2026 Training and Education Awards Recipients
Marksmanship/Small Arms Instructor of the Year
Sgt Tristan J. Hermesman
Sergeant Hermesman was born in January 1999 in Lake City, Florida. He graduated from Columbia High School in 2017 and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps Delayed Entry Program in June 2016. He reported to Recruit Training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island in September 2017 and graduated on December 1, 2017. Shortly thereafter, he attended Marine Combat Training at the School of lnfantry East, beginning on December 26, 2017.
Upon completion of Marine Combat Training, Sergeant Hermesman attended Supply School. After graduating, he was assigned to 3rd Marine Division in Okinawa, Japan, where he served from 2018 to 2020. During this assignment, he deployed as part of the Marine Rotational Force – Darwin (MRF-D) in Australia from October 2019 to March 2020.
In 2020, Sergeant Hermesman received orders to Blount Island Command, where he
served as part of the Security Augmentation Force. He deployed to Bahrain and Kuwait for three months beginning in April 2021. He transitioned out of active duty in August 2021.
Six months later, Sergeant Hermesman re-enlisted in the Marine Corps and was assigned to the School oflnfantry West to retrain in the 0341 Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) as a Mortarman. After graduating from Infantry Training Battalion, he reported to 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, Company B, where he served as an Assistant Gunner on a 60mm mortar team.
During the pre-deployment workup for his next assignment, Sergeant Hermesman advanced to Squad Leader and completed the Advanced Mortarman Course. In June 2024, he deployed with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), participating in operations and training exercises across South Korea, the Philippines, Guam, and Hawaii. He returned in December 2024.
On January 1, 2025, Sergeant Hermesman checked into Weapons Field Training Battalion. He attended and graduated from the Combat Marksmanship Course as the Honor Graduate. He subsequently completed both the Combat Marksmanship Trainer Course and the Primary Marksmanship Instructor Course.
Sergeant Hennesman’s personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal.
Sergeant Hermesman completed the Combat Marksmanship Coaches Course 2025 and Combat Marksmanship Trainers Course 2025.
Formal School Officer Instructor of the Year
Capt Hunter S. Wilbraham
Capt Wilbraham was born and grew up in New Jersey before attending college at Villanova University through the NROTC Scholarship. He attended Officer Candidate School in 2018 and commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in May 2019 before checking into The Basic School in September 2019.
While at the Basic School he received the military occupational specialty (MOS) of 0302, Infantry Officer. Upon completion of The Basic School in 2020, Second Lieutenant Wilbraham attended Infantry Officer’s Course. In June 2020, he checked m to 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center (MCAGCC), Twentynine Palms, California. Upon checking in he was sent to Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center in Bridgeport, California for Summer Mountain leaders Course. He auained the additional MOS of 0944, Summer Mountain leader and returned 10 MCAGCC in October.
In October 2020, Second Lieutenant Wilbraham was transferred to 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment and checked in to Company F. He conducted the workup as a rifle platoon commander with 1st Platoon before deploying as the Weapons Platoon Commander. In October 2021, First Lieutenant Wilbraham deployed in support of Unit Deployment Program to Okinawa, Japan. While deployed, he served as the Company Fire Support Team Leader and led the team through numerous training exercises at the company and battalion level.
First Lieutenant Wilbraham retumed to MCAGCC from the Unit Deployment Program in April 2022 and moved
from Company F to Weapons Company within the battalion to take command of the Heavy Machine Gun Platoon. In June 2022 the Heavy Machine Gun Platoon absorbed the Anti Annor Platoon to form the Combined Anti Armor Team (CAAT) Platoon. First Lieutenant Wilbraham served as platoon commander of CAA T Platoon from June 2022 until departing the battalion in May 2023.
First Lieutenant Wilbraham reported to The Basic School in May of 2023. From May 2023 to May 2024, he served as a Warfighting Instructor within the Platoon Tactics Group and oversaw platoon level live fire ranges and force on force training exercises in support of 8 TBS training companies. He was promoted to Captain in October 2023. In March 2024 Captain Wilbraham was assigned to serve as the Staff Platoon Commander for Fifth Platoon, Company D. In November of 2024 Captain Wilbraham was assigned to serve as the Executive Officer of Company I, Warrant Officer Basic Course 1-25. Since April 2025, Captain Wilbraham has been serving as Course Director, Instructor Education Program 100 within The Basic School’s Instructor Development Group. He will leave The Basic School in July 2026 to attend Expeditionary Warfare School.
Formal School Civilian Instructor of the Year
Mr. Brian M. Pavlus
Mr. Pavlus enlisted in the Marine Corps in March 1996. Upon graduation from the School of Infantry, he reported to Chemical Biological Incident Response Force, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, where he filled various billets as an infantryman in the security force company.
In 1996, Mr. Pavlus was selected to participate in the screening and assessment process for assignment as a Reconnaissance Marine. Upon graduation from the Amphibious Reconnaissance School at Fort Story, Virgina, in 1997, Mr. Pavlus reported to 2D Reconnaissance Battalion, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, where he filled various billets while deploying on three Marine Expeditionary Units. During this time, Mr. Pavlus also graduated from numerous specialized schools such as Marine Combatant Dive, Army Basic Parachutist, Marine Corps Scout Sniper, Military Free-Fall, Marine Corps Martial Arts Instructor, Marine Corps Close Quarters Battle Dynamic Assault Course, and Marine Corps Assault Climber where he was the Honor Graduate.
In 2004, Mr. Pavlus received orders to Marine Combatant Dive Detachment at Naval Diving and Salvage Training Center in Panama City, Florida. As a High-Risk Instructor, he served as the Assistant Team Leader for the MK-25 closed circuit team and was also the Lead Instructor for the Diver Propulsion Device team while he successfully trained and evaluated over 150 students annually from multiple branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, Department of War, and Special Operations Command personnel. During his tour, Mr. Pavlus also graduated from several more specialized schools such as Formal School Instructor, Dive Medicine and Recompression Chamber Supervisor, Combatant Diver Supervisor, Coast Guard Boating Skills and Seamanship, Diver’s Life Support Systems, and MK-25 Closed Circuit Maintenance Technician.
Mr. Pavlus was transferred back to 2D Reconnaissance Battalion in 2008. During this tour, he graduated from the Multi-Mission Parachutist Course and served as a Force Reconnaissance Team Leader, Joint Tactical Air Controller, and Reconnaissance Platoon Sergeant while conducting three deployments in support of a Marine Expeditionary Unit, Unified Response Haiti, and Operation Enduring Freedom.
In 2011, Mr. Pavlus assumed duties as the Staff Non-commissioned Officer in Charge and Chief Instructor of Special Missions Branch, Special Operations Training Group in Okinawa, Japan. He served as the Senior Enlisted Leader for the planning, training, and tactical employment of all reconnaissance, maritime, and special operations with a speci fie focus on Marine Expeditionary Unit and Special Operations Forces interoperability. During this tour, Mr. Pavlus successfully trained and evaluated over 100 students annually from multiple branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, Department of War, and Special Operations Command personnel in various levels of HighRisk and Specialized Military Operations. Additionally, he was instrumental in the development, creation, and implementation of global maritime security and stabilization doctrine and curriculum utilized throughout the Department of Defense. Furthermore, he planned and coordinated with multiple host nation country dignitaries and officials to conduct numerous multinational training exercises resulting in increased foreign relations with partner nations.
Based on his accomplishments at Special Missions Branch, Special Operations Training Group, Mr. Pavlus was selected to be the Reconnaissance Operations Senior Enlisted Leader for the Maritime Raid Force in support of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. During this tour, he conducted several strategic joint, interagency, and multinational military operations in various spectrums around the world with a specific focus on Amphibious Ready Group and Special Operations Forces interoperability. Additionally, Mr. Pavlus spearheaded a one-of-a-kind think tank and action team to develop and create a strategic position within Special Operations Command Pacific to foster and facilitate Amphibious Ready Group and Special Operations Forces interoperability.
After twenty years of honorable service, Mr. Pavlus retired from the United States Marine Corps in March 2016. In 2021, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business Leadership from the Baptist College of Florida, where he graduated summa cum laude and received the Highest-Grade Point Award of the business program.
As a direct result of his expertise and accomplishments, Mr. Pavlus was recruited to return to service in 2024 as a Federal General Schedule employee at the Marine Combatant Dive Detachment in Panama City, Florida. Mr. Pavlus currently serves as Program Manager and Training Instructor where he is the Subject Matter Expert in MK- 25 closed circuit dive operations and maintenance management procedures. He directly oversees and manages a department of eighteen MK-25 closed circuit maintenance technicians. Additionally, Mr. Pavlus is directly responsible for the maintenance, management, and accountability of millions of dollars of highly sensitive specialized dive gear and equipment, consistently resulting in flawless verified inspections.
Furthermore, he is integral in developing and maintaining positive working relationships with multiple federal government entities and officials, as well as numerous business entities such as suppliers, vendors, contractors, and sub-contractors. As a direct result of his restructuring and expansion of the MK-25 closed circuit maintenance technician program, Mr. Pavlus was nominated for Civilian Employee of the Quarter in 2025.
His decorations include three Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, Combat Action Ribbon, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, two Navy Unit Commendation Medals, Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation Medal, seven Marine Corps Good Conduct Medals, National Defense Service Medal, two Kosovo Campaign Medals, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with two stars, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, three Humanitarian Service Medals, ten Sea Service Deployment Ribbons, NATO Medal-ISAF Afghanistan, NATO Medal, five Expert Rifle Badges, two Expert Pistol Badges, four Letters of Appreciation, and Meritorious Mast.
In addition to his impeccable professional career, Mr. Pavlus currently volunteers with Florida State University Early Childhood Autism Program and Miracle League Baseball for people with disabilities. Furthermore, he has previously volunteered at the Panama City Florida Rescue Mission and was Co-Chairman of the Navy Copper Collar Charity Run.
MAGTF Enlisted Instructor of the Year
MSgt Ricki C. Miles Jr.
Master Sergeant Ricki Miles is a native of Burlington, North Carolina. He graduated from Southern Alamance High School and in 2011, he enlisted in the Marine Corps as a Counter Battery Radar Operator (0842).
On May 1st, 2011, Recruit Miles began recruit training at Parris Island, South Carolina. Upon successfully completing recruit training Private First Class Miles reported to SOI-E for Marine Combat Training. Following MCT PFC Miles reported to Fort Sill in Lawton Oklahoma for Field Artillery Fire Finder Radar Operator Course in August of 2011. PFC Miles received orders to Camp Lejeune NC, 10th Marine Regiment, Headquarters Battery Target Acquisition Platoon upon graduating MOS school.
Lance Corporal Miles served as a Radar Assistant Team Leader in 2013 when his radar team was selected for the 44th Presidential Inauguration for Former President Mr. Barrack Obama. Lance Corporal Miles worked with The United States Secret Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation as well as other three letter agencies as a part of the physical security detail. Lance Corporal Miles received his Joint Meritorious Unit Award as a result of this mission.
In 2013, Cpl Miles was selected to represent 10th Marine Regiment as a Counter Battery Radar Operator with Bravo Battery, 1st Battalion 10th Marine Regiment. Bravo Battery, 1/10 would eventually chop over to 1st Battalion 6th Marines as a part of Battalion Landing Team 1/6 for the deployment on the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit. While on the 22nd MEU, Cpl Miles was promoted to Sgt in Al Jaber, Kuwait. Sgt Miles was hand selected to become a Corporals Course Instructor by Battalion Landing Team Staff where he would instruct Operations 1, 2, 3 as well as Sword and Guidon Manual. Sgt Miles would receive a Certificate of Commendation for being selected “Instructor of the Course”.
In April of 2015, Sgt Miles executed PCS Orders to 11th Marine Regiment Headquarters Battery Target Acquisition Platoon.
In February of2016 Sgt Miles volunteered to deploy once again but with SPMAGTF 16.1 and chop over to Task Force Al Asad to fill the Fires NCO billet in Al Asad, Iraq. Sgt Miles worked in the COC conducting counter fires, dynamic and deliberate strike packages during several offensive and defensive operations in support of Iraqi Army Divisions. Sgt Miles would also cover the Fires Chief Billet (E9 Billet) his last two months in country as a Sergeant. Sgt Miles conducted over 600 strikes killing 865 ISIS Fighters, eliminating indirect fires assets and weapons caches along the Central Euphrates River Valley. Sgt Miles was recognized by the Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps in Al Asad with a coin and Sgt Miles received his Navy Achievement Medal for his actions in Al Asad as well as Operation Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal.
On February 27th 2017 Sgt Miles reported into MCRD San Diego for Basic Recruiter Course, Sgt Miles would eventually gain the 8411 MOS and be assigned to 4th Marine Corps Recruiting District stationed in RS Charleston WV, Recruiting Sub-Station South Columbus. SSgt Miles recruited in Hilliard, Ohio very successfully for one year as a canvassing recruiter before being promoted to Recruiting Sub-Station Commander.
SSgt Miles would assume responsibility ofRSS Circleville for his remaining time on recruiting duty. In July of 2020, SSgt Miles would receive his recruiting ribbon as well as a Navy Commendation Medal for his actions while serving as a canvassing recruiter as well as a SNCOIC.
Upon successful completion of SDA in July of 2020, SSgt Miles would execute TEMINS orders in transit to Camp Lejeune, NC for Marine Artillery Operations Chief Course on Fort Sill in Lawton Oklahoma gaining MOS 0848 in November of 2020.
March 2022 GySgt Miles reported to Vl/6 Weapons Company 81mm Mortar Platoon where he served as Platoon Sergeant, deploying on 26th MEUSOC in 2023-2024 as platoon commander aboard the USS Carter Hall (LSD).
July 2024 – Current GySgt Miles executes PCS Orders from Camp Lejeune, NC to Marine Corps Tactics and Operations Group in Twentynine Palms CA where he gains Operations and Tactics Instructor (0577 MOS).
GySgt Miles received orders to 3rd Battalion 11th Marines to fill the role of assistant operations chief upon selection to the rank of Master sergeant.
Master Sergeant Miles personal awards include, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal in Lieu of second award, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal in lieu of second award.
Formal School Aviation Instructor of the Year
Capt Reagan E. Reynolds
Captain Reagan Reynolds was born on 4 August 1995 in Nacogdoches, Texas. He graduated from the University of Alabama and was commissioned in the United States Marine Corps in 2016. He completed The Basic School in 2017 and subsequently reported to Naval Aviation Schools Command in Pensacola, Florida for Aviation Preflight Indoctrination (API) in May 2017.
Captain Reynolds began primary flight training with Training Squadron THREE (VT-3) flying the T- 6 Texan II, completing the syllabus in November 2018. He then reported to Naval Air Station Kingsville, Texas for advanced jet training in the T-45 Goshawk, earning his Naval Aviator wings on 31 July 2020.
In August 2020, Captain Reynolds reported to Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron ONE ZERO ONE (VMFAT-101) where he completed Fleet Replacement Squadron training in the F/A-18 Hornet in September 2021. Following completion of training, he was assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron THREE ONE TWO (VMFA-312) in Beaufort, South Carolina.
While assigned to VMF A-312, Captain Reynolds served as the Coffee Mess Officer, the squadron NA TOPS Officer, and the Aviation Life Support Systems (ALSS) Officer in Charge. Captain Reynolds deployed in support of Cold Response 2022 in Bodo, Norway and later deployed to Lask, Poland in support of Operation Atlas Guardian from February 2022 through June 2022. He subsequently deployed to Japan as part of the Unit Deployment Program from September 2022 through April 2023.
Following his operational tour, Captain Reynolds reported to Training Squadron SEVEN (VT-7) as an Instructor Pilot in the T-45 Goshawk. During his time with VT. 7 he has qualified as a Standardization Pilot in every phase of training, a NA TOPS Evaluator, and an Instrument Evaluator. In January 2025 he served as the Officer in Charge of the VT-7 Key West detachment, where the detachment executed 1,428 sorties totaling 1,580 mishap-free flight hours. During his tour at VT-7 he has also flown over 953. 7 mishap free flight hours 504 of those in the past 12 months. He has also completed two successful Basic fighter Maneuver (BFM) detachments and seven strike detachments.
Captain Reynolds’ personal awards include VT-7 Instructor Pilot of the Month (2024), TW-1 Instructor Pilot of the Quarter (2025), and MATSG-22 Instructor of the Year
Formal School Enlisted Instructor of the Year
GySgt Sebastian Torres
Sebastian Tones was bom on November 6; 1990 in Quimbaya, Colombia. He enlisted in the Marine Corps and shipped to recruit training in August of 2011 with Alpha Company, 1st Recuirt Training Battalion, Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, SC. Upon completion ofrecmit training PFC Tones reported to Marine Combat Training, School ofinfanhy, Camp Lejeune, NC.
In December 2011 PFC Tones reported to Fort Leonard Wood, MO., for Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) training as a Motor Vehicle Operator, during which he earned the MOS 3531 (Motor Transport Operator). He was then assigned to Alpha Battery, 1st Battalion 12th Marines, in Marine Corps Base Kaneohe Bay, HI.
In June 2013 LCpl Tones was meritoriously promoted to the rank of Cpl.
In December 2013 Cpl Torres deployed to Camp Hansen, Okinawa, in support of the Unit Deployment Program.
In June 2015, Sergeant Torres attended the Naval School of Explosive Ordnance Disposal at Eglin Air Force Base, FL. He graduated in April of 2016 with orders to 7th Engineer Support Battalion, Camp Pendleton, CA.
Sergeant Torres reported to 1st EOD Company, 7th Engineer Support Battalion, Camp Pendleton, CA. During his time at 1st EOD Company, in March 2017 he deployed in support of Special Purpose MAGTF Crisis Response Central Command (SPMAGTF) 17.2 as an EOD Team Member. Dming this deployment Sgt Torres provided support to the Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel (TRAP) as well as support to King Abdullah’s Quick Reaction Force in the country of Jordan.
In August of 2018 Sgt Torres deployed in support of the Defense Personnel Accounting Agency providing EOD support in the recovery efforts to repatriate service members killed in action.
In September 2019 Sgt Torres deployed again to Iraq in support of Operation Inherent Resolve where he was assigned to provide direct support to 3rd Special Forces Group and 5th Special Forces group. Sgt Torres served as an EOD Team Leader and was promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant in December 2019.
In June 2020 Staff Sergeant Torres joined the Littoral Explosive Ordnance Disposal Neutralization (LEON) Platoon assisting in the development of the Marine Corps LEON program. SSgt Torres would later attend Navy EOD Dive at the Naval Diving & Salvage Training Center, Panama City, FL earning him a Marine EOD Diver.
In June 2021 SSgt Torres would deploy with 1st Force Reconnaissance Platoon to Detachment Guam where he served as a Liaison officer and worked with CTF-75 and Mobile Unit 5 to integrate LEON into a joint capacity.
In September 2022 SSgt Torres deployed to Sweden with 2nd Force Reconnaissance Platoon to display LEON capabilities in EURCOM with Swedish Military Forces.
In December of 2022, GySgt Torres reported to the Marine Detachment, NAVSCOLEOD, aboard Eglin AFB, FL where he served as an instructor in the Biological I Chemical Division. GySgt Tones also served as the Detachment GySgt prior to attending Underwater Ordnance Division earning him the 2339 MOS, Marine EOD Diver. GySgt TotTes is cmTently serving as the SNOIC of Improvised Explosive Device Division (IEDD).
GySgt Tones has also completed the Master Trainer Specialist program.
GySgt Torres’ personal decorations include the Navy Commendation Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Basic Scuba Diver Insignia, and the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Master Badge.
MAGTF Officer Instructor of the Year
Maj Dylan M. Larmony
Dylan Larmony is Mineola, New York native. He attended SUNY Maritime College as a Marine Operations major and was on the lacrosse team where he was named captain in his junior and senior year. He graduated in September of 2014 and commissioned in the United States Marine Corps in November 2014. He attended The Basic School at Marine Corps Base Quantico in December of 2014 with Bravo Company. Upon graduation from The Basic School, he was sent down to Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola to begin flight training. Once completed with Introductory Flight Screening, as well as Aviation Preflight Indoctrination, he was assigned to Training Squadron (VT) – Six at NAS Whiting Field. Upon graduation from Primary Flight Training, he was selected for Tactical Air and was assigned to VT-22 at NAS Kingsville, Kingsville, Texas. In Kingsville, he was promoted to First Lieutenant.
Following the completion of advanced flight training with VT-22, and earning his wings of gold in June of 2018, he received orders to attend the fleet replacement squadron at Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron – 501 at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Beaufort to train to fly the F- 35B. Upon his promotion to Captain, and completion of the Fleet Replacement Squadron syllabus, he received orders to his first fleet squadron, Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) -211.
When he reported to VMFA-211 “Wake Island Avengers” in MCAS Yuma, Arizona in August of 2019, he was initially assigned to be the Flight Equipment and Avionics Officer in Charge in the squadron’s maintenance department. Within the first year in the squadron, he participated in several Large Force Exercises which included Red Flag-Nellis in preparation for the squadron’s historic deployment with the United Kingdom’s “initial operational capability” deployment of the Royal Navy carrier, the Her Majesty’s Ship (HMS) Queen Elizabeth.
In July of 2020, he was moved to the Operations Department as a Schedules Officer. In August 2020, he and the squadron executed work ups for Carrier Strike Group (CSG) – 21 in Marham, England and conducted several joint exercises with various Royal Air Force, Royal Navy, and other North Atlantic Treaty Organization partners in preparation for CSG-21.
In April of 2021, as a part of VMFA-211, he deployed on CSG-21 where the squadron brought 10 F-35Bs on the foreign aircraft carrier. While on deployment, he conducted flights in support of Operation INHERENT RESOLVE, earned his Section Lead qualification, and became the Assistant Operations Officer. As the Assistant Operations Officer, he planned and executed a middeployment detachment to Andersen Air Force Base (AFB), Guam in order to allow for continuous pilot proficiency while the HMS Queen Elizabeth executed pre-planned repairs in port, as well as testing for future considerations of United States Marine Corps F-35B units that operate out of that airfield.
Upon his return from CSG-21 in December of 2021, he began follow on work ups for Division Lead, Mission Commander, and Instructor Pilot qualifications. In May 2022, he was assigned to VMFA-214 (/Black Sheep” to support the squadron’s transition from the AV-8B to the F-35B.
Once assigned to VMFA-214, he was selected to attend Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) course 23-1 and return to the (/Black Sheep” to be the Pilot Training Officer and Assistant Operations Officer. As the Pilot Training Officer and Assistant Operations Officer, he planned and trained the ready room for their first deployment for training to Tyndall AFB, Florida to participate in the Naval Weapons Systems Evaluation Program where the squadron fired Air Intercept Missile (AIM) – 120 and AIM-9X, as well as conducted large force exercises with several United States (U.S.) Navy and U.S. Air Force units. He was promoted to Major in March 2024.
In May 2024, Major Larmony checked-in to Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1) after he was hand selected to serve as a F-35 Instructor Pilot. He currently servs as the subject matter expert for F-35 Counter Tactics, Electronic Warfare, and Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses. His other collateral duties include the MAWTS-1 external air support coordinator and evolution coordinator for Strike-4, the capstone event of the WTI course.
Major Larmony is married to Gabrielle Grano. They have two daughters, Ella, born in 2023, and Scarlet, born in 2026.
Exercise Controller/Instructor of the Year
Capt Nathan X. Adkins
Captain Adkins enlisted in the Marine Corps in June 2015 and completed recruit training at MCRD Parris Island, South Carolina. After completing recruit training, he attended Marine Combat Training in Camp Geiger, North Carolina. In February 2016, after completing the Automotive Maintenance Technician Basic Course at Camp Johnson, North Carolina, Private First Class Adkins reported to Detachment 3, Maintenance Company, CLB-453 in Youngstown, Ohio. During this time, he fulfilled his duties as an automotive technician. After joining his reserve unit, Lance Corporal Adkins returned to The University of Akron to continue pursuing his bachelor’s degree. During that time, he was selected for Platoon Leaders Course and attended Officer Candidate School during the summers of 2017 and 2018. In April 2019, Corporal Adkins completed his bachelor’s in mechanical engineering and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant. In October 2019, Second Lieutenant Adkins reported to The Basic School in Quantico, Virginia, where he completed the Basic Officer Course and graduated from the Infantry Officer Course. Second Lieutenant Adkins reported to the 3d Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment in October 2020, where he served as the Third Platoon Commander for Company L and deployed on the 31st MEU. From September 2021 to August 2022, First Lieutenant Adkins served as the Lima Company Executive Officer in the 3d Battalion, 5th Marines. In August 2022, First Lieutenant Adkins conducted a permanent change of assignment to the 3d Battalion, 1st Marines, where he served as Assistant Operations Officer and deployed as part of the Marine Rotational Force – Darwin (MRF-D) 23.3. In November 2023, Captain Adkins conducted a permanent change of station to the Tactics Training Exercise Control Group where he completed Expeditionary Warfare School Distance Education and currently serves as an Advance Maneuver and Advance Fires Support Team Coyote.
Exercise Controller/Instructor Enlisted Marine of the Year
SSgt Travis L. McKinney
Staff Sergeant McKinney enlisted in the Marine Corps in January 2016 and conducted Recruit Training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego. Upon completion, he reported to the School of Infantry where he earned the Military Occupational Specialty 0311. Upon graduation, he reported to Company D, 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion where he served as an Automatic Rifleman, Incidental Radio Operator, and Team Leader where he deployed with 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) in July 2018. He was attached to Battalion Landing Team (BLT) 3/1 and participated in Exercise Iron Magic in the United Arab Emirates.
In July, Corporal McKinney reported to Company B, 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion where he served as Squad Leader, 1st Platoon. Corporal McKinney attended Advanced Infantry Marine Course in July 2019. He later attended Corporals Course where he achieved Honor Graduate. Also, Corporal McKinney attended Joint Fires Observer Course and graduated at the top of his class. Sergeant McKinney achieved the rank in October 2020 and deployed on the 15th MEU in November 2020 with BLT 1/4. On his deployment, he participated in Operation Octave Quarts in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.
Upon his return from deployment, Sergeant McKinney became the Company Chief Scout where he evaluated and facilitated the training and performance of the Company’s scouts. He prepared these scouts for Mountain Warfare Training Exercise and Integrated Training Exercise (ITX).
In August of 2024, Sergeant McKinney reported to Company B, 1st Bn, 7th Reg. He served as Squad Leader of 1st Squad, 2nd Platoon at ITX 2-23 and a Unit Deployment Program Okinawa.
Currently, Staff Sergeant McKinney serves as an Advanced Maneuver Coyote with Tactical Training and Exercise Control Group as an enlisted instructor.
Staff Sergeant McKinney’s personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (Third Award).
MCU Officer Faculty Advisor of the Year
Maj Russell S. Cox
LRussell S. Cox is a native of Wading River, New York. He holds a Bachelor of Science in International Transportation and Trade (2011) and a Master of Science in International Transportation Management (2012) from the State University of New York Maritime College.
He commissioned as a second lieutenant in September 2012 through the Officer Candidates Course. Upon completion of The Basic School, he was designated a field artillery officer and attended the Field Artillery Basic Officer Leader Course (F ABO LC) in Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Following F ABO LC, he was assigned to 2d Battalion, 11th Marines in Camp Pendleton, California.
From 2015-2016, Capt Cox served as the Fire Direction Officer, Golf Battery on the 31st MEU and then the Battery XO for Echo Battery, also on the 31st MEU.
In 2017, Capt Cox reported to Marine Corps Base Twentynine Palms, California where he served in the Fire Support Tactical Training & Exercise Control Group (TTECG).
In 2021, Maj Cox graduated from the Expeditionary Warfare School. Following EWS, he was assigned to the 1st Marine Regiment in Camp Pendleton, where he served as the Assistant Fire Support Coordinator.
From 2021-2023, Maj Cox served as commander, Alpha Battery, 1st Battalion, 11th Marines on the 13th MEU.
In 2023, Maj Cox reported to Marine Corps Base Quantico where he has served as a Faculty Advisor and Course Director at Expeditionary Warfare School (EWS). In the 2026 academic year, he served as the Course Director for the Marine Corps Planning Course and the Marine Air Ground Task Force Operations Afloat Course at EWS, the latter is the capstone course.
Maj Cox was a distinguished honor graduate of the US Army’s Field Artillery Officer Leaders Course and the honor graduate of the Joint Fires Observer Course.
His decorations include 4 personal awards and Marine Corps Distinguished Marksman and Pistol Shot badges. In 2025, he received the 2025 Marine Corps University Elihu Rose Award for Teaching Excellence and was the 2025 TECOM Instructor of Year in the Officer Faculty Advisor category.
MCU Enlisted Faculty Advisor of the Year
GySgt Peter M. Goblirsch
Peter M. Goblirsch enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in June 2013 from Los Angeles, California. He then attended Recruit Training in San Diego, California and graduated in September. Upon graduation from recruit training, Private First Class Goblirsch reported to the School oflnfantry. After completing the School oflnfantry, Private First Class Goblirsch reported to Marine Corps Basic Financial Technician Course in Camp Johnson, North Carolina in January 2014. He was promoted to Lance Corporal in March 2013. Lance Corporal Goblirsch graduated May 2014 with the MOS of Financial Technician (3432).
Upon completion of Financial Management School, Lance Corporal Goblirsch executed orders Headquarters and Service Battalion, Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island where he served as a pay and separations entitlement clerk at Finance Office and rifleman on the Depot Color Guard. While assigned to Headquarters and Service Battalion, Lance Corporal Goblirsch was meritoriously promoted to the rank of Corporal in December 2014 and took over the role of training NCO and the separations entitlement section NCOIC. In May 2016, Corporal Goblirsch was meritoriously promoted to the rank of Sergeant and assumed the role of Separations SNCOIC and Platoon Sergeant. Sergeant Goblirsch served on the Depot Color Guard from August 2014 to February 2018. During his time at MCRD Parris Island, Sergeant Goblirsch was responsible for the correction of over $10 million in pay and entitlements for the Eastern Recruiting Region personnel and the recipient of a Navy and Marine Association Peer Leadership Award.
In June 2018, Sergeant Goblirsch executed permanent change of station orders to Combat Logistics Regiment 17, I st Marine Logistics Group in Camp Pendleton, California. Upon arrival at the Regional Disbursing Office-West, Sergeant Goblirsch was assigned as an Internal Controls Analyst for Pay entitlement Operations. In October 2018 Sergeant Goblirsch attended the Force Fitness Instructor Course and returned to coordinate efforts in the CLR-17 Body Composition Program and the Peak Performance Working Group initiatives from December 2018 to January 2022. In July 2019, Sergeant Goblirsch was promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant.
In February of2022 Staff Sergeant Goblirsch conducted a permanent change of station to the Marine Corps Base Quantico Finance Office. Upon arrival, Staff Sergeant Goblirsch was assigned as the OIC of the Defense Travel Section (DTS) section, responsible for the processing ofover $100 million annually. From April 2022 until October 2023 Staff Sergeant Goblirsch served as a Marine Corps Marathon Special Project Officer. In July 2022, Staff Sergeant Goblirsch attended the Combat Operation Stress Control (COSC) Master Trainer Course and upon graduation contributed to the training and development of Suicide Prevention Programs for II MEF, Beaufort Air Station, MCESG, MARFORRES, Henderson Hall, Marine Barracks Washington, HMX-1, and TECOM.
In June of2023 Staff Sergeant Goblirsch was appointed to the role of the National Capital Region DTS Internal Controls Analyst under Programs and Resources and selected to be an OSCAR Core Master Trainer. In these roles he contributed to organizational financial policy updates, supervised the monetary responsibility of over $250 million dollars, contributed to the first and second Marine Corps clean financial audit, and refined COSC implementation for the Deployment Readiness Cycle. In May of 2024, Staff Sergeant Goblirsch was promoted to the rank of Gunnery Sergeant where he was then assigned as the National Capital Region Finance Office Operations Chief and Resiliency Coordinator until his approval to execute a permanent change of assignment to the Quantico SNCO Academy.
In January 2025, GySgt Goblirsch executed a permanent change of assignment to the Quantico Staff Non-Commissioned Officer Academy where he now serves as a Leadership and Warfighting Instructor, Force Fitness Instructor, and OSCAR Core Master Trainer.
Gunnery Sergeant Goblirsch’s has a Bachelor of Science in interdisciplinary studies of health and behavioral science, and his personal awards include a Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (2nd Award) and the Good Conduct Medal (4th Award). Gunnery Sergeant Goblirsch is married to Melany Goblirsch and together they have three children: Tristan, Everett, and Bennet.
MCU Civilian Faculty Advisor of the Year
Dr. Nathan Packard
Dr. Nathan Packard holds the rank of Associate Professor of Military History as well as serving as the co-Department Head for Joint All Domain Operations (JADO) at the Marine Corps Command and Staff College (CSC). In his role as Associate Professor, he has served since arriving in 2016 as the primary War Studies faculty member for two conference groups, leading 25-30 students through a rigorous examination of the evolution of warfare since the rise of the Nation State. In addition, Dr. Packard has been a co-lead for a Gray Scholars-Advanced Studies program line of inquiry entitled “Great Power Rivalry and Maritime Strategy” for several years.
As a military history educator, Dr. Packard has gained a reputation as an engaging seminar leader and dynamic lecturer and has received very positive reviews from students and colleagues. He has mentored several MMS papers every year, many focused on contemporary operations, informed by his duties as a Colonel in the Marine Corps Reserves. This duty and the classification levels required made him the obvious civilian Ph.D. to support the development of the JADO-focused curriculum at CSC.
Since December 2024, Dr. Packard has played a leading role in the creation of the CSC JADO curriculum redesign. His integral involvement in the successful 2025 JADO TS/SCI elective, “Five Domain Awareness for a JTF Member in the INDOPACOM AOR,” informed the next iteration of a year-long JADO Advanced Studies track in AY 25/26 for which Dr. Packard is serving as the co-Department Head and lead curriculum developer along with his military faculty colleague, Lt Col Joseph McAlarnen. In just a few months in early 2025, Dr. Packard and Lt Col McAlarnen developed a rigorous 220-hour advanced studies JADO line of inquiry at the TS/SCI level and compiled an impressive “Rolodex” of SMEs in academe and most importantly, in the Joint Force and FMF, in support of JADO instruction. While doing so, Dr. Packard continued to maintain a full-time War Studies teaching load and curriculum development role through the spring of 2025 while also devoting substantial time and energy, truly above and beyond, to JADO to ensure the successful roll out of the AY 25/26 curriculum. Because of his remarkable contributions, Dr. Packard received Marine Corps University’s (MCU) Outstanding Civilian Faculty Mentor Award for 2025 and was also CSC’s 2025 civilian nominee for MCU’s Rose Award, which recognizes teaching excellence.
In AY 25/26, Dr. Packard assumed the JADO co-Department Head duties full-time. At the same time, MCU designated JADO education its main effort and established JADO as Line of Effort 1 in its AY 26 Campaign Plan. Over the course of the year, the JADO Dept delivered the aforementioned 220-hours of TS/SCI JADO curriculum to a cohort of (32) officers selected from across all services. The course combined classified instruction, practitioner engagement, presentations, site visits, planning exercises, and an adaptive curriculum tied to real world iteration. The list of partners was extensive. For example, there was significant buy in with time, energy, and experts from the CIA, INDOPACOM, PACFLT, PACAF, USARPAC, and MARFORPAC. The participation of Space organizations was noteworthy; students received briefs from US Space Force elements and US SPACECOM while also visiting the National Reconnaissance Office sites and Space Mission Deltas in Colorado Springs. Cyberspace operations were also prominent, with students including the showcased capabilities demonstrated during a visit to Fort Meade in follow on practical applications. The JADO ASP demonstrated its currency and operational relevance through a cumulative planning exercise that focused on building JADOs utilizing the same process designed by NAWDC Dauntless/USAFWC WIO and implemented at BAMBOO EAGLEs, PACFURY 25, and KEEN EDGE 26. In fact, students were taught and advised by a USAFWC WIO SME who traveled to Quantico directly after completion of KEEN EDGE 26 and BAMBOO EAGLE 26.1, lending insight directly from the lessons observed the previous week in the operating forces. The results of this program are effectively prepared joint officers, ready to execute the joint warfighting requirements in a contested all-domain world.
Outside of CSC, Dr. Packard served as MCU’s lead civilian faculty advocate for JADO education across MCU and the Joint Force more broadly. As the JADO Faculty Development Chair, he developed faculty development plan to ensure faculty understand JADO concepts. The course included thirty hours of classified content to help MCU faculty better understand current security challenges. Dr. Packard coordinated several periods of JADO instruction for the Expeditionary Warfare School and the USMC War College as well as the Joint Staff, J7 Summer Camp for JPME educators. He also delivered briefs on JADO education to the CG TECOM, the National War College’s Chairman’s Study Group and Joint Warfighting Department, the Naval War College, the U.S. Army’s Strategic Broadening Seminar, and represented MCU at the Military Education Coordination Council (MECC). He was also the faculty mentor for six Commandant of the Marine Corps Fellows whose work focused on JADO topics.
In addition to his outstanding performance in the classroom and his extraordinary JADO curriculum development and delivery efforts, he also currently serves as a Faculty Fellow at the MCU Leadership and Communication and Skills Center and as a Member of the MCU Press Editorial Board. Dr. Packard is also a very productive scholar in his own right, with many publications to his name. He published “Missed Opportunities: Kennedy, the Marine Corps, and Counterinsurgency, 1961-1963,” Marine Corps History (July 2025) and “The Mukden Incident” Desperta Ferro 68 (Jan-Feb 2025). He continues to revise and write Improvise, Adapt, and Win!: Fifty Years of Organizational Change in the U.S. Marine Corps, 1970-2022 (University of North Carolina Press, forthcoming). Dr. Packard has two chapters forthcoming, “Interwar Doctrinal Development,” The Handbook of the Pacific War (Routledge) and “Operation Eagle Claw: The Price of Poor Coordination,” The Handbook of Joint Warfare (Routledge). He also continues to serve as colonel in the USMCR as a Branch Head/Crisis Action, G-3, MARFORPAC.
Marine Corps Junior ROTC Instructor of the Year
SgtMaj Vincent C. Santiago, USMC (Ret)
Sergeant Major Santiago is from Malesso, Guam. He graduated from the Guam Community College/High School-Automotive Technician program in 1989. Sergeant Major Santiago served in the Marine Corps from September 1989 until his retirement in March 2021.
He completed Recruit Training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, CA; Marine Combat Training; and Infantry Training as an 0341-Mortarman at the School of Infantry (West), Camp Pendleton, CA. He has served in units across the Marine Air Ground Task Force, including in Guam with Marine Barracks; California with 3d Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division; and Drill Instructor Duty at Marine Corps Recruit Depot; Okinawa, Japan with 3rd Maintenance Battalion, 3d Force Service Support Group; and Annapolis, MD as an Assistant Marine Officer Instructor, Senior Enlisted Leader for 19th Company and the Drill Master for the United States Naval Academy.
From 2004 through 2021, he served as a Command Senior Enlisted Leader at different levels. As a Company First Sergeant in Hawaii, he served with Company K, 3d Battalion, 3d Marine Regiment, where he deployed with the battalion in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom; Combat Service Support Group-3, 3d Marine Logistics Group; Headquarters and Service Company, CSSG-3; and Combat Logistics Company 35.
As a Battalion, Squadron, and Regimental Sergeant Major, he served with the Infantry Training Battalion, School of Infantry-West; 3d Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, CA where the battalion deployed as the Battalion Landing Team for the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit; Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 24, HI; and the Regimental Sergeant Major for 3d Marine Regiment, HI.
In June 2015, Sergeant Major Santiago assumed the duties as Sergeant Major for the 3d Marine Division, Okinawa, Japan. In February 2018, Sergeant Major Santiago became the first Command Senior Enlisted Leader for the Department of Defense, Security Cooperation Agency (Joint Assignment), Washington, D.C. In March 2021, Sergeant Major Santiago assumed the duties as the Senior Marine Instructor at Okkodo High School, Guam.
Sergeant Major Santiago is an honorary graduate of the USNA Class of 2023. He graduated from several military and civilian schools, colleges, and university earning a Bachelor of Arts –Summa Cum Laude- in the Forbes School of Business, Ashford University.
Sergeant Major Santiago’s personal decorations include: the Defense Superior Service Medal; the Legion of Merit; the Meritorious Service Medal with two gold stars, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with two gold stars, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with two gold stars, and the Combat Action Ribbon with gold star.
Sergeant Major Santiago is the Second Vice Chairman of the Guam Veterans Affairs Commission and the current President of the 3rd Marine Division Association-Guam Chapter.