Marine Corps Association Honors Excellence at 2025 Manpower & Reserve Affairs Awards Dinner 

QUANTICO, VA. (July 11, 2025) — The Marine Corps Association hosted the annual United States Marine Corps’ Manpower & Reserve Affairs (M&RA) Awards Dinner in Alexandria, Virginia. The purpose of the event was to recognize 10active-duty Marines and offices, three civilians, two reserve Marines and one unit that provided essential manpower and administrative support during 2024. 

In his keynote remarks, Lieutenant General Mark A. Brilakis, USMC (Ret.), former Deputy Commandant for Manpower & Reserve Affairs, delivered a message acknowledging the enduring responsibility of the award recipients and their families. 

“They reach down and take care of the most vulnerable among us to make sure that they know that they are in care and that they are important, and that we will do everything for them to make sure they are whole. Whether they stay with us for four years or 40 years, that commitment never wavers.”  

Award Recipients

Administration Marine of the Year- Lance Corporal Eric Ramirez-Leyva 

Administration Noncommissioned Officer of the Year- Sgt. Dante Abad 

Administration Reserve Noncommissioned Officer of the Year- Sergeant Andre L. Sims, Jr. 

Administration Staff Noncommissioned Officer of the Year- Gunnery Sergeant. Cristian J. Cabrera 

Personnel Officer of the Year – Chief Warrant Officer 2 Wyman L. Wedding 

Manpower Officer of the Year – Captain Kimberley J. Heller 

Civilian Administrator of the Year – Carolyn Culberson 

Civilian Analyst of the Year – Adrian M. Grange 

Personnel Administration Center of the Year – Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, CA 

Career Planner of the Year – Staff Sergeant Matthew P. Pirkle 

Reserve Career Planner of the Year – Staff Sergeant. Mariah A. Soto 

Postal Marine of the Year – Staff Sergeant Juan C. Solis, Jr. 

MCCS Marine of the Year – Staff Sergeant Daniel P. Bannan 

Child Development Center Staff Member of the Year – Maria Davis 

Equal Opportunity Advisor of the Year – Gunnery Sergeant David L. Emerton 

Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) and Victim Advocate (VA) of the Year – First Lieutenant Elizabeth A. Hosie 

The Marine Corps Association is proud to facilitate the recognition of the professionals whose dedication ensures the continued strength and success of the Marine Corps. 

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