2026 Ground Awards Recipients
1st Marine Division Marine of the Year
Cpl Max E. Son
Corporal Max E. Son was born in Oak Park, Illinois, and raised in North Carolina. Corporal Son enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on June 4, 2024, through Recruiting Station Wilmington, North Carolina. He attended recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina, graduating on August 30, 2024. Upon completion of recruit training, Marine Combat Training, and Military Occupational Specialty school, Private First Class Son earned the Military Occupational Specialty of 3521, Motor Transport Maintenance Technician, and received orders to 1st Battalion, 11th Marines aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California. Upon arrival to 1st Battalion, 11th Marines, Private First Class Son reported to Headquarters Battery Motor Transport Maintenance Shop for duties as a floor mechanic. During his tenure within the maintenance section, he was subsequently assigned the billet of Layettes Non-Commissioned Officer, where he was responsible for the accountability and management of equipment and gear supporting the section’s operational readiness. In Fiscal Year 2025, Corporal Son was recognized as the Marine of the Year for 1st Marine Division in recognition of his superior performance, leadership, and dedication to mission accomplishment. In November 2025, Corporal Son deployed in support of unit operations, serving as a Floor Chief within the maintenance section. Due to his exceptional leadership and professional achievement, he was meritoriously promoted to the rank of Corporal on December 2, 2025. Corporal Son currently serves with 1st Battalion, 11th Marines at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California. His future aspirations include becoming a Chief Warrant Officer within the United States Marine Corps.
2nd Marine Division Marine of the Year
Cpl Corey Durham
In January 2024, Private First Class Durham reported to School of Infantry-East at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, for Marine Combat Training. Upon completion of MCT, he received orders to School of Infantry-West at Camp Pendleton, California, where he was attached to the Reconnaissance Training Company in February 2024. In July 2024, he began the Basic Reconnaissance Course and graduated in October 2024, earning the Military Occupational Specialty of 0321 Reconnaissance Marine. While attending the Basic Reconnaissance Course, he was promoted to Lance Corporal in June 2024.
Following graduation from Basic Reconnaissance Course, Lance Corporal Durham attended Marine Combatant Dive School in Panama City Beach, Florida, graduating in December 2024. In January 2025, he completed Basic Airborne Course at Fort Benning, Georgia, followed by Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) training in Coronado, California, in February 2025.
In March 2025, Lance Corporal Durham reported to 2d Reconnaissance Battalion, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, where he was assigned to Alpha Company and served as a Radio Telephone Operator. In July 2025, he was promoted to Corporal. In August 2025, Corporal Durham graduated from the Helicopter Rope Suspension Techniques Master Course and was recognized as 2d Marine Division’s Marine of the Quarter. In September 2025, he was assigned to the billet of Assistant Team Leader for Team Two, 2d Platoon, Alpha Company.
In December 2025, Corporal Durham served as an Assistant Team Leader during his company’s dive sustainment package in Key West, Florida. In February 2026, he was recognized as 2d Marine Division’s Marine of the Year for 2025 and was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal. That same month, he served as an Assistant Team Leader during Mountain Warfare Training at the Mountain Warfare Training Center in Bridgeport, California.
Corporal Durham currently serves as the Assistant Team Leader for Team Two, 2d Platoon, Alpha Company, 2d Reconnaissance Battalion.
Corporal Durham’s personal awards include one Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.
3rd Marine Division Marine of the Year
Cpl Jocelyn Medinaramirez
Corporal Jocelyn Medinaramirez was born in Bellflower, a suburb of Los Angeles, California on 26 January 2006. She enlisted in the Marine Corps Delayed Entry Program on 14 August 2024 and attended Recruit Training on 4 November 2024, at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego. In Febuary 2025, Private First Class Medinaramirez checked into Marine Corps Combat Training Battalion, Camp Pendleton in San Diego, California. Upon graduation, Private First Class Medinaramirez reported to Personnel Administration School at Camp Johnson, North Carolina, and successfully graduated as a Administrative Specialist. In May 2025, Private First Class Medinaramirez reported to Headquarters Battalion 3d Marine Divison, Okinawa, Japan. On 1 August 2025, Private First Class Medinaramirez was promoted to Lance Corporal and completed her professional military education in grade the Lance Corporal’s Leadership and Ethics Seminar. In September 2025, she achieved her Green Belt certification in the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program. She also is attending the Air Force Master Sergeant (MSG) Leadership Lab, the Air Forces’ equilivent to the Marine Corps Corporals Course. In Decemeber 2025, Lance Corporal Medinaramirez won the 4th Quarter Marine of the Quarter and the III Marine Expeditionary Force Marine of the Year. On 10 February 2026, Lance Corporal Medinaramirez reported to the 12th Marine Littorial Regiment for a six-month rotation to assist with the S-1 personnel shortfalls. On 2 March 2026, Lance Corproal Medinaramirez was meritoriously promoted to her current rank of Corporal. Corporal Medinaramirez’s awards include (1) Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, (1) Certificate of Commendation, (19) Letters of Appreciation, (1) Certificate of Appreciatoin, and (1) Meritorious Mast.
4th Marine Division Marine of the Year
Cpl Kameron Rinker
Corporal Kameron R. Rinker was born on 16 December 2004 in Columbia City, Indiana. He graduated in the top 25 of his class from Churubusco High School in June 2023, earning Academic Honors. Corporal Rinker enlisted in the United States Marine Corps Reserve in July 2022. He reported to Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California, where he successfully completed recruit training in September 2023. Upon graduation, he attended the Infantry Rifleman Course at the Infantry Training Battalion, where he earned the Military Occupational Specialty of 0311, Infantry Rifleman. In February 2024, Corporal Rinker reported to his current unit, Rifle Company B, 1st Battalion, 24th Marines, in Terre Haute, Indiana. Since joining Company B, Lance Corporal Rinker has served as a Rifleman, MAAWS Gunner, and Fire Team Leader within 1st Platoon, 1st Squad. He assumed duties as Fire Team Leader for multiple drill periods, before and during Exercise Northern Strike 24. From April to August 2025, Lance Corporal Rinker further supported Bravo Company by filling a Fire Team Leader billet during critical training evolutions.
Colonel Justice Marion “Jumping Joe” Chambers Award for Outstanding Leadership by a Company Grade Officer in the Marine Reserve Component
Maj Brian T. Carney
Major Carney is a native of Long Island, New York. He holds a bachelor’s degree in History from Adelphi University. In February 2015, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant through the Platoon Leaders Class. In May 2015, he attended The Basic School where he was assigned as an Infantry Officer. He then attended and graduated from Infantry Officer Course in April 2016.
In April 2016, Major Carney reported to 3d Battalion, 8th Marines in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. He was assigned as the Platoon Commander for Combined Anti-Armor Team 2, Weapons Company. In February 2017, he deployed to Okinawa in support of Forward Deployed Battalion – East.
Upon his return, Major Carney assumed duties as the Executive Officer, Headquarters & Service Company. He subsequently assumed duties as the Company Commander. In November 2018, he deployed to Setermoen, Norway in support of Marine Rotational Force – Europe. In June 2019, Major Carney elected to end his active service and transitioned to the Selected Marine Corps Reserve.
In October 2019, he reported to 2d Battalion, 25th Marines in Garden City, New York and was assigned as the Executive Officer, Weapons Company.
In July 2024, Major Carney assumed command of Company G, 2d Battalion, 25th Marines. In January 2026, Major Carney relinquished command of Company G and assumed duties as the Operations Officer, 2d Battalion, 25th Marines.
Major Carney is a graduate of Summer Mountain Leader’s Course and Expeditionary Warfare School (Distance Education Program). His personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with one gold star in lieu of second award.
Sergeant James “Horse Collar” Smith Special Operations Capability Specialist of the Year
GySgt Silas P. Oltjenbruns
Gunnery Sergeant Oltjenbruns graduated from Bloomfield Community High School In Bloomfield, Nebraska in 2012 before attended Marine Corps Basic
Training at MCRD San Diego, CA In August 2012. GySgt Oltjenbruns reported to Marine Aircraft Group 12 HO, Marine Corps Airstation, lwakuni, JP upon graduation from the Navy and Marine Corps Intelligence Training Center, at Damn Neck VA in May 2013. GySgt Oltjenbruns participated In Exercise Valiant shield supporting VMFA 115, Exercise Soulhem Frontier supporting VMFA (AW) 242, and Exercise Cobra Gold supporting Marine Aircraft Group 12 while serving as an intelligence analyst. GySgt Oltjenbruns was selected for the lwakuni Shooting Team during this tour and participated in the Far East Division Shooting Competition in 2014.
GySgt Oltjenbruns reported to 30 light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, CA In May 2015 and was assigned as the Battalion Intelligence Chief. GySgt Oltjenbruns participated In multiple Steel Knight Exercises and Desert Scimitar Exercises, working in the Battalions Jump Platoon providing Intelligence estimates and battle tracking for the Commanders Staff. GySgt Oltjenbruns revamped the Battalions Company Level Intelligence Cell Program and instructed Tactical Site Exploitation to all CUC teams within the Battalion. In addition, GySgt Oltjenbruns was certified as a 0931 Combat Marksmanship Coach and later a 0933 Combat Marksmanship Trainer, providing marksmanship fundamentals training and range training to the Marines of Huron and Blackfoot Companies.
GySgt Oltjenbruns reported to Marine Corps Intelligence Activity, Marine Corps Base Quantico, VA in Mar 2018. GySgt OltJenbruns Served as the Intelligence Chief for the Weapons and Technology Division at MCIA until Jan of 2020, working with Marine Corps Systems Command, Marine Corps Combat Development Center, and various systems communities In order to provide intelligence analysis for Marine Corps Acquisitions. GySgt Oltjenbruns was then asaigned as the Processing, Exploitation, and Dissemination Operations Chief, providing intelligence analysis to UAS Operations within multiple forward deployed units and task forces. GySgt Oltjenbruns oversaw the creation of the Maritime Integration Team, creating the first Maritime PED Curriculum throughout the Marine Corps and coordinated with ONI to cross train Sailors and assign Navy Intelligence Analysts at MCIA in order to run Navy and Marine Corps PED Operations. During this tour GySgt Oltjenbruns completed the 4208 Marine Intelligence Analysis Course at the Navy and Marine Corps lntelligence Training Center and became a 0239 lntelligence Analyst. GySgt Oltjenbruns checked Into 2d Marine Raider Support Battalion in November 2021.
GySgt Oltjenbruns deployed in support of Operation Inherent Resolve from January 2023 lo August 2023, and January 2025 to July 2025 with Marine Special Operations Company India. Over these deployments GySgl Ottjenbruns drove the company targeting cycle and facilitated more than 30 partnered combat operations that resulted in over nine enemy killed in action and disruption to enemy networks. GySgt Oltjenbruns provided critical support to the operational control cell and accompanied members of the unit on 1 o sensitive operations. GySgt Oltjenbruns Individually led a theater level collections effort targeting cross border weapons proliferation networks, leveraging a potential new regional partner to action illegal activities, resulting in the detention of over 30 Individuals associated to weapons smuggling activities, and seizure of seven warehouses containing a large number of heavy weapons .
Sergeant Clyde A. Thomason Marine Special Operator of the Year
GySgt Nicholas James
Nicholas James was born in Long Island, New York on 25 August 1990. He attended Spartanburg High School in Spartanburg, South Carolina and graduated in 2008. In March 2012 he enlisted in the Marine Corps and reported to Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island for Recruit Training. He was meritoriously promoted to the rank of Private First Class. In July of 2012, he reported to Marine Combat Training Battalion East and attended the School of Infantry. Upon graduation in July of 2012, Private First Class James reported to Aviation A&C School at Pensacola, Florida. Lance Corporal James Graduated from Aviation A&C School in December of 2012, and was assigned to his first duty station at Marine Corps Air Station, Beaufort, South Carolina. Lance Corporal James was assigned to 2nd Marine Air Wing, Marine Corps Air Station South Carolina From December of 2012 to December of 2016. He deployed on with the Unit Deployment Program to Iwakuni, Japan in March of 2013 and again in August of 2014 to February of 2015. In January of 2016, Sergeant James attended MARSOC Assessment and Selection and upon successful completion Sergeant James Deployed to Bahrain in April of 2016 in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. In January of 2017 He attended Individual Training Course 17-1 and Basic Language Course (Arabic). Upon graduation in April of 2018, he received orders to MSOT 8342, 3d Marine Raider Battalion. In 2019 he deployed to Baledogle, Somalia. Again in 2021 GySgt James Deployed to Mosul, Iraq as the Assistant Element leader, in 2023 the Manda Bay, Kenya as Element leader, and most recently in 2025 to Zamboanga, Philippines as the November Company Operations Chief totaling 4 operational rotations and deployments. As of October 3, 2025, GySgt James was assigned to SOTC-2 at the Marine Raider Training Center (MRTC) as an Instructor. GySgt James’ personal awards include the 3x Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with `C’ device, 3x Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, the Combat Action Ribbon, and three Marine Corps Good Conduct Medals.
Douglas A. Zembiec Award Marine Special Operations Officer of the Year
Capt Joshua Scaife
Captain Joshua Scaife is happily married to Captain Tylinn Scaife, currently serving as Adjutant of 3d Marine Raider Battalion. They have one daughter, Shiloh (2 years), and one son, Malachi (6 months). Captain Joshua Scaife was born in Findlay, Ohio. He graduated from The Citadel with a dual Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and History and a Minor in Mandarin Chinese, being afforded the opportunity to study abroad in both Taipei, Taiwan and Shanghai, China. He was commissioned as a Marine Corps Officer through the Naval Reserve Officer Training Course (NROTC) program in May 2017. Upon commissioning, 2ndLt Scaife attended the Middlebury Language School at Middlebury College, Vermont to continue his studies in Mandarin Chinese from July to August 2017. Following graduation, he reported to The Basic School in Quantico, VA in September 2017 and reported to the Infantry Officer Course (IOC) in April 2018. Upon completion of IOC, he received the MOS of 0302. In January 2019, 2ndLt Scaife reported to 2d Battalion, 3d Marines aboard Marine Corps Base Hawaii where he was assigned to Company F as a Rifle Platoon Commander. He deployed to Okinawa, Japan as part of the Unit Deployment Program-Hawaii (UDP-H) from December 2019 to June 2020. After returning from deployment, 1stLt Scaife attended Marine Forces Special Operations Command (MARFORSOC) Assessment and Selection in August 2020. Upon selection, 1stLt Scaife returned to 2d Battalion, 3d Marines to serve as the Battalion Assistant Operations Officer. First Lieutenant Scaife deployed again to Okinawa as the S-3A as part of UDP-H from May to November 2021. In January 2022, Captain Scaife reported to the Marine Raider Training Center (MRTC) as a student in Individual Training Course (ITC) 28. Following graduation from ITC in October and receiving the 0370 MOS, Captain Scaife attended and graduated from the MARFORSOC Team Commander’s Seminar in February 2023, while simultaneously attending the Expeditionary Warfare School’s blended seminar where he graduated as the honor graduate. In April 2023, Captain Scaife checked into 3d Marine Raider Battalion. He deployed to the Philippines as the Current Operations Officer in support of the Special Operations Task Force (SOTF) from August-October 2023. Upon return, he was assigned as Team Commander of Marine Special Operations Team (MSOT) 8343. In June 2024, Captain Scaife and MSOT 8343 executed MARFORSOC’s first Joint Combined Exchange Training (JCET) in Taiwan. In December 2024, he completed his Master of Arts in Theological Studies from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Captain Scaife then deployed to Taiwan from January-July 2025. Upon return from deployment, he checked into MRTC as the Officer in Charge of Special Operations Training Cadre 3 for Special Reconnaissance and Irregular Warfare. In March 2026, Captain Scaife was selected for the Olmsted Scholar Program class of 2027, to study in Seoul, South Korea. Captain Scaife is a graduate of the USMC Mountain Warfare Training Center’s Summer Mountain Leaders Course, the Multi-Mission Parachute Course, Fort Bragg’s Interagency Communication Course, and the Lone Operator Course. Captain Scaife’s personal awards consist of the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, and he was named the 2025 MARFORSOC Marine Raider Officer of the year. Captain Scaife currently holds a 2+/2+/2+ in Reading/Listening/Speaking from the Defense Language Proficiency Test (DLPT) and Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) in Mandarin Chinese.
GySgt Jeffrey E. Bohr Trophy for Outstanding Leadership of the Year
GySgt Michael N. Hathcox
Gunnery Sergeant Hathcox was born in Orange Park, Florida. His Marine Corps career began in January 2015, when he reported to Delta Company, First Recruit Training Battalion, MCRD Parris Island, South Carolina. Upon graduating, he was awarded Private First Class (meritoriously). He then reported to Bravo Company, Infantry Training Battalion at Camp Geiger, North Carolina, where he earned the MOS 0331 Infantry Machine Gunner. June 2015 Gunnery Sergeant Hathcox reported to 2nd Battalion 4th Marines. Where he would be awarded Lance Corporal (meritoriously). While there, he attended several schools such as Combat Life Saver, Amphibious Raids Coxswain Course, Advanced Machine Gunners Course, Combat Hunter Trainer Course and Infantry Small Unit Leaders Course and deployed twice. Once on the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) and once on the Marine Rotational Force Darwin. He served as Gunner, Team Leader, Squad leader, Section Leader, Weapons Platoon Sergeant, and Weapons Platoon Commander. During his time with 2nd Battalion 4th Marines, he was promoted to the ranks of Corporal and Sergeant, and was also awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal. April 2019 Gunnery Sergeant Hathcox reported into 3rd Battalion 1st Marines where he would win the Regimental Rifle Squad competition and represent his Battalion and Regiment in the 1st Marine Division Super Squad Competition ultimately placing third. During his time in 3rd Battalion 1st Marines, he would deploy twice. Once in support of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force Crisis Response (SPMAGTF-CR) Southwest Border and once in support of SPMAGTF-CR Central Command. He served as Rifle Squad Leader and Rifle Platoon Sergeant and was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (In Lieu of Second Award. September 2021 Gunnery Sergeant Hathcox reported to the School of Infantry East. Upon graduating, he would serve as the Infantry Training Battalion Delta Company Weapons Platoon Sergeant. In June of 2022, Gunnery Sergeant Hathcox would be selected to instruct in the Weapons Instructor Group for the Infantry Machine Gunners Course. Once Gunnery Sergeant Hathcox graduated Infantry Unit Leaders Course in December of 2022. Gunnery Sergeant Hathcox assumed the billet of Chief Instructor for the Infantry Machine Gunners Course from January 2022 through January 2025. He was also awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal. January 2025 Gunnery Sergeant Hathcox reported to the 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marines to assume the billet of Rifle Company Operations Chief. While serving in the 2nd Battalion 2nd Marines attached to SPMAGTF-ACM, he deployed to Jordan in support of Operation Spartan Shield, TF Tripoli, in June 2025. In March of 2026 Gunnery Sergeant Hathcox deployed to Naval Station Guantanamo Bay where he continues to serve as Company “F” Operations Chief. Gunnery Sergeant Hathcox Personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (2nd award)
Henry Lewis Hulbert Trophy for Outstanding Leadership by a Marine Gunner
CWO3 Adam M. Corzatt
Chief Warrant Officer 3 (Gunner) Adam M. Corzatt was raised in Stronghurst, Illinois. He graduated from West Central High School in May 2006. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in November 2007 and reported to Recruit Training in San Diego, California, in December 2007. Upon completion of Recruit Training, Gunner Corzatt reported to the School of Infantry-West (SOI-W) at Camp Pendleton, California, where he received the military occupational specialty of 0331. Gunner Corzatt then reported to 1st Battalion, 7th Marines in Twentynine Palms, California. During his tour, he served as a Medium Machinegun Team Leader, Squad Leader, Section Leader, and Mobile Assault Platoon Section Leader. While serving with 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, Gunner Corzatt deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in February 2009, the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) in July 2010, and Operation Enduring Freedom in March 2012. In April 2013, Gunner Corzatt reported for duty to the Marine Combat Instructor School (MCIS) at SOI-W in Camp Pendleton, California. Upon graduating from MCIS, he checked into Alpha Company, Infantry Training Battalion. In January 2015, Gunner Corzatt checked into the Advanced Machinegun Course, Advanced Infantry Training Battalion. During his time as an instructor, he served as a Company Machinegun Instructor and Squad Adviser. In June 2016, Gunner Corzatt reported for duty to 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines. During his tour, he served as a Combined Anti-Armor Team Platoon Sergeant and Echo Company Gunnery Sergeant. While serving with 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, Gunner Corzatt deployed twice in support of the 31st MEU. In February 2019, Gunner Corzatt reported to the Tactical Training and Exercise Control Group (TTECG) in Twentynine Palms, California. During his tour at TTECG, he served in the Advanced Maneuver, Platoon Supported Attack, and Company Supported Attacks Corridors, as well as the SNCOIC of the Air Assault Team. In January 2022, Gunner Corzatt reported to The Basic School in Quantico, Virginia. Following graduation from the Warrant Officer Basic Course and Infantry Weapons Officer Course, he reported for duty to 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines, serving as the Battalion Gunner. In March 2024, he deployed in support of the Unit Deployment Program-West (UDP-W). In June 2024, he reported to Tactical Training and Exercise Control Group aboard Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California. Gunner Corzatt’s personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal with one Gold Star, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with one Gold Star, and the Combat Action Ribbon. Gunner Corzatt is married to the former Michaela Tuazon from Lake Forest, California, and they have two children: Colt and Dakota.
Lieutenant Colonel William G. Leftwich Trophy for Outstanding Leadership
Capt Andrew R. Kennedy
Captain Andrew R. Kennedy Jr was born on June 29th, 1995 in Jacksonville, NC. In May 2017, he graduated from the University of New Mexico with Bachelor of Business Administration. Upon receiving his commission, he reported to The Basic School in Quantico, Virginia, completing Basic Officer Course 5-17 with Company E. Upon completing Infantry Officer Course 3-18, he was assigned the 0302 MOS and reported to 1st Battalion, 8th Marines in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Captain Kennedy served as a Rifle Platoon Commander and Company Executive Officer with Company C from May 2018 to May 2020. During this time, he deployed in support of Special Purpose MAGTF Crisis Response- Africa. In May 2020, Captain Kennedy reported to the School of Infantry- East, Infantry Training Battalion. There he served as a Company Commander for Company A and the Headquarters and Instructor Company. His most significant contribution during this period was facilitating the development, implementation, and refinement of the 14-week Infantry Marine Course. In June 2023, Captain Kennedy reported to Expeditionary Warfare School in Quantico, Virginia. After graduating with distinction in May 2024, he was augmented to support Officer Candidates School where he served as 4th Platoon Commander with Company D, Officer Candidates Course 246. 4th Platoon distinguished itself as the Honor Platoon for Class 246. In August 2024, Captain Kennedy reported to 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines in Twentynine Palms, CA. There he took command of Headquarters and Service Company. In May 2025, Captain Kennedy assumed command of Fires and Reconnaissance Company. While serving with the Fires and Reconnaissance Company, he deployed to Naval Weapons Station, Seal Beach in support of the Los Angeles Federal Protection Mission and Okinawa, Japan in support of Unit Deployment Program-West 26.1. Captain Kennedy’s personal decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with gold star in lieu of second award, and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.