R 171430Z JAN 24
MARADMIN 018/24
MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC WASHINGTON DC//
SUBJ/2024 UNITED SERVICES ORGANIZATION (USO) SERVICE MEMBER OF THE YEAR (SMOTY) 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 2024 United Services Organization (USO) Service Member of the Year (SMOTY) Award.
2.  Each year, the USO, Inc. Service Member of the Year Award honors the outstanding contributions of America’s 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 from 1 January 2023 – 31 December 2023.
2.a.  The award recognizes a Marine within the ranks of private to gunnery sergeant and second lieutenant to captain 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 nominee's CO must endorse the nomination and express a commitment to facilitate the nominee's attendance at the award ceremony, if selected.
3.b.  2024 SMOY Nomination Form – Command.
3.c.  2024 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 1 Feb 2024 via email to the USO at SMOY@uso.org.
4.a.  For questions concerning the award or to request the 2024 SMOY Nomination Form and Nominee Information Form, please contact the point of contact (POC).
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 for media requests.
4.d.  The selected honorees will be the 2024 USO SMOYs, and they will be recognized as such at the 2024 Annual Awards Dinner on 11 April 2024 in Washington, DC. 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 LtGen Gregg P. Olsen, Director, Marine Corps Staff.//