An Army Contracting Command-Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, Soldier has been selected as the National IMAGE, Inc.'s Meritorious Service Award recipient for the Army.

According to his nomination, Lt. Col. Benjamin Johnson, deputy director, Operations and Services, ACC-RSA, and then 921st Contingency Contracting Battalion acting commander, distinguished himself by promoting the rights of all those who served under his leadership.

"I am humbled," said Johnson. "I have never done anything for recognition. I have just always worked hard at being professional, loyal and dedicated to my supervisors, Soldiers and employees. In my career, I have received quite a few coins, but, without diminishing their significance, coins are a part of military tradition, so lots of deserving service members get them. Conversely, very few receive the National IMAGE Meritorious Service Award. But I did for doing a job that I love. That's kind of cool."

National IMAGE Inc. is a national Hispanic organization established in 1971 whose mission is to empower Hispanics through leadership development by advocating for employment, education and civil rights.

The award honors military members and Department of Defense military and civilian personnel who supported the DOD mission, overseas contingency operations or whose attributes best epitomized the qualities and the core values of their respective military service or agency.

"Lt. Col. Johnson's selection for this award is a testament to his professionalism, dedication, and selfless service to our Army and our nation," said Rebecca Weirick, executive director ACC-Redstone. "I am proud of Lt. Col. Johnson, his subordinates and his leaders...all important contributors to his accomplishment."