Marine Corps Association Honors Military Educators at 2025 Training & Education Awards Dinner 

Posted on: August 19,2025

QUANTICO, Va. (Aug. 13, 2025) — On August 7, the Marine Corps Association hosted the 2025 Training and Education Awards Dinner, honoring outstanding Marines and civilians who shape the force through exceptional instruction and leadership across the Marine Corps’ educational institutions. 

Held in partnership with Training and Education Command, the event recognized 13 award recipients from formal schools, Marine Corps University and JROTC programs whose work strengthens readiness and sharpens the warfighting edge of the Corps. 

MCA President and CEO, Lieutenant General Charles Chiarotti, USMC (Ret), opened the ceremony with comedic remarks. He also recognized Rear Admiral Robert H. Shumaker, who was in attendance. A decorated naval aviator and Vietnam POW, Shumaker helped establish the prisoner communication code used at the infamous Hanoi Hilton. 

“His courage and resilience under unimaginable conditions exemplify the highest traditions of military service,” said Chiarotti. “He is not just the father of that code—he helped forge the warrior spirit in the face of darkness.” 

Introducing the awards portion of the evening, Lieutenant General Benjamin Watson, commanding general of TECOM, discussed the command’s newly released eight-year campaign plan—a strategic roadmap designed to keep the Corps ahead of evolving threats. 

“The Commandant has charged us to adapt faster than our adversaries. These awardees represent the frontline of that mission,” Watson said. 

Assistant Commandant General Christopher J. Mahoney, the president’s nominee to serve as the next vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, highlighted the strategic importance of Marine educators. 

“TECOM molds every single Marine at every stage of their career. You are the causal link between raw material and raw combat power,” Mahoney said. “From humanitarian operations in the Philippines to deterrence missions around the globe, you shaped the Marines who answered those calls.” 

Gunnery Sergeant Philip W. Collins, who was named Formal School Enlisted Instructor of the Year, emphasized the unique weight of this recognition. 

“This isn’t my first award in the Marine Corps,” he said, “but it’s definitely the most important one I’ve received.” 

His words echoed the sentiment of the evening, one that celebrates the transformative impact of Marine educators at every stage of training. 

2025 Training and Education Award Recipients 

Marksmanship/Small Arms Instructor of the Year – Sergeant Ridgely W. Gray

Formal School Aviation Instructor of the Year  – Major Anthony D. Garner

Formal School Officer Instructor of the Year – Captain Jaycie M. Annable  

Formal School Enlisted Instructor of the Year – Gunnery Sergeant Philip W. Collins 

Formal School Civilian Instructor of the Year – Mr. Jose A. Velazquez  

MAGTFO Instructor of the Year – Major Matthew Piotrowicz  

MAGTFE Instructor of the Year – Staff Sergeant Kenneth J. Clause III  

Exercise Controller/Instructor of the Year – Gunnery Sergeant Matthew N. Guelzow 

MCU Officer Faculty Advisor of the Year – Major Russell S. Cox  

MCU Enlisted Faculty Advisor of the Year – Gunnery Sergeant Froylan Ceja 

MCU Civilian Faculty Advisor of the Year – Mr. Kevin D. Heaton  

Marine Corps JROTC Instructor of the Year – Master Sergeant Shawn M. Worthen (Ret)  

Featured Photo (Top): General Christopher J. Mahoney, Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, presenting his remarks as the official Guest Speaker for the event.

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