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Joint base recognizes service members of the year

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Zachary Martyn
  • Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Public Affairs
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. --  Senior enlisted leaders, including the sergeant major of the Army, recognized candidates during an award ceremony for the 2016 Joint Base Service Member of the Year Competition at Tommy B's Community Center here, July 7, 2016.

The 2016 Joint Base Service Member of the Year Competition was a two-day event that tested contestants' physical ability and mental aptitude. The event highlighted the joint mission and cooperation between branches at JB MDL. The event saw participation from the Air Force, Army, Navy and Marine Corps.

"It teaches each and every one of us an appreciation for what the other services do," said Sgt. Maj. of the Army Daniel Dailey. "It shows the jointness in what we do every single day."
After a week-long wait, the winners were announced at the award ceremony by Chief Petty Officer Raymond Rizzo, 87th Force Support Squadron lead chief petty officer.

Airman 1st Class Collin White, 305th Operations Support Squadron air traffic controller, took home the win for the junior enlisted category. White scored higher than any other competitor on the virtual M4 firing range and completed his 2-mile run in under 12 minutes.

The winner in the noncommissioned officer category was Army Staff Sgt. Cliffton Hall, a horizontal construction engineer with the 2-315th Brigade Engineer Battalion.   Senior Master Sgt. Kevin Hammer, 87th Civil Engineer Squadron's Explosive Ordnance Disposal Flight chief, claimed victory in the senior NCO category.

The winner in the company grade officer category was Capt. Savannah Daniel, 87th Medical Group disease manager. 

"I wanted to show my daughter that we could do this," said Daniel. "No matter what they throw at you, just give it your all. I did it. You can do it."

Senior enlisted leaders from throughout the joint base came together to create an event to challenge service members, boost morale, build camaraderie and increase jointness across the base. The inclusion of multiple branches in events like this offer service members an opportunity to appreciate and learn more about their sister services.