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Rank and full name of the NOMINEE (Recipient)Nominee's SCRA Member #Unit or Duty station of the NomineeBriefly explain why this individual merits the AJM SME
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CPT Israel Neri0HQDA G6Nomination for Exceptional Company Grade Officer: CPT Israel Neri Captain Israel Neri served as the executive officer (XO) to the Network and C4 Services Integration Director and represented the Headquarters Department of the Army, Deputy Chief of Staff (DCS), G-6 honorably from March 2025 to March 2026. CPT Neri supported a diverse workforce of over 60 civilians, 20 military personnel, and 100 contractors. He directed the planning and execution of near, mid, and long-range strategic communications and global senior-leader engagements. During his time as the executive officer, CPT Neri provided guidance across all administrative areas, logistics, document control, action items, and integration, leading to key process improvements and significantly boosted team efficiency. During his time as the XO to the NC4SI Director, CPT Neri implemented processes to increase operational efficiency, which drastically reduced response times for critical mission requirements. He orchestrated over 15 global senior-leader engagements and established enduring partnerships with the Army and allied leaders. CPT Neri displayed profound professionalism, empathy and leadership during his time acting as a Courtesy Casualty Assistance Officer for the repatriated remains of PVT Jacob Gutterman. He facilitated the dignified interment of PVT Gutterman’s remains at Arlington National Cemetery while providing comfort, guidance and support the family. CPT Israel Neri is an outstanding Officer who performs with distinguished professionalism. His dedication and enthusiasm makes him truly deserving of this award and honor.
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Mr. Jeffrey Turner0HQDA G6Mr. Jeffrey Turner, a dedicated Government Civilian with over 15 years of exemplary service, is nominated for the Signal Corps Regimental Association's (SCRA) Exceptional GS Civilian Award for his steadfast leadership and significant contributions to the Army Signal Corps. In his dual capacity as the Deputy Division Chief for the Infrastructure and Transport Division and the Branch Chief for the Infrastructure Branch, Mr. Turner expertly manages the largest and most complex portfolio within the Division, demonstrating unparalleled commitment and strategic vision. Mr. Turner’s leadership has been pivotal in driving major Army-wide modernization efforts and ensuring fiscal responsibility. He championed a voice modernization paradigm shift, driving the enterprise-wide transition from physical handsets to a more efficient software-based solution, a move that successfully avoided approximately $58M in capital costs. In concert with the United States Military Academy (USMA), he authored a winning Course of Action (COA) that resulted in the avoidance of a $4.1M capital expenditure while simultaneously cutting recurring annual costs by $1.5M. Furthermore, he developed the strategy and led the pitch to maintain USMA's .edu presence, an approach that will save the Army an additional $2M to $4M annually in licensing and infrastructure costs. His contributions extend across the Army's most critical network initiatives, where he was essential in representing the division's equities through the paradigm shift from traditional PEGs and MDEPs to modern Panels and PIDs. Mr. Turner played a key role in the planning and execution of major programs such as the Army Global Unified Network (AGUN) and the Global Secure Network (GSN). He expertly hosted and moderated collaborative forums for Voice Modernization (VMOD), AGUN, and IPv6 that brought NETCOM, PEOs, and other critical stakeholders together to align their efforts toward a holistic fielding approach. His guidance has been instrumental in aligning competing priorities to protect strategic timelines for key initiatives including the Joint Regional Security Stack (JRSS) sunset and the enterprise-wide IPv6 transition. A consummate professional who exemplifies the Army values, Mr. Turner is a highly respected leader known for his coaching and collaborative style. As the acting Division Chief in the chief’s absence, he ensures the seamless flow of information and maintains transparent communication with all stakeholders. His forward-thinking is evidenced by his recommendation to modernize the voice switch and TDM gateways for Brook Army Medical Center (BAMC), a solution that would ensure continuity of critical medical operations and save the DOD millions. Mr. Turner’s leadership, technical acumen, and unwavering dedication have made a lasting impact on the Signal Corps Regiment and the United States Army.
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SGT James R. Strehl0HQDA G6Nomination for Exceptional Signal Non-Commissioned Officer: SGT James R. Strehl Sergeant James R. Strehl’s performance is a masterclass in what it means to be a 25H, demonstrating a level of technical expertise, leadership, and foresight that goes far beyond his rank. He operates not just as a technician, but as a true signal leader who ensures mission success by guaranteeing that commanders can communicate effectively and securely, no matter the complexity or scale of the operation. His work during the 250th Army Birthday is a prime example. For an event with so many moving pieces, a junior 25H might focus only on their small part. SGT Strehl, however, took ownership of the entire communications and IT enterprise. He didn't just execute a plan; he planned, resourced, and oversaw the whole support structure. This shows an incredible depth of understanding in logistics and project management. This resulted in seamless communication with higher headquarters and even joint and interagency partners, which is the gold standard for a Signal soldier. It means the network he built was robust, interoperable, and reliable under pressure. What also truly sets him apart is his demonstrated leadership. During this period, he stepped into the role of the Regimental S6 NCOIC, a position typically held by a Sergeant First Class, and did so without the supervision of an officer. This speaks volumes about the trust his command placed in him. An excellent 25H isn't just good with equipment; they are adaptable leaders who can fill any gap to ensure the mission continues. This pattern of excellence continued during the State Funeral for the 39th President, Former President Jimmy Carter. This was a zero-fail, national-level event where he was entrusted with designing the entire communications architecture for Joint Team Cathedral. A great 25H understands that communication is more than just radios; it's about building a network that connects every friendly element. By collaborating with J-6, other Joint Teams, and civilian agencies like the U.S. Capitol Police, he proved his ability to operate in a complex joint environment. Furthermore, his actions during the funeral itself highlight the tactical impact of a skilled 25H. He wasn't just sitting behind a console; he was actively monitoring movements and feeding real-time updates to the highest levels, directly enhancing their situational awareness. Most importantly, his expertise in employing secured communications channels was critical. In an environment with sensitive movements and information, preventing eavesdropping and ensuring message integrity is paramount. SGT Strehl didn't just provide comms; he provided secure and assured communications, which is the hallmark of a truly outstanding Signal professional.
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LTC Jason Nobrega0HQDA G6Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Jason Nobrega, a distinguished Army National Guard (ARNG) officer with 28 years of dedicated military service, is nominated for his visionary leadership and profound impact on the Department of the Army's resource management and modernization efforts. As a key leader within the G-6, LTC Nobrega has demonstrated exceptional foresight and an aggressive, self-starting approach to problem-solving that has been critical during a period of significant transformation for the Army. Uniquely, as an ARNG Soldier, he has expertly ensured his monumental efforts in support of the Army's network and resource management have benefited all three Army components. LTC Nobrega has been the cornerstone of the G-6's successful navigation of the Department of War’s monumental restructuring of the Program Objective Memorandum (POM) lifecycle. As the Army transitioned from the legacy Program Evaluation Groups (PEGs) to the new Panel structure, he was instrumental in developing, organizing, and leading the G-6 effort to ensure no requirements were lost in the transition. Meticulous in nature, LTC Nobrega established a clear and enduring audit trail, ensuring that the movement of funding and priorities can withstand forensic exploration and is perfectly aligned with the new accounting methods. His leadership was further demonstrated through his orchestration of the Army’s $2B Unified Network-Transport (UN-T) portfolio. LTC Nobrega masterfully synchronized the efforts of 12 diverse stakeholder organizations, successfully defending the portfolio against over $400M in proposed cuts. He personally developed and briefed a course of action to senior Army leadership that not only secured the program's funding but also established a new framework for managing the UN-T portfolio, directly enabling the Army’s network modernization strategy for 2025-2027. LTC Nobrega is a leader who consistently operates at the strategic level, solving tomorrow's problems today. His relentless drive, analytical acumen, and ability to build consensus across a wide array of stakeholders have been indispensable. His efforts have not only preserved billions in funding for critical network infrastructure but have also fundamentally reshaped the Army's programming and budgeting processes for years to come, leaving an indelible mark on the Signal Corps and the Total Army.
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CW3 Shambrella McLendon
0HQDA G6Nomination for Exceptional Warrant Officer: Shambrella Mclendon CW3 Shambrella McLendon served as the Headquarters Department of the Army Executive Division OIC, responsible for the modernization, innovation, and development of communications requirements of the Army’s Top 5 Senior Leaders. This includes personnel, hardware, and software to ensure 24/7/365 accessibility for command and control of the world’s greatest Army. Dedicated to the mission, she ensured the Army’s C-37 Aircraft Fleet obtained over $35 million in communications upgrades, to include removing antiquated STE phones and adding Starshield as a secure commercial wireless solution for Ku SATCOM redundancy. Lauded for her expertise, CW3 McLendon’s intellect and advice was often sought out by the Office of the Undersecretary of War for Intel and Security, as well as Office of the Undersecretary of War for Policy; so much so, both offices secured a Memorandum of Agreement for support from HQDA ECD to ensure CW3 McLendon and her Soldiers were able to travel with their Secretaries and staff for off-site communications support. CW3 McLendon traveled on multiple CONUS and OCONUS missions to support these offices. Innovative and always focused on the way-ahead, CW3 McLendon took initiative to ensure NETCOM’s effort to expand the Army Unified Network across the formation included the Pentagon and ASLs. She collaborated with Senior Signal Leaders to pilot devices in programs that NETCOM and T2COM were experimenting to ensure the SECARMY’s commercial solution approach was met. As the OIC, she ensured all initiatives were presented to the HQDA principals for feedback enabling the developers to work smarter, not harder on innovative solutions. Solution-oriented with a cost-advantageous and interoperability mindset, she worked with industry engineers to test a proof-of-concept utilizing the Army’s C-37 fleet. Using a $40 million dollar capability reserved for POTUS, CW3 McLendon worked to maximize features already equipped on the Army’s C-37s to ensure access to HCX military Ka beams. The success of this initiative enabled Viasat to obtain necessary information for improvements, while gathering much needed data for the US Air Force to make informed decisions on upgrading terminals for their C-37 fleet. CW3 McLendon’s professionalism and knowledge is beyond reproach and she is most deserving of this award.
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SFC America Castaneda
0HQDA G6Nomination for Exceptional Non-Commissioned Officer: SFC America Castaneda Sergeant First Class America Castaneda distinguished herself by exceptionally superior service to the Headquarters Department of the Army, Deputy Chief of Staff (DCS), G-6 from March 2025 to March 2026, as the Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge (NCOIC) of the Network and C4 Services Integration directorate. SFC Castaneda was responsible for operational oversight and supporting efforts of Signal Forces contingency and combat operations globally. She provided awareness to Department of the Army, Joint Staff, and Department of War senior leaders on matters concerning planning, validating, sourcing, and execution of Army enterprise operations. She also provided direction and expectation management to 225 HQDA information management officers. SFC Castaneda played an integral role in policies and procedures integration with the Joint Service Provider network interoperability team. Due to her role and experience, she developed and presented critical network status updates which directly improved enterprise-wide collaboration. SFC Castaneda worked tirelessly to build team cohesion and set the example for her peers and junior Soldiers. She enhanced her section’s readiness by cross-training 10 personnel in various tasks which enhanced redundancy and resilience. She also attained her bachelor’s degree in computer information systems and motivated two additional NCOs to complete 20 credit hours. SFC America Castaneda is an exceptional NCO who consistently performs at a high level of professionalism. Her dedication, initiative, and willingness to take action makes her an outstanding team member.
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SGT Tyler Spencer49018
Fort Belvoir, VA
SGT Tyler M. Spencer SCRA Member # 49018 distinguished himself through exceptional technical proficiency and tactical initiative while serving as a Circuit Control Team Chief for the Ground Intelligence Support Activity (GISA) and INSCOM. SGT Spencer was a primary catalyst for global network reliability, maintaining NIPR, SIPR, JWICS, and TROJAN links that enabled communications for over 18,000 clients across 17 Major Subordinate Commands. His technical expertise was vital during an unexpected network outage, where he rapidly deployed COMSEC and Recovery Keys for 1st IO networks, successfully re-establishing services for over 450 users within 24 hours. Furthermore, SGT Spencer spearheaded emergency router upgrades for the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) and upgraded over 50 TACLANES in support of ARCYBER and GISA, significantly improving protected communications vital to national security. He demonstrated superior project management by streamlining the lifecycle effort for over 100 networking and COMSEC devices, completing all upgrades 30 days ahead of schedule. SGT Spencer’s unwavering commitment to mission-critical infrastructure and his stewardship of $3.5 million in networking equipment reflect the highest standards of the Signal Corps and the legacy of the Albert J. Meyer Medal.
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SSG William McFalls48836INSCOMSSG William McFalls SCRA Member # 48836 distinguished himself through exceptional technical expertise and meticulous project management while serving as a Lead Government Representative for the United States Army Intelligence and Security Command (INSCOM). During a critical mission in Arizona, SSG McFalls spearheaded the installation of over 13,000 feet of cabling, six zone boxes, and 124 faceplates, directly enhancing the installation’s network infrastructure and long-term operational capacity. His technical leadership was vital during a critical shutdown, where he synchronized the efforts of PC installation and Break-Fix teams to resolve over 300 trouble tickets with zero degradation to mission-essential operations. Furthermore, SSG McFalls played a key role in the Lifecycle Replacement (LCR) program, successfully overseeing the setup and upgrade of over 1,500 pieces of equipment across two phases. Beyond his technical contributions, he provided essential logistical support and range reconnaissance as a Walking Safety for the Best Squad Competition, ensuring the safe and professional execution of high-stakes training. SSG McFalls’ dedication to technical excellence and mission assurance reflects great credit upon himself, the Signal Corps, and the United States Army.
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SFC Justin Picard48886INSCOMSFC Justin Picard SCRA Member # 48886 distinguished himself through exceptional technical proficiency and dedicated service to the Signal Corps while serving with the United States Army Intelligence and Security Command (INSCOM). As a key leader for the 2024 and 2025 INSCOM Best Squad Competitions, SFC Picard expertly coordinated the procurement and integration of communication equipment from external installations, ensuring seamless command and control and navigation capabilities for competitor squads and cadre. His technical management extended to enterprise-level logistics, where he orchestrated the shipment and reconfiguration of 16 mission-critical systems across installations to maintain full operational functionality. SFC Picard demonstrated superior technical oversight by managing 50 Commercial Solutions for Classified (CSfC) systems across 15 Major Subordinate Commands, ensuring secure communications for a global enterprise. Furthermore, as a Government Purchase Card (GPC) holder, he maintained impeccable fiscal discipline, managing essential mission-related purchase requests within strict budgetary limits and without overdue penalties. His dedication to professional excellence is further evidenced by his pursuit of an Associate of Science in Computer Technology, currently maintaining a 3.46 GPA. SFC Picard’s technical acumen, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the Signal Regiment reflect the highest standards of the Albert J. Meyer Medal.
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SFC Stephanie Gaskins
44362INSCOMSFC Stephanie Gaskins SCRA Member # 44362 distinguished herself through exceptional technical leadership and operational expertise while serving as the Executive Communications NCOIC for the Commanding General of the United States Army Intelligence and Security Command (INSCOM). SFC Gaskins was instrumental in providing seamless, uninterrupted communications for senior leadership, solely developing travel communication packages for over 50 official engagements and streamlining network access for 30 senior leaders. Her strategic coordination with external DISA locations enabled her team to rapidly provision mobile devices for the Command Group, while her synchronization of G6 VTC support ensured the success of weekly classified and unclassified events for a Two-Star Command. Beyond executive support, SFC Gaskins excelled as a Lead Project Coordinator, orchestrating the transfer of over 300 IT assets valued at $300,000 with 100 percent signature accountability in record time. She further guaranteed mission continuity by managing the relocation of 400 IT assets and overseeing the secure disposition of 250 legacy systems, ensuring all sanitization processes mitigated potential security risks. SFC Gaskins’ technical proficiency and unwavering dedication to the Signal Corps’ mission embody the professional excellence celebrated by the Albert J. Meyer Medal.
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SFC Demetrius Beasley
48847
Fort Belvoir, VA
SFC Demetrius Beasley SCRA Member # 48847 distinguished himself through exceptional technical leadership and decisive action, ensuring the continuity of mission-critical communications across the INSCOM global enterprise. During a catastrophic facility power outage caused by water damage, SFC Beasley's rapid response prevented the total loss of mission communications, enabling immediate continuity of operations. His technical expertise was further proven during an extended eight-day communications outage, where he led continuous Signal operations to mitigate operational risk and preserve network availability. SFC Beasley masterfully coordinated the inventory and delivery of modernized Signal equipment across five geographical locations—including sites outside the INSCOM footprint—resulting in the upgrade of 180 pieces of equipment with zero security incidents or mission downtime. His far-reaching impact supported Signal operations for 14 to 17 Major Subordinate Commands, directly affecting over 17,500 personnel operating across 180 locations in 45 countries. Furthermore, his commitment to the future of the Regiment is evidenced by his mentorship of junior Soldiers, leading to successful Security+ certification and promotion recommendations. SFC Beasley’s technical proficiency and dedication to mission assurance reflect the highest standards of the Signal Corps and the legacy of the Albert J. Meyer Medal.
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SFC Taquisha Hodge48915
Fort Belvoir, VA
SFC Taquisha Hodge SCRA Member # 48915 distinguished herself through extraordinary contributions to the Signal Corps, advancing enterprise communications and cybersecurity in support of global mission requirements. As a recognized Information Technology subject-matter expert, she modernized secure network access by streamlining RSA token issuance for over 900 personnel, ensuring continuity of operations across multiple cycles. SFC Hodge played a pivotal role in enterprise system modernization, leading the successful migration of AUDS with 100 percent utilization of 14,000 licenses and managing over 24,000 Microsoft A365 licenses across classified and unclassified environments. Her technical leadership ensured uninterrupted service for over 230 phones, 800 computers, and 90 video teleconferencing systems, while overseeing the completion of more than 1,100 IT work orders. Furthermore, she authored a comprehensive automation continuity book to preserve institutional knowledge and piloted a Vendor Secure Routing solution for CSfC systems, introducing mobile SIPR capabilities for senior leaders. Through deliberate mentorship, she expanded Signal readiness by cross-training Soldiers in automation, contributing to multiple subordinates attaining CISSP and Security+ certifications. SFC Hodge’s stewardship of $12 million in equipment and her enduring impact embody the legacy of the Albert J. Meyer Medal.
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SFC Miguel Saldala48839
Fort Belvoir, VA
SFC Miguel Saldala SCRA Member # 48839 distinguished himself through peerless technical leadership and operational foresight while serving as the G6 Sergeant Major and Senior Enlisted Leader for the United States Army Intelligence and Security Command (INSCOM). As a cornerstone of the G6 Assistant Chief of Staff's team, SFC Saldala expertly managed a diverse portfolio including network infrastructure, a Technical Control Facility (TCF), and communications security (COMSEC) for 15 Major Subordinate Commands. His technical ingenuity was most evident in his management of over 300 SIPR/NIPR mobile devices, where he spearheaded a life-cycle upgrade completed 90 days ahead of schedule, ensuring uninterrupted global C2 for the INSCOM Commanding General. SFC Saldala’s commitment to fiscal stewardship and operational efficiency resulted in a $12,000 reduction in annual service costs through meticulous account auditing. Furthermore, his rapid deployment of an infrastructure team to GISA-PAC facilitated the installation of 73 workstations, instantly restoring mission-critical services. By fostering cross-training initiatives with the 704th MI BDE and leading TOC assembly for high-profile competitions, SFC Saldala has left an indelible mark on the readiness and professional development of the Signal Corps.
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CW2 Matthew Newman
48881
Fort Belvoir, VA
CW2 Matthew Newman SCRA Member # 48881 distinguished himself through over a decade of exceptional technical leadership and multifaceted expertise within the Signal Corps. Currently serving as the Enterprise Technology Warrant Officer for the INSCOM G6, CW2 Newman leverages a deep foundational knowledge of cable systems installation, fiber optics, and Cisco routing to drive enterprise-level network initiatives. His career is defined by technical versatility, having successfully led high-consequence teams including Joint Node Network (JNN) and Tropospheric Scatter Systems sections during deployments in support of Operation United Assistance. CW2 Newman’s commitment to the Signal Regiment's technical proficiency is further evidenced by his previous dual-role tenure at the Non-Commissioned Officer Academy, where he served as both the S3 2IC and a Lead Instructor for the Basic Leaders Course, directly shaping the next generation of Signal leaders. His expert management of complex communication assets—from High Frequency (HF) radio teams to interim S6 NCOIC responsibilities for The Old Guard—demonstrates a consistent record of mission success and technical excellence. CW2 Newman’s profound impact on the readiness and modernization of Army communications embodies the spirit of the Albert J. Meyer Medal.
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CW2 Luis Montero45860
Fort Belvoir, VA
CW2 Luis Montero SCRA Member # 45860 distinguished himself through visionary leadership and unmatched technical acumen as the Enterprise Technology Officer for the INSCOM G6 Transport Engineering team. A premier technical expert, CW2 Montero was the driving force behind the operational readiness of the INSCOM Black Core architecture, dedicating exhaustive hours to the mentorship of section personnel and the mastery of complex Cisco routing and switching requirements. Beyond internal readiness, he played a pivotal role in the strategic expansion of the Signal Corps' reach, coordinating directly with DISA and GISA to engineer and implement new strategic sites across INSCOM’s global area of responsibility. His precise execution and ability to meet milestones ahead of schedule directly enabled multiple Military Intelligence sites to conduct critical, real-world data collection for global operations. CW2 Montero’s commitment to technical excellence and his profound impact on the Army’s strategic network infrastructure embody the highest standards of the Signal Corps and the legacy of the Albert J. Meyer Medal.
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