Military Times and the Military Times Foundation Announce 2024 'Service Member of the Year' Recipients

ARLINGTON, Va., March 5, 2024 (Newswire.com) - For the past 23 years, annual “Service Members of the Year” awards have honored one outstanding military member (active duty, Guard or Reserve) from each branch of U.S. military service who has gone beyond the call of duty. The awards are administered by Military Times and the Military Times Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit subsidiary of the Sightline Media Group. This year’s recipients will be celebrated at an A-list gala awards event on April 24, 2024, at the Ronald Regan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, D.C., attended by congressional, military and community leaders.

Since 2019, the Military Times Foundation has donated over $20 million in cash and media value to support over 150 military and veteran service organizations, such as Fisher House, Children of Fallen Patriots, TAPS, Objective Zero and others.

This year’s recipients include:

• Airman of the Year – Air Force Senior Airman Kostiantyn Khymchenko
• Coastguardsman of the Year – Coast Guard Boatswain’s Mate First Class Matthew Casper
• Guardian of the Year – Space Force Captain Daniel Reynolds
• Marine of the Year – Marine Corps Colonel and NASA astronaut Nicole Mann
• Sailor of the Year – Navy Personnel Specialist 1st Class Alexander Boston
• Soldier of the Year – Army Sergeant First Class Elizabeth Marks
• Veteran of the Year – Retired Marine Captain Fred Smith

Recipients have been nominated by their compatriots and commanding officers. The Military Times Foundation selects recipients based on a number of criteria, including:

• Their recent actions in their military career have gone above and beyond the call of duty.
• Their Service recent personal experience highlights the changing needs and institutional agility that are essential to modern military readiness.

“As we honor the ‘Service Members of the Year,’ we salute all our award recipients. Their actions, both in duty and community service, reflect the essence of military excellence,” said Kelly Facer with Military Times Foundation. “This annual gala recognizes their commitment and underscores the evolving needs of modern military readiness. Nominated by peers and commanding officers, these honorees embody selflessness, adaptability, and community service, inspiring us all.”

Sponsors of the event include Fisher House Foundation, Veteran Benefits Guide, Leonardo DRS, IHG Army Hotels, The Nationals and Delta. For more information on the selection process, history of the award, past winners, and other details, visit: servicemembersoftheyear.org

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Source: Military Times Foundation