CY2020 Ground Awards Dinner Announcement

1.  Purpose.  This message announces the convening of the Ground Awards Dinner on 13 May 2021.
2.  Intent.  The intent of the 13 May Ground Awards Dinner is to formally recognize the CY2020 award recipients in a manner befitting the following awards: Leftwich, Hulbert, Chambers, and Zembiec trophies for outstanding leadership, Thomason Special Operator of the year, and the Divisions' 2020 Marine Of The Year (MOY).
3.  Method.
3.a.  On 13 May 2021, DC, PP&O and the Marine Corps Association (MCA) will host the MCA Annual Ground Awards dinner.  The dinner will be held at the Hilton Mark Center, 5000 Seminary Road, Alexandria, Virginia. No-host cocktail hour begins at 1800; dinner begins at 1900.  Dress is civilian informal (coat/tie) for attendees, Service Alphas with ribbons and badges for Division Commanders, Commander MARSOC, award recipients, and select PP&O Staff.  Dinner is no charge to active duty personnel, but reservations must be made through MCA to attend by contacting or emailing Ms. Cohen.  For non-active duty personnel, dinner cost is 70 dollar per person for MCA members and 112 dollars per person for non-MCA members.  Reservations may be made by contacting Ms. Sarah Cohen by phone at 703-640-0174 or by email at s.cohen@mca-marines.org.  HQMC PP&O is not involved in the reservation process.
3.b.  Per ref a, DC, PP&O will fund travel for the Leftwich, Hulbert, Zembiec and Thomason award recipients and their spouse (if applicable) to attend the Ground Awards Dinner.  Marine Divisions will provide funding for their respective MOY award recipient or designated service-member representative, (MCA will fund their spouse if applicable), to attend the ceremony and receive their award.
3.c.  Per ref b, COMMARFORRES will fund travel for the Chambers Award winner to participate in the ceremony.
4.  Endstate.  The endstate of the Ground Awards Dinner is for award recipients to receive appropriate, formal recognition for their accomplishments and role as outstanding leaders within the Marine Divisions, Marine Forces Special Operations Command, and the Combat Arms communities.
5.  Coordination.
5.a.  Direct Awardee travel inquiries to Maj Matthew Esposito (POC) and Cpl Andrea-Charlene Rosembert (POC).
5.b.  Direct all Ground Awards Dinner reservation requests and inquiries to the MCA POC listed in paragraph 3.a. or via the MCA website.
5.c.  This message is approved for release by LtGen G. W. Smith, Jr. Deputy Commandant, Plans, Policies, and Operations.