R 151755Z JUN 15
MARADMIN 290/15
MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC WASHINGTON DC DMCS PA//
SUBJ/2015 UNITED SERVICES ORGANIZATION MARINE OF THE YEAR AWARD ANNOUNCEMENT//
POC/DABNEY, COREY D./SGT/UNIT: CMC WASHINGTON DC PA/OUSMCC COMREL/TEL: (703) 614-1034//
GENTEXT/REMARKS/1. This MARADMIN solicits nominations for the United Services Organization (USO) Marine of the Year Award.
2. Each year, the USO recognizes Service members from each military branch who represent the epitome of valor and dedication to service. The Marine of the Year Award is the USO’s way of publicly honoring and thanking the outstanding commitment, exceptional service, sacrifice, and achievements of a Marine who has shown extraordinary dedication to our country. Reflecting the enduring legacy of our military and the mission of the USO, the award is given to one individual in the Marine Corps who, through selfless commitment to our country, inspires others and uplifts the spirits of comrades, families, and the American people. The award will officially be presented at the USO Armed Forces Gala on 20 October 2015 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC.
   A. The award recognizes a Marine 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 should be sergeants or below and be able to travel to Washington, DC from 18-25 October 2015 to receive the award at the USO Gala.
   C. Nominations should be submitted by the commanding officer in standard naval letter format and contain 500 words or less. Nominations should highlight any recent deployments or achievements and how those contributions benefited the military or civilian community.  Submissions must include a photo of the Service member in Service “C” uniform and a biography detailing service to date. Submit nominations electronically to Mrs. Kristin Barry, Special Events Planner at Kbarry(at)uso.org.
   D. Deadline for nominations for the USO Marine of the Year Award is 1 July 2015.
3. 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, commands are encouraged to issue Permissive Temporary Additional Duty (PTAD) orders so award recipient may accept the award and travel benefits under 5 C.F.R 2635.204(d)(bonafide award exception) to 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 Mrs. Kristin Barry of the USO at Tel: (703) 740-4972 or via email: kbarry(at)uso.org.
4. Award recipient is reminded that if the value of the travel benefits received from the USO exceeds 250 dollars, they must report acceptance of benefits to their local Staff Judge Advocate (SJA) upon completion of the travel. The local SJA must, in turn, report this information to Headquarters Marine Corps Judge Advocate Division for semi-annual DoD reporting purposes. SF 326 is authorized for use for this report.
5. Release authorized by Lieutenant General James B. Laster, Director, Marine Corps Staff.//