WIESBADEN, Germany - Two 18th Military Police Brigrade officers received honors at the 26th-annual U.S. Army Europe-level Gen. Douglas MacArthur Leadership Awards Ceremony held here Feb. 20.
Capt. Melissa Lewis of the 709th MP Battalion and a native of Northridge, Calif., and CW2 Gustavo Lomberamendoza of the 95th MP Bn and a native of Inglewood, Calif., were selected as outstanding leaders among officers and warrant officers of all the 21st TSC applicants in the field.
The selection of officers and warrant officers is based on their overall performance throughout the previous calendar year.
The GDMLA program was introduced in 1987 to recognize company-grade and junior warrant officers who demonstrate MacArthur's ideals of "Duty, Honor, Country" and have a proven record of extraordinary performance, leadership and achievement.
Lt. Col. Steven Yamashita, 709th MP Bn. commander, nominated Lewis for the GDMLA.
"She actually epitomizes the motto of duty, honor, country in everything she does," he said.
"I am so absolutely proud of Capt. Lewis and Chief Lomberamendoza for their recognition in this leadership award," said Col. Donna W. Martin, 18th MP Bde. (Provisional) and a native of Yorktown, Va., of both 21st TSC winners. "They are both great leaders, great young officers, and the 18th MP Bde. is proud of them."
Lewis expressed her gratitude at receiving recognition among the other officers she serves with. "It's such an honor to be recognized after working with so many great Soldiers and officers," said explained. "Being recognized is quite an honor."
Lomberamendoza's award was accepted for him since he was away on training.
Social Sharing