U.S. Central Command Chief of Staff, Army Maj. Gen. Karl R. Horst, recognized the USCENTCOM annual award winners during the command’s annual awards banquet at the Surf’s Edge Club here, Feb. 28. Military winners received Joint Service Commendation Medals. Civilians received Joint Service Civilian Commendation Medals. (Top) Mrs. Trudy Duncan-Rayburn, Category II Civilian of the Year; Mr. Henry Martin, Category I Civilian of the Year. (Bottom) Navy Lt. Cmdr. Scott Emley, Joint Officer of the Year; Army Staff Sgt. Corey Dunlap, Senior Service Member of the Year; Lance Cpl. Andrew Holdridge, Junior Service Member of the Year. (USCENTCOM photo by Sgt. Fredrick J. Coleman)
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. — More than 150 people gathered at Surf’s Edge Club here to recognize the best service members and civilians from USCENTCOM during the command’s annual awards banquet Feb. 28.
Following a year of competitions, the banquet is the culminating event that recognizes the 2012 joint officer, service members and civilians of the year. Service members of the year from each branch of service were also recognized during the ceremony.
“The men and women recognized today are truly the best that USCENTCOM has to offer,” said Army Maj. Gen. Karl R. Horst, USCENTCOM chief of staff. “One of the best things I get to do here, as a Soldier, is to recognize a Marine, Sailor, Airman or fellow Soldier for their accomplishments.”
The winners first won quarterly awards in 2012 to be eligible for the annual award. They were selected based on their performance in categories such as physical fitness, military appearance, marksmanship, first aid, and drill and ceremonies. Military candidates wore their service or dress uniforms in front of a board of senior enlisted leaders and senior officers where their military knowledge and bearing were put to the test.
In addition to their contributions to USCENTCOM, the annual winners are also involved in their communities.
After presenting the two civilian winners their awards, Horst said that while the public sees uniforms as representing USCENTCOM, the civilian workforce here is an integral part of the command’s success.
Military winners received Joint Service Commendation Medals and civilians received Joint Service Civilian Commendation Medals. Additionally, the annual winners received gifts donated by sponsors.