R 071650Z JUN 16
MARADMIN 288/16
MSGID/MARADMIN/CMC OUSMCC WASHINGTON DC (UC)//
SUBJ/2016 UNITED SERVICES ORGANIZATION (USO) MARINE OF THE YEAR AWARD ANNOUNCEMENT//
POC/ROBERT D. CLOSE/GS13/UNIT:CMC WASHINGTON DC OUSMCC/NAME: COMREL/PA/TEL:703-614-1034/EMAILRobert.D.Close@usmc.mil//
GENTEXT/REMARKS/1.  This message announces and 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.  The award will officially be presented at the USO Armed Forces Gala on 20 October 2016 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center 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. from 18-25 October 2016 to receive the award at the USO Gala.
3.  Nomination packages.  Nomination packages must contain these elements:
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.
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.  OUSMCC/PA must receive nominations no later than 30 July 2016.
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, commands are encouraged to issue Permissive Temporary Additional Duty (PTAD) orders so award recipients 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 Mrs. Chelsea Augustine of the USO at Tel: (703) 740-4972 or via email: caugustine@uso.org.
6.  Award recipients are reminded that since the Marine will be on PTAD, in his personal capacity, he may accept these benefits under authority 5 CFR 2635.204(d), upon a written determination by the agency ethics official that the award is made as part of an established program of recognition.
7.  Release authorized by Brigadier General James
F.  Glynn, Director, Office of U.S. Marine Corps Communication.//