2022 United Services Organization Marine of the Year (MOTY) Award Announcement

1.  This MARADMIN announces and solicits nominations for the 2022 United Services Organization (USO) Marine of the Year (MOTY) Award.<br>
2.  Each year, The United Service Organizations, Inc. (USO) Service Member of the Year Award honors the outstanding contributions of America's junior enlisted 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 in 2021.<br>
a.  The award recognizes a Marine (Sergeant and below) who:<br>
     (1) Demonstrates bravery and leadership in the course of his or her service.<br>
     (2) Offers outstanding support and comfort to those with whom they serve.<br>
     (3) Enhances morale and personal welfare of others.<br>
     (4) Through their mentorship, inspires other individuals or<br>
     groups.<br>
3.  Nomination packages.  Nomination packages must contain these elements:<br>
a.  Commanding Officer (CO) endorsement.  Each nominees CO must endorse the nomination and express a commitment to facilitate the nominees attendance at the award ceremony, if selected.<br>
b.  2022 SMOY Nomination Form – Command.<br>
c.  2022 SMOY Nominee Information Form.<br>
d.  Detailed description of the honoree's act(s) of heroism.  Attach copies of any official letters of commendation, if available.<br>
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.<br>
4.  Deadline.  Nominations must be received by the USO no later than 12 Aug 2022 via email to USO at SMOY@uso.org.<br>
a.  For questions concerning the award, please contact Ms. Christianna Mihaiu at (917) 587-8403 or cmihaiu@uso.org.<br>
5.  USO selection committee will review nominee submissions and will present three (3) deserving Marines for review to the Senior Enlisted Advisor by September 1, 2022.<br>
a.  Senior Enlisted Advisor reviews nominations and selects the 2022 USO Marine of the Year.<br>
6.  The honoree's information form and detailed description of act(s) of heroism should be forwarded by the Senior Enlisted Advisor to the USO by September 15, 2022.<br>
a.  Please ensure that a current email address for the honoree and/or the honoree's command is included.<br>
5.  Special Note For Commands. The 2022 Service Member of the Year Awards will not involve travel in 2022.<br>
a.  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 from PAO for media requests.<br>
b.  In Spring 2023 (date TBD), the 2022 Marine of the Year and one (1) guest will be invited to Washington, DC to be recognized at the 2023 USO Annual Awards Dinner.<br>
c.  The USO will work with the honoree's command to coordinate travel, lodging, and activities for their guests.<br>
d.  The award recipient may accept these benefits under authority 5 CFR 2635.204(d), upon a written determination by his/her command ethics official that the award is made as part of an established program of recognition.<br>
e.  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.<br>
6.  Release authorized by SES April Langwell, Director of Communication, HQMC.