted to the rank in 1919, and George Washington, who received a posthumous promotion in 1976, according to the Arlington National Cemetery website.

Two leading members of the Senate Armed Services Committee have been awarded the Association of the U.S. Army’s 2022 Legislator of the Year award for their staunch and effective support of the Army and soldiers and their families.

Sens. Jack Reed, a Democrat from Rhode Island, and Republican Jim Inhofe of Oklahoma recently were honored by AUSA President and CEO retired Gen. Bob Brown.

Reed is the chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, while Inhofe is the ranking member.

Units involved in the withdrawal from Afghanistan will be recognized for their service, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced.

“At President Biden’s direction, all units involved in the retrograde operation from Afghanistan, Operation Allies Refuge and Operation Allies Welcome will be awarded the Meritorious Unit Commendation or its equivalent,” Austin said in a statement released Aug. 31.