ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED STATES ARMY

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.

The Association of the U.S. Army has announced the recipients of its 2022 National Awards, which honor individuals for their selfless service and dedication to the Army and its soldiers.

“This year’s National Award recipients represent the very best of AUSA,” said retired Gen. Bob Brown, AUSA president and CEO. “Through their dedicated service and commitment, each of them has made a huge difference in the lives of others and in support of our Army and our nation, and I look forward to honoring them at our annual meeting in October.”

Elizabeth Dole, a former U.S. senator, two-time cabinet secretary, former leader of the American Red Cross and founder of a national organization that focuses on support for military families and caregivers, is the 2022 recipient of the Association of the U.S. Army’s highest award.

The George Catlett Marshall Medal, awarded for distinguished and selfless service, is presented annually during the association’s annual meeting and exposition in Washington, D.C.

Decades after their trailblazing service, members of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, the first and only all-female, all-Black American battalion to deploy overseas during World War II, will receive the Congressional Gold Medal.

The “Six Triple Eight” Congressional Gold Medal Act was signed into law March 14 by President Joe Biden after the legislation was passed by the Senate and House of Representatives. A date has not been announced for presentation of the award, which must be designed and struck by the U.S. Mint.