2025 NDTA AWARDS

Abstract

Over the past four decades, Mr. Baker has distinguished himself in the service of his country, retiring as a Lt Col in the U.S. Air Force after 20 years, serving as a government civil servant for 20 years, and as a distinguished NDTA member since 1996. With the largest U.S.-flagged fleet in international commercial service under his leadership, Maersk Line, Limited, provided the United States federal government and the US Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) with key U.S.-flagged transportation services consisting of maritime prepositioning, U.S.-flagged fleet operations through the Maritime Security Program (MSP) and Voluntary Intermodal Sealift Agreement (VISA), cargo management of military cargo and hazardous materials and customized transportation and logistics programs providing global reach to over 300 ports worldwide. DISTINGUISHED GOVERNMENT SERVICE AWARD Rear Admiral Wayne R. Arguin Jr., USCG, Assistant Commandant for Prevention Policy (CGSP), United States Coast Guard, is hereby presented the NDTA Distinguished Government Service Award for his unparalleled judgment, decisive leadership, and profound subject matter expertise that have been key to successfully navigating numerous high-profile, politically sensitive, and exceptionally complex marine safety, security, and transportation system challenges, yielding significant and enduring positive impacts on U.S. national security and economic prosperity. NDTA PRESIDENT'S AWARD The NDTA Board of Directors has selected Ms. Andrea Carlock, Functional Advisor for the Defense Travel Management Office (DTMO), as a recipient of the 2025 NDTA President's Award Юг her dedicated support to NDTAs and DTMOY efforts to support DoD passenger travel requirements.

NDTA has a number of awards that recognize individual and corporate members, as well as chapters and military units, that have excelled in fostering the goals and aims of the Association. We congratulate this year's award winners and thank them for their contributions to the Association, and to the greater logistics and transportation community.

JOSEPH A. TORSANI MEMORIAL AWARD FOR LIFETIME SERVICE & ACHIEVEMENT

Over the course of decades, COL Joseph A. Torsani, ur. USA (Ret), dedicated his time, leadership and logistics expertise to the National Defense Transportation Association. COL Torsani served tirelessly in key positions at the state and national levels, and truly embodied NDTA's values and commitment to education, knowledge sharing and fostering the next generation of professionals. In his memory and in the spirit of his many contributions to the Association, NDTA proudly presents the Torsani Award, the highest honor the Association can bestow, on a special basis to recognize many years of service to and advocacy for the Association.

Mr. Daren Baker is awardec the 2025 Joseph A. Torsani Memorial Award for Lifetime Service and Achievement by the National Defense Transportation Association. Over the past four decades, Mr. Baker has distinguished himself in the service of his country, retiring as a Lt Col in the U.S. Air Force after 20 years, serving as a government civil servant for 20 years, and as a distinguished NDTA member since 1996. While in the Air Force, he distinguished himself as a logistics expert serving in many Acrial Port Squadron assignments all over the world. As a civil servant, he supported the United States Transportation Command as the liaison officer to Headquarters United States Central Command and to United States Special Operations Command at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida. In this capacity, Mr. Baker led CODEL, VIP, and distinguished visitor delegations throughout the corresponding Areas of Responsibility. While in the service of his nation, Mr. Baker also provided decades of support t? NDTA.

Over the course of many years, he served as the NDTA Chapter President for the Charleston and the Tampa Bay Chapters. He went on to serve for many years as the Florida State President and eventually served as the NDTA Southeast Regional President for several years. As a State and Regional President, he visited and supported numerous chapter activities and led initiatives to grow new chapters at Hulburt Field Panhandle and in Miami, Fla. While serving as the State and Regional President, Mr. ?aker played a key role. In helping to bring government and industry together to build relationships, identify and solve challenges and ensure a strong national defense. He worked closely with NDTA National, Regional, State and Chapter Presidents, sharing ideas and helping to advance the mission of NDTA.

Mr. Baker's exemplary service in logistics and transportation and his lifetime of dedicated support to NDTA's goals and objectives are worthy of the highest honor NDTA can bestow upon a member.

NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION AWARD

Mr. William E. Woodhour, President and CEO of Maersk Line, Limited, and Vice Chairman of the NDTA Board of Directors, is awarded the NDTA National Transportation Award for his outstanding service to our Nation and NDTA. With the largest U.S.-flagged fleet in international commercial service under his leadership, Maersk Line, Limited, provided the United States federal government and the US Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) with key U.S.-flagged transportation services consisting of maritime prepositioning, U.S.-flagged fleet operations through the Maritime Security Program (MSP) and Voluntary Intermodal Sealift Agreement (VISA), cargo management of military cargo and hazardous materials and customized transportation and logistics programs providing global reach to over 300 ports worldwide. Mr. Woodhour's history of building partnerships and collaboration with the Department of Defense, USTRANSCOM, the Maritime Administration, other government entities, industry, and labor helped strengthen the Joint Deployment and Distribution Enterprise. He led from the front, providing ocean shipping expertise to shape critical operational decisions, such as the recent Houthi attacks on commercial shipping, the impacts to operations in the Red Sea, and required command and control improvements needed. For his service to our Nation and as a stalwart industry leader, Mr. Woodhour is awarded the NDTA National Transportation Award.

NATIONAL DEFENSE LEADERSHIP AWARD

General Darren Wayne McDew, USAF (Ret.), is awarded the NDTA National Defense Leadership Award as the 12th Commander of the US Transportation Command from August 2015 to August 2018. General McDew, an advocate for the DoD's and USTRANSCOMS special relationship with the transportation and logistics industrial base, provided leadership for the advancement of the transportation and logistics enterprise within the DoD.

He defined USTRANSCOM's relationship with industry as the "4th Component," aligning industry with USTRANSCOM' military components recognition of their vital mission support role. He established a higher level of industry trust and a relationship providing the Joint Distribution and Deployment Enterprise (JDDE) with global mobility options and solutions that have ensured military supplies and equipment were delivered on time, with dependability and accuracy.

General McDew continuously placed a high priority on the relationship between USTRANSCOM and Industry through forums with the JDDE, Executive Working Groups, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the President of the United States. He represented the interests of the U.S. government while integrating and achieving responsive support of the Nation's industry partners. General McDew was an ardent co-sponsor of the NDTA-USTRANSCOM Fall Meeting and supporter of NDTA activities promoting a strong national defense. For his dedicated leadership to the Joint Force, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, USTRANSCOM, support for NDTA goals and objectives, General McDew is presented with the National Defense Leadership Award.

NDTA DOD DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD

Lieutenant General Heidi J. Hoyle, USA, Deputy Chief of Staff, G-4, United States Army, is hereby awarded the NDTA DoD Distinguished Service Award for her leadership and support during her tenure as the 22nd Commanding General, Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command (SDDC), Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, and for her service as Deputy Chief of Staff, G-4, United States Army, Washington, DC. While serving as the SDDC commander, she provided key surface transportation support through common-user ocean terminals, commercial liner service, and traffic management support, meeting all USTRANSCOM' global mobility requirements.

She partnered with NDTA to provide the Surface Force Projection Conference to bring government and industry together to achieve greater deployment readiness. As the Army G4, she focused on preparing the Army to meet the challenges associated with contested logistics, helping the Army to transform and prepare for the future with a focus on autonomous logistics, repair of equipment, and predictive sustainment. LTG Hoyle recognized the importance of a strong industrial base and worked to integrate industry into planning and exercise events. She also recognized the importance of data interoperability and the need to leverage cloud-based systems.

With a focus on sustaining large-scale combat operations, she charged the Joint Logistics Enterprise with recognizing the changing character of war and to ensure warfighters have access to the critical sustainment resources necessary to achieve operational superiority in multi-domain operations, regardless of the theater or the austerity of the environment. For her truly distinctive service to our Nation and DoD, LTG Hoyle is hereby awarded the NDTA DoD Distinguished Service Award.

DISTINGUISHED GOVERNMENT SERVICE AWARD

Rear Admiral Wayne R. Arguin Jr., USCG, Assistant Commandant for Prevention Policy (CGSP), United States Coast Guard, is hereby presented the NDTA Distinguished Government Service Award for his unparalleled judgment, decisive leadership, and profound subject matter expertise that have been key to successfully navigating numerous high-profile, politically sensitive, and exceptionally complex marine safety, security, and transportation system challenges, yielding significant and enduring positive impacts on U.S. national security and economic prosperity.

Rear Admiral Arguins efforts drove increased readiness in the prevention mission through the Prevention Readiness Initiative (PRI) development and implementation. Recognizing the evolving complexities of the U.S. transportation system-a vital network spanning over 25,000 miles and underpinning $5.4 trillion of U.S. Gross Domestic Product. He helped transform the Coast Guard's maritime transportation system security vision into decisive action, achieving landmark outcomes to raise cybersecurity protections across multiple fronts.

Rear Admiral Arguin spearheaded national efforts to fortify the American maritime industry, orchestrating interagency collaboration on a National Maritime Strategy and championing bipartisan, bicameral legislation designed to revitalize the U.S. Merchant Marine. For his exceptional leadership and devotion to the Nation, RADM Arguin is presented with the NDTA Distinguished Government Service Award.

NDTA PRESIDENT'S AWARD

The NDTA Board of Directors has selected Ms. Andrea Carlock, Functional Advisor for the Defense Travel Management Office (DTMO), as a recipient of the 2025 NDTA President's Award Юг her dedicated support to NDTAs and DTMOY efforts to support DoD passenger travel requirements. In her role as Senior Functional Advisor for DTMO, Ms. Carlock supports the governance, performance, and strategic direction of an $11 billion travel enterprise. Her work enables warfighter readiness through efficient, compliant travel operations.

For the past several years, Ms. Carlock played a vital role as the lead DTMO planner for the annual GovTravels meeting and helped grow registrations to over 1,273, a 12 percent increase in the last year alone. Her efforts helped bring together government and industry travel experts to examine and improve a wide range of issues that impact the government's multi-billion-dollar travel enterprise. She actively participated in all planning sessions, helped shape the GovTravels program, led breakout sessions, travel academy classes and meetings, and participated in general session panels. Additionally, Ms. Carlock supported the NDTA Board of Director Meetings, participating as the DTMO Government Liaison. Ms. Carlock's accomplishments as a government travel program leader supporting national defense are significant and deserving of recognition by all members of the National Defense Transportation Association.

The NDTA Board of Directors has selected Mr. William (Bill) Burkert, Senior Director, Maritime Incident Response Team and Business Continuity, The Port of Virginia, and President, NDTA Hampton Roads Chapter, to receive the 2025 NDTA President's Award. Mr. Burkert served 31 years as a Virginia Beach Fire Department Captain and, for the past 15 years, he has served at the Port of Virginia to increase the readiness and resilience of one of the Nation's strategic seaports.

As an NDTA member, Mr. Burket assumed leadership of the NDTA Hampton Roads Chapter, formerly the Tidewater Chapter, expanding its area of responsibility and reestablishing the Chapter. In that role, he provided key support to the NDTA-CAS Surface Force Projection Conference, hosting a Professional Development Tour of The Port of Virginias Norfolk International Terminal (NIT); providing the Virginia Port Authority Mobile Command Unit, Port Authority Command 1 (PAC-1) for participants to understand how command and control is utilized during contingency operations; and participating as a speaker in panel and breakout sessions. Mr. Burket plays a significant role as a member on the NDTA Ports Subcommittee, where he helps to ensure the readiness of the U.S. Strategic Seaports. Mr. Burket is a credit to The Port of Virginia and the National Defense Transportation Association and deserves our thanks and recognition for his efforts to maintain a strong U.S. national defense.

NDTA PRESIDENT'S AWARD

The NDTA Board of Directors has selected Mr. Bryan Scott, Assistant ?? of Government Business, Enterprise Mobility, and NDTA Chair, Government Passenger Travel Advisory Council (GPTAC), to receive the NDTA Presidents Award for his superior service and many significant contributions to NDTA and the passenger travel community.

For over 35 years, Mr. Scott has played a key role, providing U.S. Federal Government employees and military with top-class rental vehicle solutions in the United States and at overseas locations. His subject matter expertise and personal involvement has been instrumental to ensuring the industry provided the capacity needed to support disaster relief efforts, contingency operations, and normal mission support. For the past seven years, Mr. Scott has led the NDTA GPTAC consisting of five passenger travel committees. Mr. Scott's leadership as the GPTAC Chair led to more robust passenger travel committees and developed closer relationships with the Defense Travel Management Office and General Services Administration's passenger travel teams.

Mr. Scotts efforts supported NDTAs mission of building a strong national defense and are in keeping with the finest traditions of the National Defense Transportation Association and deserve to be recognized.

The National Defense Transportation Association Board of Directors has selected Mr. Carl Wlotzko, NDTA Director of Event Planning, as a recipient of the 2025 NDTA Presidents Award for his many decades of dedicated support to NDTA. As a longtime member of NDTA spanning over 30 years, Mr. Wlotzko began providing direct support to the NDTA Headquarters in 2007 as the Corporate Member Liaison. In this role, he worked recruiting, retention, and career center outreach. His expertise in the passenger travel industry was a key enabler of efforts to connect government passenger travel organizations with those in the travel industry.

Additionally, he took on the role of Forum Banquet Services and Destination Management planning and coordinating food and beverage sponsorship and facilities support. Mr. Wlotzko played a key role in negotiating new hotel contracts for future events and worked directly with hotels. In 2019, Mr. Wlotzko was designated as the ND TA Director of Event Planning, coordinating event planning and execution of three NDTA National-level events, including the NDTA-USTRANSCOM Fall Meeting, NDTA-DTMO GovTravels and NDTA-CAS Surface Force Projection Conference. His hard work, close personal ties with suppliers, and efforts to support NDTA through the delivery of first-class venues to ensure mission success make him truly deserving of this special recognition.

The NDTA Board of Directors has selected Mr. Charlie W. Ward, Account Executive, Government Services, Landstar Transportation Logistics, Inc., to receive the NDTA President's Award. Mr. Ward, a retired Army Lieutenant Colonel, served the nation in key logistic leadership and staff positions, including company and battalion command and key staff positions at the division level, and then serving as a joint staff officer for the United States Transportation Command.

For three years, Mr. Ward distinguished himself as the NDTA Jacksonville Chapter President. An ardent supporter of NDTA, Mr. Ward brought leadership and commitment to his desire to serve the Jacksonville, Fla., community. In the spirit of community service and under his leadership and direction, the Chapter provided $1,750 to Duval & St. Johns JROTC Programs; over $11,000 to K9s For Warriors, Tim Tebow Foundation, and the Wounded Warrior Project. Secing an opportunity to give beyond the Chapter level, he and the Chapter contributed $2,500 to the NDTA Foundation Scholarship program.

Lastly, on his watch, the Chapter continued to provide significant donations to the USO. At the end of 2024, Mr. Ward transitioned the Jacksonville Chapter to a new president and board of officers, and he helped them establish a path to the future. Mr. Ward is a credit to Landstar, the U.S. Military and the National Defense Transportation Association and deserves our thanks and recognition for his efforts to maintain a strong U.S. national defense.

NDTA PRESIDENT'S AWARD

The NDTA Board of Directors has selected Mr. Jason Trubenbach, Director, Trailer Bridge Europe, NDTA President Europe/Africa Region and Chair of the Europe/African Regional Committee, to receive the NDTA Presidents Award. Mr. Trubenbach served the logistics and transportation community as a Department of the Army Civilian and as an Industry Director providing the U.S. military with global logistics and mobility solutions.

As an NDTA member for over 21 years, Mr. Trubenbach provided important NDTA leadership in Europe serving as the President of the Europe/Africa Region, leading the NDTA Europe Chapters and, most significantly, establishing the first NDTA Europe/Africa Regional Committee consisting of four subcommittees, including Airlift, Sealift/Port Operations, Surface and Passenger Travel. Through the Europe/Africa Regional Committee and working with local NDTA Chapters, Mr. Trubenbach held annual working group meetings between U.S. Government, NATO, and industry logistics and transportation representatives, building closer relationships, identifying logistics and transportation challenges, and finding solutions across the enterprise. Mr. Jason Trubenbach is a credit to industry and the National Defense Transportation Association and deserves our thanks and recognition for his efforts to maintain a strong U.S. national defense.

The NDTA Board of Directors has selected Mr. Marty Groover, Chief Innovation Officer, C5MI, and Chair, NDTA Technology Subcommittee to receive the NDTA Presidents Award for his superior service and many significant contributions to NDTA and the Logistics and Transportation community. As the NDTA Chair of the Technology Subcommittee, Mr. Groover volunteered to take over a relatively new subcommittee, built a close working relationship with USTRANSCOM, co-authored the NDTA Technology Subcommittee Charter, and created a process to focus on improving ITV and how data could be ingested in a data core, seeking to solve the ever-elusive challenge of providing integrated government and industry ITV for all equipment and sustainment movements.

Mr. Groover was critical in setting up forums to include a panel regarding "The In-Transit Visibility Challenge - Creating In-Transit Visibility in the Defense/Transportation Industrial Base to Enhance Mission Planning & Response." Additionally, he represented the Technology Subcommittee at USTRANSCOM Commander's Logistics and Distribution Senior Executive Meetings. Mr. Groover led from the front providing industry technology input into Joint Staff-led wargames helping to build stronger relationships between government and industry and to improve the readiness of the Defense Industrial Base. He shared insights by writing and publishing articles through NDTASs Defense Transportation Journal. Mr. Groover's efforts supported NDTA' mission of building a strong national defense and are in keeping with the finest traditions of NDTA and deserve to be recognized.

The NDTA Board of Directors has selected ??. Matthew Butram, Maritime Sealift Specialist, Strategic Seaports Program, Office of Sealift Support, Maritime Administration, as a recipient of the 2025 NDTA Presidents Award for his dedicated support to the U.S. Department of Transportation's Maritime Administration, Office of Sealift Support and to the NDTA.

For the past seven years, Mr. Butram represented MARAD as their lead planner providing the annual NDTA-CAS Surface Force Projection Conference (SFPC) at Christopher Newport University. As a member of the planning team, he worked over a 12-month period with USTRANSCOM' Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command, Military Sealift Command, United States Coast Guard, NDTA Surface Committee and Ports Subcommittee to deliver a conference designed to improve strategic port readiness and the ability to deploy military forces and sustainment in a contested environment through the U.S. ports and on to destination.

Mr. Butram worked tirelessly to develop and hold SFPC meetings and breakout sessions and provide general session keynote speakers and panel moderators and panel members. In addition to SFPC, he also coordinated MARAD educational support and participation in the NDTA-USTRANSCOM Fall Meeting. Mr. Butram's efforts to educate, inform, and improve maritime readiness in order to build and maintain a strong national defense are significant and deserving of recognition by all NDTA members.

INNOVATIVE LOGISTICS SERVICE AWARD

This award recognizes a commercial industry or government agency logistics provider that, in the previous year, provided innovative services consisting of mission-related or administrative services, which have significantly reduced the military forces' nonoperational burden and allowed them to concentrate greater efforts on their core competencies. Services may include procurement, warehousing, transportation, information technology, security, human resources development, process design and execution, and applications allowing synergies with other systems.

Eligibility: Any NDTA Elected Officer, Regional President, State/International President or Chapter President may nominate any industry or government agency logistics provider for this recognition.

The recipient of the 2025 NDTA Innovative Logistics Service Award is MITRE.

MITRE is selected to receive the NDTA Innovative Logistics Service Award for their efforts to improve U.S. strategic seaport readiness and resiliency. Their efforts to analyze the cyber threats to port operations, assess seaport risks and priorities across the U.S. transportation infrastructure, and provide a wholeof-government view of seaport resilience helped the Government and industry better prepare to operate through the contested environment.

MITRE developed a threat-informed cyber resiliency methodology for assessing critical infrastructure/operational technology. They partnered with multiple vendors supporting U.S. seaports and rail carriers to apply this methodology and provide actionable insights to improve operational resilience. Using internal research investments, MITRE worked with a strategic U.S. seaport to understand where an adversary is most likely to strike key infrastructure, including multimodal infrastructure feeding the seaport. Findings from the research were provided to the port and relevant government agencies to increase transportation resilience in the region.

Additionally, MITRE organized a Seaport Resiliency Conference hosting over 140 external participants - with participation from federal agencies, organizations, seaports, and associations and partner research organizations. MITRE provided key planning support to NDTA and USTRANSCOM for Fall Meeting and has provided subject matter experts on cybersecurity to the Surface Executive Working Group and on unmanned aerial systems for the Surface Force Projection Conference. MITRE is recognized by the National Defense Transportation Association for their excellent work and deserves our thanks and recognition for their many contributions to a strong national defense.

NDTA SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS - NATIONAL LEVEL

PROGRAM A

Leith Elzie, Great Lakes Maritime Academy

Eleanor Eungard, Christopher Newport University

Zachary Hardy, Maine Maritime Academy

Andrew Hayden, University of Tennessee Knoxville

Tyler Longwell, University of Tennessee Knoxville

Robbie McDonough, California State University Maritime Academy

Ryan Morse, University of Anchorage Alaska

Blanca Negrete, University of Tennessee at Martin

Daniel O'Leary, Maine Maritime Academy

Alexander Populoh, The Catholic University of America

Ty Schumann, DePauw University

Owen Scott, University of the Pacific

Sejal Sekhar, Cornell University

Sydney Valdivia, University of South Florida

William Woodhour, University of Delaware

PROGRAMB

Priya Agrawal, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Cali Cartwright, Drury University Springfield Missouri

Ethan Evans, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champain

Golden Joseph, University of South Florida

Cameron Krebs, University of South Carolina

Bryce Lacroix, Palm Beach Atlantic University

Ryan Luhrs, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University

Santino Madello, Worchester Polytechnical Institute

Jacob McDonough, Moorpark College

Lucas Scarangello, State University of New York (SUNY)

Oscar Svenningsen, University of South Carolina

Jasmine Tatum, Northwestern State University

PROGRAM C

Orquidea Rosa, American Military Academy

PROGRAM О

Tyler Kleinsasser, SD School of Mines & Technology

Kevin O'Connell, SUNY Maritime

John Simpkins, SUNY Maritime

CHRISTOPHER NEWPORT UNIVERSITY

NATIONAL SECURITY SCHOLARSHIPS

Emily McKenna + Ryan Gondek - Adam Anderson

NDTA ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMS

NDTA offers four scholarship/tuition assistance programs to NDTA members and their financial dependents, as well as one scholarship program for students at Christopher Newport University.

* ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM A: To encourage good college students to study the fields of logistics, transportation, supply chain, physical distribution, and passenger travel services.

* ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM B: To assist high school graduates achieve their academic goals in the fields of business/ management, logistics, transportation, supply chain, physical distribution, and passenger travel services.

* ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM С: To encourage good distance learning college students to study the fields of logistics, transportation, supply chain, physical distribution, and passenger travel services.

* ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM D: The Denny Edwards Graduate Scholarship: For graduate degree students majoring in the fields of logistics, transportation, supply chain, physical distribution, and passenger travel services; to provide college scholarship opportunities for NDTA members.

* CHRISTOPHER NEWPORT UNIVERSITY NATIONAL SECURITY SCHOLARSHIPS: This scholarship will provide financial assistance to students studying in a field that supports the US national defense. Up to three scholarships will be awarded annually to students studying in US national security studies, who are junior fellows in the Center for American Studies at Christopher Newport University.

NDTA scholarship/tuition assistance funds can only be disbursed to an academic institution on behalf of the successful applicant. If the institution is not known at the time an i is the 'ul applicant must submit documentation showing that he/she has in fact been accepted by an institution as a full-time student before disbursements can be made.

NDTA FOUNDATION AWARDS 2025

The NDTA Foundation fosters the growth and development of our next generation of logistics and transportation professionals by providing annual academic scholarships. The NDTA Foundation Awards recognize corporate and individual donors who have made a significant and lasting investment in the NDTA Foundation.

NDTA FOUNDATION CORPORATE PATHFINDER SOCIETY

The NDTA Foundation Corporate Pathfinder Society recognizes donors who have demonstrated a high level of support and generosity to the Foundation for the development of future logistics and transportation leaders. The 2025 inductee is:

Paramount Enterprises International (PEI)

NDTA FOUNDATION ANNUAL AWARDS

The NDTA Foundation also recognizes industry and individual donors for their contributions on an annual basis. The 2025 award winners are:

Patron

American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier

CSX Transportation

Enterprise Mobility

FedEx

Maersk Line, Limited

Matson

National Air Cargo, Inc.

Paramount Enterprises International (PEI)

Advocate

Kalitta Air

NDTA Jacksonville Chapter

Mr. Ron Perlman, Esq.

NDTA INSTRUCTOR OF THE YEAR AWARD

In conjunction with the senior logistics chief from each of the Services, the NDTA Instructor of the Year Award honors instructors from the service transportation schools. Criteria for the award selection are established by the military services and include such measures as the individual's technical knowledge, teaching skills, self-development, and general leadership abilities.

MARINE CORPS

Staff Sergeant Cesar Espinoza Alvarez, USMC

Premier instructor, Distribution Management

Instruction Company (DMIC), Ground Supply

School, Marine Corps Combat Service

Support Schools (MCCSSS), Camp Lejeune, NC

NAVY

Mr. Tyler Ward

Instructor: Transportation of Hazardous

Materials, Navy Supply Corps School (NSCS), Newport, RI

AIR FORCE

Technical Sergeant Zachary B. Brown, USAF

Passenger Services Shift Supervisor, 89th Aerial Port Squadron (AMC), Joint Base, Andrews, Maryland

NDTA CORPORATE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARDS

This award is presented annually to corporate members that have provided outstanding service in support of NDTA's goals and programs at the local and national levels.

3Sixty

AAT Carriers

Accenture Federal Services

Agility Defense & Government Services

AIR ONE

Air Transport Services Group (ATSG)

AIT Worldwide Logistics, Inc.

American President Lines, LLC

American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier

Atlas Air Worldwide

Avis Budget Group

Bennett Family of Companies

C5MI

Carlile Transportation Systems, LLC

Choice Hotels International

Corporate Travel Management (CTM)

Crowley

CWTSatoTravel

Deloitte

Delta Air Lines

DHL Express

Enterprise Mobility

FedEx

Freeman Holdings Group

Global Logistics Providers

Hapag-Lloyd USA, LLC

ICAT Logistics

International Auto Logistics, LLC

JET Infrastructure

Kalitta Air, LLC

Landstar System, Inc.

Liberty Global Logistics LLC

Maersk Line, Limited

Matson

National Air Cargo, Inc.

Omega World Travel

Omni Air International, LLC

Patriot Maritime

The Pasha Group

Port of Corpus Christi Authority

The Port of Virginia

Radiant Global Logistics

Sabre

SAP Public Services

SAP Concur

SeaCube Containers

Sikich

SIXT Rent A Car LLC

Sonesta International Hotels

Southwest Airlines

TOTE Group

Trailer Bridge

Transportation Institute

Travelport

Tri-State Motor Transit Co.

U.S. Bank

Uber for Business

UNCOMN

United Airlines

UPS

US Ocean, LLC

World Fuel

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

THE LIEUTENANT GENERAL EDWARD HONOR NATIONAL DEFENSE TRANSPORTATION ASSOCIATION AWARD

FOR EXCEPTIONAL ESSAY ON A LOGISTICS AND TRANSPORTATION ISSUE

This award is named in honor of Lieutenant General Edward Honor, USA (1933-2008), who was the first African American general officer in the Army Transportation Corps. He served during the Vietnam War as the commander of the 36th Transportation Group and later the 24th Transportation Group. LTG Honor also commanded the 37th Transportation Group in Germany as a Colonel.

LTG Honor's highest positions of command include Commander of the Eastern region, Military Transportation Management Command (MTMC) from 1983 to 1984, Command of MTMC from 1986 to 1987, and Director of Logistics on the Joint Staff from 1987 to 1989. After retiring from the US Army, he served as president of NDTA from 1989 to 2002.

ESSAY: "ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN DEFENSE SUPPLY CHAINS: ENHANCING RESILIENCE AND OPTIMIZING EFFICIENCY"

LtCol Matt Verdin is a 2025 graduate of the Dwight D. Eisenhower School for National Securizy and Resource Strategy, National Defense University, Fort McNair, Washingtor, DC. LtCol Verdin is recognized for his essay exploring the application of artificial inzelligence to strengthen defense supply chains. His research highlights how AI can enhance resilience, streamline operations, and optimize efficiency in support of warfighter readiness.

2025 NDTA MILITARY UNIT OF THE YEAR AWARDS

Since 1966, NDTA has honored units of the military services that have performed outstanding service in transportation ora related field. These units are selected for this recognition for each of the services.

ARMY

ARMY ACTIVE COMPONENT

627th Transportation Detachment (Movement Control), Germany

In 2024, the 627th Transportation Detachment (TD) supported real-world missions and high-profile exercises in Europe and Africa. In April 2024, the 627th TD headed to Finland and Norway where they conducted convoy and rail operations in support of the Immediate Response exercise. Then, they spent six months in Poland providing movement control for multiple efforts and solidifying their ability to conduct expeditionary deployment operations.

Nomads deployed to Gdynia and Gdansk, Poland, where they supported the 101st Air Assault Division and the 82nd Airborne Division reception, staging, and onward movement (RSOM), facilitating the movement of over 2,300 pieces of equipment and over 200 containers of ammunition to support the Ukrainian efforts. They returned to Poland again in September for three months as a part of their higher headquarters Task Force Stillwell, a task force dedicated to Ukrainian support, where they provided movement control of over 5,000 pieces of equipment.

Their final Polish mission supported 1/31D and 1AD with overseeing the movement of almost 3000 TCNs. While half of the team completed their operations in Poland, the remaining Nomads deployed to Greece to receive another 300 pieces of equipment from the Ist Armor Division. In April to May 2025, the Nomads wrapped up the year supporting African Lion 2025 in Morocco. They conducted reception, staging, and onward movement operations in multiple locations across the country enabling interoperability among allies and the successful training operations of 2IBCT, 173rd Airborne, and 197th Field Artillery Brigade. The Nomads have proven their continual commitment to transportation excellence.

Army

HISTORICAL MILITARY UNIT OF THE YEAR - NDTA SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD

1099th Transportation Company (Medium Boat) Awarded the NDTA Military Unit of the Year 1966 81971

The 1099th Transportation Company (Medium Boat) was a highly decorated transportation unit in Vietnam because of the area where it operated and the frequent ambushes it encountered. It was the only unit that carried supplies and equipment to units operating in the Delta region. Transiting the narrow canals of that area made them easy targets. Some of the boats carried 10,000-gallon rubber bladders hauling jet fuel to aviation units operating in that area which had rearm/refuel sites near the U Minh Forest.

Many men were lost on these missions. In March 1971, five Soldiers were lost when an RPG hit the bladder. The 1099th, also known as the River Rats, arrived in country in 1965 and served until 1972. Later, the 1099th was reactivated at Ft. Eustis, where LTC Richard Dan Hill, USA (Ret.), commanded the unit from July 1975 until September 1977. NDTA recognizes the special accomplishment of this unit, all the military units, and the contributions of the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen who made it possible.

NAVY

USN ACTIVE COMPONENT

NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center Sigonella (FLCSI) Italy

Strategically located at the center of the Mediterranean Sea on the island of Sicily, Italy, FLCSI was established on March 3, 2005, becoming the seventh Naval Supply Systems Command Fleet Logistics Center. Its mission is to provide netted logistics, business, and support services to US Naval, Joint, and Allied forces through partnerships and sound business practices to logistically reset the theater to sustain Phase 1A operations and posture support to warfighters requirements to fight whenever and wherever required. This mission delivers flexible logistics response to enable combat capabilities for Fleet, Ashore and Expeditionary forces. In CY-23, FLCSI superbly executed every logistics mission during periods of high churn in warfighters' logistics and transportation requirements due to the Russia-Ukraine War.

As the warfighters continue to perform deterrence stance supporting Europes Eastern and Northern flanks and across the USEUCOM Theater, FLCSI remains postured to execute its mission to achieve superior logistics and transportation outcomes in highly contested and distributed maritime environments. FLCSI built a winning strategy across the five core logistics functions as the theater evolved to reset logistics initiatives in the GreenlandIceland-United Kingdom gap, the Arctic Circle, the Baltic Sea and Black Sea, in West-Central Africa, the Levant Region and the Horn of Africa.

They synchronized their logistics actions with area logisticians in delivering 108 million tons of houschold goods, mail, cargo and provisions; 106 million gallons of fuel to Battle Forces from the Second, Fifth and Sixth Fleets; while supporting 34,000 permanently assigned service members, civilians, and their families, including 25,000 rotational forces. The combined effects of high operational tempo due to the Russia-Ukraine War and the post-COVID impact to the supply chain challenged FLCST's execution of its logistics and transportation mindsets to develop innovative solutions and overcome complex theater logistics issues.

FLCST's proven tenacity, relentless drive, and commitment to provide superb logistics support to the warfighters set the standards for the delivery of NAVSUP Programs across the spectrum of Naval, Joint and Allied operations, enhancing interoperability with mission partners, including the rehearsal of mission sets by expeditionary and shorebased platforms conducting interoperability exercises with Africa Partners, Partnership for Peace nations and NATO allies. FLCSI executed superior operational logistics and transportation services throughout CY-24 and is most deserving of the NDTA 2025 Military Unit of the Year Award.

Air Force

AIR NATIONAL GUARD

193rd SPECIAL OPERATIONS LOGISTICS READINESS SQUADRON, Middletown, PA

The 193rd Special Operations Logistics Readiness Squadron demonstrated exceptionalism and effectiveness, solidifying its reputation within the Special Operations community. Contributing to national defense strategy and bolstering international alliances, they led critical support for CENTCOM Lithuanian operations, issuing 25,000 gallons of aviation fuel, processing 98 passengers, and 9,000 pounds of cargo. They delivered warfighter and senior leader trainers to Lithuania, bolstering a stalwart NATO ally. This showcases their capability to navigate complex international landscapes with logistical expertise.

The Maintenance Support team procured 2,725 mission-related orders, including 181 critical aircraft assets. This enabled 1,868 flight hours despite a 33 percent manning shortage, demonstrating their commitment to mission readiness. The team overcame a 70 percent shortage during the deployment cycle. Dedicated airmen led the charge to sustain 164 vehicles, executing 414 maintenance actions, maintaining a remarkable 96 percent Mission Capability Rate. They maintained operational readiness despite adversity.

The Fuels Management team efficiently issued 1.06 million gallons of JAA fuel, 7,900 gallons of MOGAS, 26,600 gallons of diesel fuel, and 2,800 gallons of aviator's liquid oxygen. This fueled 1,587 flying hours, 100,000 blue fleet miles, and powered heavy equipment training for over 1,000 students. The Air Transportation Function transported 1,729 personnel with a total value of $845,000, optimizing troop movement to meet essential training and real-world requirements, propelling force readiness. This ensured mission success. Materiel Management displayed exceptional stewardship managing mobility ity packages, conducting 72 on-time inventories of 5,558 line-items valued at $54 million, maintaining zero overdue Higher Air Force requirements. This underscored their role in sustaining operational tempo. The Equipment Management team drove innovation by streamlining program management across two locations, leveraging technology to automate communications with a TEAMS platform for 144 Equipment Custodians, increasing efficiency.

In conclusion, the Squadron's commitment to excellence, attention to detail, and proactive approach have been instrumental in enabling mission and serve as a testament to their professionalism and unwavering commitment.

AIR FORCE ACTIVE DUTY

51ST LOGISTICS READINESS SQUADRON

Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea

The 51st Logistics Readiness Squadron at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, a linchpin of the U.S. Air Forces most forward-deployed fighter wing, delivers unparalleled logistical support vital to INDO-PACIFIC stability and combat readiness. Managing a complex operational environment encompassing 18,700 base personnel and impacting over 51 million Korean citizens, the 51st Logistics Readiness Squadron executes diverse peacetime and contingency operations with unwavering precision. Their leadership in the 7th Air Force's "Super Squadron" initiative, integrating additional F-16s and achieving a remarkable 52 percent surge in combat training sorties and an 87 percent increase in the Wing's $164 million Flying Hour Program, showcases their commitment to Agile Combat Employment and ability to "Fight Tonight."

The squadron orchestrated the rapid deployment of critical munitions and two C-17s for Exercise COPE NORTH, a cornerstone of the U.S.-Japan-Australia Trilateral Defense strategy, enhancing regional security and partnerships. The 51st Logistics Readiness Squadron is a driving force in innovation, exemplified by "BusWhere," a real-time GPS tracking system that optimized base transportation and increased ridership by 73 percent over the previous year, and the transformative Deployable Automated Cargo Measurement System (DACMS). DACMS slashed the wings cargo mobility processing time by an astounding 97%, achieving 99.5 percent accuracy and saving 218 work hours annually, a testament to their commitment to efficiency and resource stewardship. This system was also critical in deploying 103,000 pounds of Aerospace Ground Equipment in support of 70 aircraft during Indias first and largest multinational air combat exercise.

These extraordinary accomplishments, culminating in the 51st Fighter Wing's 2024 Innovation Award, underscore the 51st Logistics Readiness Squadron's exceptional contributions to national security and their merit for selection as the NDTA 2025 Military Unit of theYear Award.

Coast Guard

COAST GUARD

USCG Support Operations Cell (SOC) of the Special Missions Training Center (SMTC), Camp Lejeune, North Carolina

The Support Operations Cell (SOC) of the Special Missions Training Center (SMTC) demonstrated an unwavering commitment to transportation and logistics excellence, earning them the prestigious NDTA Military Unit of the Year Award. Throughout 2024, the SOC played a critical role in ensuring the safe, timely, and efficient movement of essential assets in support of Coast Guard training missions at Camp Lejeune, N.C. Over the course of the year, the SOC supported nine specialized training courses across 29 convenings and flawlessly coordinated 539 range events.

Their logistical expertise was evident in the transportation of 27,542 weapons and 2.9 million rounds of ammunition over 28,697 miles-executed without incident, delay, or compromise to safety. This level of operational discipline ensured every training mission was conducted seamlessly, reinforcing the Coast Guard's readiness and effectiveness. Recognizing the need for enhanced transport capability, the SOC strategically acquired four new trailers through a well-managed $887,000 procurement budget, ensuring long-term sustainability and asset readiness.

The SOCs ability to adapt to evolving mission requirements was instrumental in ensuring operational success. Their seamless coordination with instructors, safety personnel, and range officials enabled 989 students to complete mission-critical training, reinforcing operational preparedness across multiple disciplines. Their logistical precision ensured that every asset arrived on time, every movement was executed flawlessly, and every training scenario was supported without disruption.

Their ability to execute complex transportation missions with efficiency and reliability reflects the highest standards of military logistics, earning them welldeserved recognition through selection for the NDTA 2025 Military Unit of the Year Award.