WASHINGTON, D.C. – Each year for the past 29 years, the Army selects and recognizes 28 of its top-notch company-grade commissioned and warrant officers who have epitomized the ideals of one of the most decorated and admired generals in the history of the U.S. Army, Gen. Douglas MacArthur. MacArthur’s adherence to the motto, “Duty, Honor, and Country,” has left a legacy in the annuals of the world that may never be equaled.
This year, 28 outstanding Soldiers hailing from ranks across the active Army, Army Reserve and Army National Guard gathered here at the Pentagon Auditorium June 15, where they were presented the Gen. Douglas MacArthur Leadership Award by Gen. Mark A. Milley, Chief of Staff of the Army.
“Today I get the privilege to present awards to some of our most distinguished company grade officers in the Army,” said Milley. “There are 60,000 captains and warrant officers in the Army today and this honor goes to only 28 of our best young officers.
“Of the 28 awardees here today, 14 of them are in the active component and 14 are in the Reserve component, and I think that’s worthy of note,” he said. “It’s important to recognize we are a total Army, not just regular Army, not just Special Forces, not just rangers or the 82nd, we are a total Army.”
Milley also took time to share some leadership advice for the new awardees. “Practice humility,” he said. “Good leaders are humble leaders, they are servant leaders. It’s not about them, it’s about the cause, and it’s about the people they serve. Practice that throughout your life and you will rise well above and beyond anything MacArthur ever dreamed of.”
Once he had finished speaking, Milley and Patrick Herman, director of the MacArthur Foundation, presented each awardee with a 15 pound bronze bust of Gen. MacArthur mounted on a walnut plaque.
Two of the officers receiving the prestigious award were Army Reserve officers from the 335th Signal Command (Theater): Capt. Amanda Silvers, officer-in-charge of mobilization, assigned to the headquarters element of the 335th SC (T) and Capt. Monique Cruceta, network and operations officer, assigned to the 324th Expeditionary Signal Battalion, 335th SC (T).
“I’m very humble about receiving this award,” said Cruceta, a native of Houston, Texas. “I’m kind of in awe about it, because I didn’t expect it and I didn’t expect the amount of recognition that came with it.”
Silvers shared Cruceta’s feelings about the award. “It was an honor just to be nominated and know that my command is taking care of me to such an extent to even consider me for such an award,” said the Chapel Hill, North Carolina native. “Being selected for this award has been an amazing experience.“
“I’m absolutely proud of these two Soldiers,” said Maj. Gen. Peter A. Bosse, commanding general, 335th SC (T). “Having officers selected for this award is indicative of the leadership we have across the 335th Signal Command. I think its great. It’s a fantastic recognition for the Soldiers as individuals and it’s indicative of where they are heading in their careers. I am very proud of them.”
Milley concluded the ceremony with heart-felt congratulations to each of the awardees. “Congratulations to each one of you, you have demonstrated tremendous performance and I look forward to seeing you continually leading throughout the future in ever-larger areas of responsibility.”
Date Taken: | 06.15.2017 |
Date Posted: | 06.15.2017 23:00 |
Story ID: | 238135 |
Location: | DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, US |
Web Views: | 1,316 |
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