2026 Marine & Reserve Affairs Awards Recipients
Postal Marine of the Year
Cpl Stephanie Chavez
Marine Family Program Employee of the Year
Julie A. Fulton
Julie Fulton earned a BA in English and Secondary Education from Northwestern Oklahoma State University in 1993 and an MS in School Administration and Curriculum and Instruction from East Carolina University in 2008. She is one of the original USMC School Liaisons and stood up the program at Camp Lejeune and Marine Corps Air Station, New River in May, 2008.
From 2008-2012, Ms. Fulton served in the role of Special Staff to the Installation Commander where she worked with seven Department of Defense schools, 38 local county schools, and four other military impacted school districts encompassing a total of approximately 12,000 military connected students. As part of a coalition of North Carolina military school liaisons, Ms. Fulton helped create the Reach Every Military Child program, enhancing support services to military children- active, guard, and reserve in every NC county. Mrs. Fulton supported Onslow CountySchools bid for a 2.5 million dollar DoDEA partnership grant for Student 2 Student peer mentoring programs in 14 schools. She created the 360 Advisory Board to help determine the direction of the School Liaison Program, an orientation program for school based MFLCs, and Ready, Set, Go to Kindergarten, an annual school readiness fair.
In 2013-2018, Mrs. Fulton supported the transition of the School Liaison Program into Marine Corps Community Services, Family Care Branch. With an increase in homeschooling in the state, Ms. Fulton developed trainings, resources, and a social media presence to help the homeschool population stay connected. In 2015, she was instrumental in bringing the first USMC National Math Science grants to six Onslow County High Schools. Those grants dramatically increased AP course enrollment and pass rates especially in under-represented populations. Ms. Fulton added New River School Liaison to her duties and took over Regional School Liaison duties, supporting the Marine Corps Installations East Commanding General.
In 2019- present, Ms. Fulton worked to bring the Purple Star Program to North Carolina and saw its implementation in 2019. Currently 288 schools and 8 districts in the state are recognized as Military Friendly Schools. 100% of the schools in her area of responsibility now hold the Purple Star designation. Ms. Fulton was instrumental in coordinating partnerships between the military and schools to facilitate communication and training that supported students during the COVID 19 pandemic. She supported hundreds of families who transitioned to homeschooling to manage the impacts of school changes.
Julie Fulton has 18 years experience in public, private, and DoWEA schools. She was the 2005 recipient of DoDEA North Carolina Teacher of the Year and the 2008-2009 DoDEA School Liaison Officer of Excellence Award. She received Pete Taylor Partnership Awards of Excellence in 2010, 2012, and 2013. In 2012 she received a Certificate of Commendation for her role in supporting students after a tornado destroyed a base elementary school, and in 2015, her program received the Commander in Chief’s Annual Award for Installation Excellence, Certificate of Special Recognition. Ms. Fulton raised two resilient military children and now enjoys spoiling her two granddaughters who are military children as well. She continues to have a passion for the education of military children and the Dallas Cowboys.
Marine Corps Community Services Marine of the Year
SSgt Brittney M. Smith
Brittney Smith was born in Levelland, Texas and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in December 2018. She attended recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, South Carolina and graduated in March 2019. Private First Class Smith attended Marine Combat Training (MCT) aboard MCB Camp Pendleton, CA. Upon completion, she reported to Marine Corps Detachment,Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri for Military Police Basic Course. She graduated in August 2019 and was awarded the MOS 5811, Military Police. Private First Class Smith reported to 2D Law Enforcement Battalion, Camp Lejeune and was promoted to Lance Corporal in October 2019. In January 2020 LCpl Smith was selected for the Law Enforcement Detachment with V 3/2 to participate in the Marine Rotational Force- Europe 20.2. Upon her return, she was promoted to Corporal in October 2020.
In October 2020, Cpl Smith executed orders to the Provost Marshall’s Office, Headquarter and Support Battalion, Camp Lejeune and assigned as the company S-3 training clerk. Cpl Smith then executed orders to Security Battalion, Camp Pendleton, CA in March 2022 and was assigned a Military Police Watchstander.
In September 2022, Cpl Smith reenlisted, executed a lateral move to the MOS 4133, and executed orders to Combat Logistics Regiment 17 to complete on the job training as a Retail Exchange Manager. After 6 months of training, she was awarded the MOS Marine Corps Community Services. 4133. In January 2023, she was promoted to Sergeant. In May 2023, Sgt Smith was assigned to MEF Support Battalion to support Marine Rotational Force- Darwin 23.4 as an exchange manager. Upon her return, She was assigned as Chappo Marine Mart Assistant Manager. In January 2026, She was promoted to Staff Sergeant. SSgt Smith is currently serving as the Mainside Marine Mart Assistant Manager. Sgt Smith holds an Associates of Arts in Management. SSgt Smith’s personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (3rd award) and the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal.
Active Reserve Career Counselor of the Year
GySgt Justin K. Pedersen
Gunnery Sergeant Justin K. Pedersen enlisted in the Marine Corps in 2016 after graduating high school. He initially trained as a Maintenance Data Specialist and was stationed in Okinawa, Japan, with Marine Air Logistics Squadron 36. During this period, he took on various roles, including managing records for avionics and general support equipment, and later served as the Central Technical Publications Librarian.
In 2019, he transitioned to the Career Planning field and reenlisted. Following specialized training, he served in Yuma, Arizona, with Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 1 and Marine Wing Support Squadron 371. In January 2024, he joined the Active Reserve and transferred to Marine Wing Support Squadron 471 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He was promoted to the rank of Gunnery Sergeant and currently serves as the Squadrons Career Counselor.
Academically, Gunnery Sergeant Pedersen holds a master’s degree in human resources management and a bachelor’s in legal studies. He is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in strategic leadership. His personal decorations include the Navy & Marine Corps Commendation Medal and the Navy & Marine Corps Achievement Medal.
Equal Opportunity Advisor of the Year
GySgt Lindsey M. Dabdoub
Gunnery Sergeant Dabdoub enlisted in the Marine Corps in December 2007 and attended recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina. Following graduation, she completed Marine Combat Training and earned the 0151 Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) as an Administrative Clerk.
Her first assignment was with Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3d Marine Aircraft Wing, Camp Pendleton, where she served as an Outbound Orders Clerk. She later joined the Installation Personnel Administration Center and deployed with the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit. Promoted to Sergeant in 2012, she received orders to the 9th Engineer Support Battalion in Okinawa, Japan, serving as Personnel Chief and supporting key exercises like the Korean Marine Exchange Program.
In 2015, she transferred to Camp Lejeune, holding billets as Administration Chief for both Combat Logistics Regiment 15 and 8th Communications Battalion. From 2017 to 2020, Gunnery Sergeant Dabdoub served as a Faculty Advisor at the Staff Noncommissioned Officers Academy, mentoring future leaders across 20 Sergeant School cycles.
Following her promotion to Gunnery Sergeant in 2021, she was the Squadron Administration Chief at Marine Air Support Squadron 3 before earning the 0147 Equal Opportunity Advisor MOS. She currently serves as the Equal Opportunity Advisor for the 1st Marine Regiment.
Career Counselor of the Year
SSgt Ryan V. Payne
Staff Sergeant Payne was born in Cartersville, Georgia. He reported to recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, SC, in October 2011 and graduated in January 2012 as a Private First Class. He then attended Marine Combat Training at Camp Geiger, North Carolina followed by the Basic Musicians Course at the Naval School of Music in Virginia Beach, VA where he earned the military occupational specialty of Musician (5524) and was promoted to Lance Corporal in May 2012.
In August 2012, Lance Corporal Payne reported to The Parris Island Marine Band, Parris Island, SC as a trombone instrumentalist. He was promoted to Corporal in September 2013 and was assigned as the Trombone section leader for the band, the Assistant Instrument Repair Technician, and the Band Supply NCOIC. He was promoted to Sergeant in June 2015 and assigned as the acting Instrument Repair Technician, and Supply Chief. During this tour he participated in 146 Morning Colors and Graduation ceremonies, and more than 350 Change of Command, Relief and Appointment, Retirement, Birthday Ball, and other community involved performances.
In February of 2016, Sergeant Payne reported to The Marine Forces Pacific Band, Kaneohe Bay, HI and was assigned as the Assistant Instrument Repair Technician, Trombone Section Leader, and Small Ensemble Leader for the Brass Band, Embarkation NCOIC, Supply NCOIC, GCPC card holder, and Brig Chaser. During this tour he participated in over 300 Change of Command, Relief and Appointment, Retirement, Birthday Ball, and other community involved performances.
In January of 2018, Sergeant Payne reported to Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, CA for Recruiters School and later assigned to Recruiting Sub-Station Roswell, Recruiting Station Atlanta. He served as Canvassing Recruiter. He was promoted to Staff Sergeant in December 2019 and assigned as the Station Commander for Recruiting Sub-Station Roswell. In April of 2021, Staff Sergeant Payne conducted a lateral move to be a Career Counselor reported to Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 11. In July of 2021, Staff Sergeant Payne reported to Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, CA for the Basic Career Counselor Course, and was later named the Gung-Ho recipient.
In March of 2022, Staff Sergeant Payne was selected to report to the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit in support of WESTPAC 23.1 deployment. Staff Sergeant Payne served as the SNCOIC Career Counselor for four subordinate commands aboard the USS Makin Island (LHD-8). Staff Sergeant Payne was later selected to serve as the Company Gunnery Sergeant. After returning from deployment, Staff Sergeant Payne returned to MALS-11 as the Career Counselor.
In December of 2023, Staff Sergeant Payne reported to Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Installations Pacific, where he currently serves. His personal decorations include the Navy Marine Corps Commendation Medal with two gold stars (in lieu of third award), Navy Marine Corps Achievement Medal with one silver star and one gold star (in lieu of seventh award), and Good Conduct Medal. He is married to the former Jessica Zack of Charleston, SC and they have three children: Kensley (19), Raelyn (17), and Matthew (11).
Child Development Center Staff Member of the Year
Stephanny Vizuete
Reserve Administration NCO of the Year
Cpl Todd A. Karlsen
Corporal Todd A. Karlsen, a native of Battle Ground, Washington, is distinguished by his strong work ethic and commitment to excellence instilled by his parents. After earning an associate’s in science degree from Clark College, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, starting recruit training on July 10, 2023. After completing Marine Combat Training and Personal Administrative School, he was assigned on February 1, 2024 to Headquarters and Service Company, 6th Engineer Support Battalion, 4th Marine Logistics Group based in Portland, Oregon. Soon after he began a Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering from Washington State Seeking further experience, Corporal Karlsen capitalized on an opportunity to deploy to Okinawa, Japan, during 2025 with the III Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF) Stand-in Force mobilization. During this time, he served in the III MEF Reserve Affairs Branch (RAB) as a travel clerk and as the SIF FY25 Assistant Administrative Chief. His exceptional performance during 2025 led to a meritorious promotion to Corporal, a Navy completion of the current ADOS orders, Corporal Karlsen will return to Washington to finish his bachelor’s degree, utilizing the GI Bill.
Administration Marine of the Year
LCpl Brian Galvez
Administration SNCO of the Year
GySgt Adimonika N. Qiokata
Master Sergeant Qiokata was raised in Sacramento, CA where she graduated from high school in the summer of 2011. In August of 2011, she went Recruit Training aboard MCRD Parris Island, SC with Papa Co, 4th RctTrngBn. Upon completion, she proceeded to training at Camp Geiger, NC and Camp Johnson where she was awarded the MOS of 0111 upon graduation. In July of 2018, she reported to DI School aboard MCRD PI. She was assigned to Papa Co, 4th RctTrngBn where she served as a DI, SDI and CDI. In July 2021, she reported to 2d Marine Expeditionary Brigade where she served as the Staff Secretary and supported CR 22 and Task Force 61/2. In May 2023, she reported to MCAS Miramar as the SNCOIC, Customer Service Branch. In September 2024, she deployed in support of OIR. Upon return, she was assigned to Quality Control Branch. In February 2026, she was promoted to MSgt and reported to Expeditionary Warfare Training Group – Pacific where she serves as the N1, SEL.
Administration NCO of the Year
Cpl Isabelle B. Chavez
Sergeant Chavez, Isabelle B. was born in Los Banos, CA on 2 August 2002. She graduated high school in 2020 and enlisted in the Marine Corps out of Sacramento, CA on 25 October 2021. Upon completing recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) San Diego, California in January of 2022, she attended the Marine Combat Training, School of Infantry at Camp Pendleton, California, and follow-on military occupational specialty school, Marine Corps Service Support School, Camp Johnson, North Carolina.
Upon graduation, Private First Class Chavez was assigned to the Headquarters and Support Battalion, IPAC to serve as an Administrative Specialist. While at the IPAC, PFC Chavez assumed duties as a pay and entitlement clerk. In December 2022, she was promoted to Lance Corporal. In December 2023, Lance Corporal Chavez was promoted to the rank of Corporal. In May of 2025 Corporal Chavez executed a permanent change of assignment to Headquarters Battalion S-1, 3D Marine Division and became the NCOIC of the outbound section assisting Marines in separating, PCSing, retiring or PCAing. In January 2026, she was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. In February 2026, she was formally recognized as the Administration Noncommissioned Officer of the Year for Fiscal Year 2025.
Personnel Officer of the Year
CWO3 Jesse M. Corado
Chief Warrant Officer 3 Jesse Corado is a native of Miami Beach, FL and enlisted in the Marine Corps in June 2002. He began his career with Headquarters Battalion, 1st Force Service Support Group at Camp Pendleton. In 2004, he deployed to Iraq, serving in multiple administrative and operational billets and earned his promotion to Corporal. After returning, he led key administrative sections supporting more than 6,000 Marines across the Group.
From 2006 to 2007, he served with Marine Corps Central Command in Bahrain, then transferred to United States Forces Japan, where he was promoted to Sergeant. In 2008, he reported to the G-1 at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, managing recruit transportation and general correspondence.
Promoted to Staff Sergeant in 2011, he served at MCAS Miramar and later deployed to Qatar with Special Operations Command Central. He then transferred to the Wounded Warrior Regiment at Quantico, ensuring proper compensation for injured Marines, and was selected for the Warrant Officer Program in 2016. As a Personnel Officer, he held leadership roles at IPAC Twentynine Palms, Combat Logistics Regiment 1, and 1st Marine Logistics Group. He currently serves as OIC of the 52 Area Remote IPAC Cell at Camp Pendleton.
Civilian Administrator of the Year
Edward W. Luckado III
Born in Quantico, VA, but raised in a small town in North Carolina. Entered Marine Corps Basic Training at Parris Island, South Carolina in 1984. Was stationed at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina twice, K-Bay, Hawaii, Cherry Point, North Carolina, New Orleans, Louisiana and Kansas City, Missouri. Deployed to Okinawa, Japan, Iwakuni, Japan, Norway, South Korea and Saudia Arabia, where I participated in Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm. Retired from the Marine Corps Mobilization Command in October 2004.
Hired by Marine Corps Mobilization Command in January 2005 as a GS employee. This command was shut down in 2010/2011 and moved to New Orleans, Louisiana. I rose through the ranks to obtain a supervisor position and have been here for the past 15 years. I have three children, Fallon, Blake and Tyler Luckado.
Manpower Officer of the Year
Capt Arieal A. Beavers
Captain Ariel A. Beavers is a native of Atlanta, Georgia. She commissioned into the Marine Corps from Savannah State University’s Naval Reserve Officer Training Program in May 2018. After completing The Basic School, she attended the Basic Manpower Officer Course aboard Camp Johnson, North Carolina. Second Lieutenant Beavers reported to I Marine Logistics Group, Camp Pendleton, California, for her first tour where she served as the I Marine Logistics Group, G-1 Adjutant (2019-2020) and the 1st Transportation Support Battalion, Adjutant (2020-2022). She was promoted to First Lieutenant in May 2020.
In the summer of 2022, she received orders to Headquarters Marine Corps, Marine and Family Programs Division, Casualty Branch in Quantico, Virginia were she was the Administration Officer and Family Service member Group Life Insurance Coordinator. Following her time in Quantico, Captain Beavers reported to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. She has conducted 5 patrols between 2024-2026 and participated four bilateral and combined level exercises with allied partners. Captain Beavers has a Bachelors of Science in Behavior Analysis and is a graduate of Expeditionary Warfare School, the Naval Legal Officer course, and Joint Fatality Management Planners Course.
Her personal awards and decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Gold Star, the Korean Defense Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Global War on Terrorism and National Defense Service medal.
Civilian Analyst of the Year
Alan M. Epps Jr.
Personnel Administration Center of the Year
Regional PAC, MCI-East
The Marine Corps Installations East Regional Personnel Administration Center (RPAC) started the regionalization in late 2021 as part of the Marine Corps’ administrative modernization initiative to centralize personnel administration and improve the accuracy and efficiency of manpower reporting across the force. As of 2024, the RPAC currently operates with satellite centers at MCAS New River, MCAS Cherry Point, MCAS Beaufort, and MCLB Albany. The creation of the RPAC enabled the consolidation of administrative expertise and oversight of Marine Corps Total Force System (MCTFS) reporting. Located aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, the RPAC provides comprehensive personnel administration support to tenant commands across the 5 installations and the greater II Marine Expeditionary Force area of responsibility. Through centralized processing of personnel actions, pay-related transactions, orders preparation, and administrative reporting, the RPAC ensures timely and accurate support to commanders and Marines while enhancing enterprise-level accountability and readiness across the Marine Corps administrative community. The Mission of the Marine Corps Installations East RPAC is to provide fast, friendly, and effective personnel administrative support and services to Commanders, Marines, and family members in order to ensure military personnel records and pay accounts are accurate and properly maintained, allowing the individual Marine to be prepared for worldwide deployment with the operating forces.