R 041330Z AUG 23
MARADMIN 390/23
MSGID/MARADMIN/CMC CD WASHINGTON DC//
SUBJ/2023 UNITED SERVICES ORGANIZATION MARINE OF THE YEAR (MOTY) AWARD ANNOUNCEMENT//
POC/CHRISTIANNA MIHAIU/CIV/USO/TEL: 917-587-8403/EMAIL: CMIHAIU@USO.ORG//
GENTEXT/REMARKS/1.  This MARADMIN announces and solicits nominations for the 2023 United Services Organization (USO) Marine of the Year (MOTY) Award.
2.  Each year, the USO, Inc. Service Member of the Year Award honors the outstanding contributions of America’s junior enlisted service members who represent the standards and values of their respective branches of service, as demonstrated through a specific act(s) of heroism or valor in 2022.
2.A.  The award recognizes a Marine (Sergeant and below) who:
2.A.1.  Demonstrates bravery and leadership in the course of his or her service.
2.A.2.   Offers outstanding support and comfort to those with whom they serve.
2.A.3.  Enhances morale and personal welfare of others.
2.A.4.  Through their mentorship, inspires other individuals or groups.
3.  Nomination packages.  Nomination packages must contain these elements:
3.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.
3.B.  2023 SMOY Nomination Form – Command.
3.C.  2023 SMOY Nominee Information Form.
3.D.  Detailed description of the honoree’s act(s) of heroism.  Attach copies of any official letters of commendation, if available.
3.E.  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 18 Aug 2023 via email to USO at SMOY@uso.org.
4.A.  For questions concerning the award or to request the 2023 SMOY Nomination Form and Nominee Information Form, please contact Ms. Christianna Mihaiu at (917) 587-8403 or cmihaiu@uso.org.
4.B.  Please ensure that a current email address for the honoree and/or the honoree’s command is included.
4.C.  The USO will work with the honoree’s command for notification, official photo of honoree, and coordination of a special Service Member of the Year awards ceremony at their duty station.  USO will aid in coordination of the awards ceremony at the command and will request support from PAO for media requests.
4.D.  The USO plans to announce the honorees from all branches simultaneously. Please do not make any official public announcements about your honoree until all necessary paperwork is completed.
5.  Release authorized by SES April L. Langwell, Director of Communication, Communication Directorate, Headquarters Marine Corps.//