Honoring Excellence: USMEPCOM Crowns Outstanding Personnel of the Year
Eighteen personnel gathered in North Chicago September 22-23 to compete in the USMEPCOM 2026 Military Member and Civilian Employee of the Year competition.
The six military and 12 civilian finalists, representing their Sector and headquarters across six categories, completed a range of challenges to test professional and personal skills through leadership presentations, essays and a formal board. Military members also took on physical fitness challenges.
During opening remarks, Army Col. Frankie Cochiaosue, USMEPCOM commander, and Army Command Sgt. Maj. Gary Krese, USMEPCOM senior enlisted advisor, welcomed the competitors, thanked them for their dedication and encouraged participants to be proud of their accomplishments regardless of outcome.
“Just getting here is remarkable,” said Krese. “You’re challenging yourselves just by being here and competing. Thank you for taking that challenge and representing the very best of USMEPCOM.”
Holding the competition at USMEPCOM headquarters in North provides a rare opportunity for civilian and military personnel from disparate locations to spend time together, share knowledge and build relationships.
“Staging military service members and civilian employees together breaks down institutional silos, encouraging peer-to-peer mentorship and joint cohesion,” said Air Force Master Sgt. Austin Edington, USMEPCOM competition coordinator. “The shared downtime and collaborative sessions ultimately transform a group of individual competitors into a unified network of leaders.”
Toriana Woodruff, Kansas City MEPS administrative support technician, was honored to join other personnel at USMEPCOM for the competition. Although the process for the competition is highly selective, she focused on more than just the competition aspect. She said she wanted to use it as a moment to share her MEPS perspective.
“I am excited I got this far and got to travel to Chicago,” said Woodruff. “No matter what the outcome it’s an honor is to make it this far. Whether or not I win, I’m glad I get to share my knowledge and my perceptions.”
Army Sgt. 1st Class Mario Guillen Jr., Fort Dix MEPS processing non-commissioned officer in charge, was grateful for the opportunity to compete and represent his MEPS. He plans on taking the knowledge he gained through the past few days and implementing it in daily operations at his MEPS.
“Being able to pick everyone’s brains about how they operate their MEPS and what they do to be successful has been eye opening,” said Guillen. “Having the opportunity to learn a little bit of everything from the top competitors at USMEPCOM wasn’t taken for granted.”
Three civilians and three military winners were announced during an awards ceremony on September 23. During opening remarks, Dr. Katie Helland, director of Accession Policy, emphasized the dedication and time that goes into being a part of a constantly evolving command.
“I am honored to celebrate these great achievements today,” said Helland. “It is inspiring to see the innovation and dedication of these team members. We have such a valuable mission, being a part of a young person’s decision to go through a MEPS, it’s worth celebrating.”
The 2026 USMEPCOM Military Members of the Year are: Company Grade Officer: Capt. Edward Fulk, Louisville MEPS Senior Enlisted Advisor: Master Chief Petty Officer Howard Williams, Memphis MEPS Enlisted Member: Petty Officer 1st Class Khalil Hancock, Omaha MEPS
The 2026 Civilian Employees of the Year are: GS-06 and below: Ms. Toriana Woodruff, Kansas City MEPS GS-07-09: Ms. Darnisha Holloway, J-6 Information Technology Directorate GS- 10 and above: Ms. Victoria Weaver, Spokane MEPS
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