WASHINGTON – Soldiers, Airmen, and civilian employees of the District Columbia National Guard came together in the unit’s 68th Annual Awards and Decorations Ceremony, Dec. 6, to honor their peers for their outstanding accomplishments throughout the year.
During the ceremony, the audience was treated to ceremonial traditions including the troop the line, pass and review, presentation of the colors and the playing of the Army and Air Force songs and the national anthem by the 257th Army Band. Additionally, the DCNG incorporated non-traditional presentations including the Prayer for the Fallen, Year-In-Review video, DCNG unit shout-outs, and holiday music.
“This has been a phenomenal year for the DCNG,” said Maj. Gen. Errol R. Schwartz, commanding general of the DCNG. “We started the year in January with the State of the Union Address as we always do and we supported every major event in our nation’s capitol. This is the end of 2015 but that’s the beginning the year 2016.”
As part of the honors, retirees of the DCNG were recognized for their outstanding tenure and Army Col. William J. Walker was promoted to the rank of brigadier general.
“If you look at what he has done in the military,” Schwartz said, “Colonel Walker is well deserving of becoming a general officer and it is my pleasure to welcome him.”
The D.C. National Guard has been holding its annual Awards and Decorations Ceremony in conjunction with the unit holiday celebration. Soldiers were encouraged to bring their families for breakfast with Santa, a banquet lunch, and family-oriented festivities throughout the day.
Awards and recipients represented during the ceremony include:
Maj. Gen. Cunningham C. Bryant Leadership Award – Army Col. Aaron Dean and Air Force Col. William Rogers
Maj. Gen. Calvin G. Franklin Leadership Award – Army Maj. Paul Martin and Air Force Maj. Nathaniel Church
Maj. Gen. Charles I. Southward Leadership Award – Army Capt. Lisa Anderson and Air Force Capt. Duane Peterson
J. Leo Lynch Outstanding Soldier Award – Army 1st Sgt. Octavia Williamson
J. Leo Lynch Outstanding Airman Award – Air Force Master Sgt. David Gray
Outstanding Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Year – Army Sgt. 1st Class Robert Bandy and Air Force Master Sgt. Hope Osecky
Outstanding Noncommissioned Officer of the Year – Army Sgt. Solomon Acevero and Air Force Tech Sgt. Brandon Smith
Soldier of the Year – Spc. Juawana Bilbro
Airman of the Year – Senior Airman Kelli Wilson
2015 Best Warrior – Army Staff Sgt. Esequiel Alvarz and Army Spc. Joseph Philpot
Tuskegee Airmen Award – Air Force Staff Sgt. Eugene Vivalda
Colonel Benjamin Abell Jr. Award (Air) – Master Sgt. Paula Dietrich
Military Volunteer of the Year – Army Sgt. Yvette Jones and Air Force Master Sgt. Sonia Vega
Military Family of the Year – Army Sgt. Sherry A. Hill and family and Air Force Command Sgt. Maj. Thomas Katt and Master Sgt. Rebecca Katt
Civilian Volunteer of the Year – Michelle Wilson and Joseph H. Atchison, Jr.
Civilian Employee of the Year – Anette Quander and Shanice Clark
Major General David F. Wherley and Mrs. Anne Shriner R. Wherley Youth Leadership Award – Tiena Frazer – Sinclair
Major General Errol R. Schwartz Cadet of the Cycle (Youth Challenge Program - Andre Ortiz-Castillo (Cycle 44) and Demetris Warren (Cycle 43)
Longevity Retiree Award – Army Command Sgt. Maj. (retired) Erman Clay
Longevity Civilian Employee Award – James Countiss
Hero Recognition Award – Senior Airman Timothy Blake