R 221911Z Jun 17
MARADMIN 325/17
MSGID/MARADMIN/CMC OUSMCC WASHINGTON DC (UC)//
SUBJ/2017 UNITED SERVICES ORGANIZATION MARINE OF THE YEAR AWARD ANNOUNCEMENT//
POC/L.HITT/SGT/CMC WASHINGTON DC OUSMCC/TEL: 703-614-1034/EMAIL: LAIQA.HITT@USMC.MIL//
GENTEXT/REMARKS/1.  This MARADMIN announces and solicits nominations for the 2017 United Services Organization (USO) Marine of the Year Award.
2.  Each year, the USO recognizes service members from each military branch.  The award will officially be presented at the USO Armed Forces Gala on 19 October 2017 at the Washington Marriott Marquis in Washington, D.C.
a.  The award recognizes a Marine (Sergeant and below) who:
     (1) Demonstrates bravery and leadership in the course of his or her service.
     (2) Offers outstanding support and comfort to those with whom they serve.
     (3) Enhances morale and personal welfare of others.
     (4) Through their mentorship, inspires other individuals or groups.
b.  Nominees must able to travel to Washington, D.C. to receive the award at the USO Gala 19 October 2017.
3.  Nomination packages.  Nomination packages must contain these elements:
a.  Commanding Officer (CO) endorsement.  Each nominees CO must endorse the nomination and express a commitment to facilitate the nominees attendance at the award ceremony, if selected.
b.  Narrative description.  Must be in a personal letter format, contain no more than 500 words, meet the criteria specified in paragraph 2.(a), and highlight any recent deployments or achievements and how those contributions benefited the military or civilian community.
4.  Deadline.  Nominations must be received by the USO no later than 30 July 2017 via email to Ms. Kristin Barry at kbarry@uso.org.
5.  Logistics and expenditures:  Transportation, lodging, and meals for the award recipient and one accompanying guest will be provided by the USO.  Using this message as a reference, the recipient’s command is encouraged to issue Permissive Temporary Additional Duty (PTAD) orders so the recipient may attend the convention.  Specific coordinating details, to include travel arrangements and uniform requirements, will be sent to the award recipient by the USO following the selection process.  For additional information about this program, contact Ms. Kristin Barry of the USO at (703) 740-4980 or via email: kbarry@uso.org.
6.  The award recipient may accept these benefits under authority 5 CFR 2635.204(d), upon a written determination by his/her command ethics official that the award is made as part of an established program of recognition.
7.  Release authorized by Brigadier General William H. Seely III, Director, Office of U.S. Marine Corps Communication.//