Retired NCO Receives Distinguished Service Cross

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Soldier receiving award
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Retired NCO Receives Distinguished Service Cross

Retired Sgt. Maj. Eric Geressy was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, the nation’s second-highest award for valor, for heroic actions in Iraq in 2007.

In a March 18 Pentagon ceremony officiated by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Geressy addressed an audience packed with his former Army teammates, his family and friends. “What do you say with a room like this, full of all your people you respect the most?” he said. “… This has been going on forever, it seems like. This is very surreal.”

AUSA Recognizes Lawmakers for Army Support

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US Capitol
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AUSA Recognizes Lawmakers for Army Support

Two members of the House Appropriations Committee’s defense subcommittee have been awarded the Association of the U.S. Army’s 2024 Legislator of the Year award for their staunch and effective support of the Army and soldiers, veterans and their families.

Rep. Dutch Ruppersberger, a Democrat from Maryland, and Republican Rep. Steve Womack from Arkansas were honored on Capitol Hill by AUSA President and CEO retired Gen. Bob Brown and retired Lt. Gen. Leslie Smith, AUSA’s vice president for Leadership and Education.

Army Reserve Soldier Receives Rare Astronaut Device

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U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Michelle Link, commanding general, 75th U.S. Army Reserve Innovation Command, presents the Basic Aviator Badge with the Astronaut Device to Maj. Kathleen Rubins, a NASA astronaut, during an awards ceremony at the Pentagon.
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Army Reserve Soldier Receives Rare Astronaut Device

Maj. Kate Rubins received the Basic Aviator Badge with Astronaut Device and Space Badge during a ceremony Nov. 21 at the Pentagon, making her the first Army Reserve soldier authorized to wear the device. 

WWII Medic Receives Overdue Distinguished Service Cross

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Sen. Chris Van Hollen posthumously recognizes Staff Sgt. Waverly Woodson for his actions
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WWII Medic Receives Overdue Distinguished Service Cross

More than 80 years after he worked tirelessly to save more than 200 fellow soldiers on D-Day, Staff Sgt. Waverly Woodson was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Service Cross.

The presentation of the nation’s second-highest award for valor at the U.S. Capitol was the culmination of years of work to ensure Woodson, an African American Army medic, was properly recognized for his actions during World War II.

AUSA Announces 2024 National Award Recipients

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AUSA Announces 2024 National Award Recipients

The Association of the U.S. Army has announced the recipients of its 2024 National Awards, which honor individuals for their selfless service and dedication to the Army and its soldiers.

AUSA Book Recognized for Distinguished Writing

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AUSA Book Recognized for Distinguished Writing

An Association of the U.S. Army Book Program title has won a 2023 Army Historical Foundation Distinguished Writing Award in its category.

Bipolar General: My Forever War with Mental Illness by retired Maj. Gen. Gregg Martin is recognized in the book category under Journals, Memoirs and Letters.

The Army Historical Foundation awards recognize “excellence in U.S. Army history writing.” The 2023 awards honor books and articles published in 2023.

Roper Honored by Army Historical Foundation

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Soldiers from the 9th Psychological Operations Battalion and the 10th Mountain Division operate Humvee-mounted loudspeakers as part of U.S. humanitarian relief efforts in Somalia. (Credit: U.S. Army)
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Roper Honored by Army Historical Foundation

Retired Col. Daniel Roper has been recognized by the Army Historical Foundation with a 2023 Distinguished Article Award for his article in ARMY magazine about the tough lessons learned from the Battle of Mogadishu 30 years ago in Somalia.

Army Astronaut Honored for Record-Breaking Mission

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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.
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Army Astronaut Honored for Record-Breaking Mission

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.”

AUSA Member Receives National Medal for Innovation

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President Joseph R. Biden Jr. awards the National Medal of Technology and Innovation to Dr. Rory Cooper at the White House in Washington, D.C., Oct. 24, 2023.
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AUSA Member Receives National Medal for Innovation

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.

WWII Army Veteran Receives France’s Highest Honor

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John Gojmerac
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WWII Army Veteran Receives France’s Highest Honor

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. 

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