News Articles

In alignment with Department of Defense (DoD) Instruction 5400.17 and recent Executive Orders issued by the President, USMEPCOM has reviewed and adjusted its social media content to ensure compliance with DoD policies and priorities.

As a result, certain posts have been removed, are in a process of being removed or modified to maintain consistency with federal guidance and uphold the integrity of our official communication channels. Content will be archived in accordance with DA PAM 25–403.

USMEPCOM remains committed to transparency, professionalism, and adherence to DoD directives while continuing to engage with our community in a manner that reflects our core values.

For any questions regarding social media policies, please refer to official DoD guidance available at https://www.esd.whs.mil/Directives/issuances/dodi/
Carol Urbano (left) and Metuschelah Francois (right), phlebotomy externs, pose in front of Jacksonville MEPS. The Jacksonville MEPS team welcomed the first two phlebotomy externs to help assist with collecting vitals, drawing blood and urine samples and conducting vision and audio screenings.

July 17, 2025

Phlebotomy Externships at the Jacksonville MEPS: A Partnership in Progress

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Jacksonville MEPS recently welcomed Carol Urbano and Metuschelah Francois —the first externs from Concorde Career Institute to support operations within the MEPS medical department.

Participants of annual 60 Miles for Veterans charity bike ride in Connellsville, Pa. pose for a group photo. Army Maj. Amaquah Bonsu, Pittsburgh MEPS commander, and Army Capt. Nate Wilson participated in the charity bike ride, raising more than $2,300 for local veterans.

July 9, 2025

Pittsburgh MEPS Supports Veterans with 60-Mile Charity Bike Ride

PITTSBURGH, Pa. — For Pittsburgh Military Entrance Processing Station commander Amy Maj. Amaquah Bonsu and Operations Officer Army Capt. Nate Wilson, a 60-mile charity bike ride through the Great Allegheny Passage was more than a test of endurance—it was a commitment to community, leadership and support for fellow service members.

Army Col. Nicole Jepsen, USMEPCOM Eastern Sector commander, shares remarks during her Assumption of Command ceremony. USMEPCOM held an Assumption of Command ceremony for its Eastern Sector on June 2 in North Chicago, Ill.

July 2, 2025

USMEPCOM’s Eastern Sector Holds Assumption of Command Ceremony

NORTH CHICAGO, Ill. — U.S. Military Entrance Processing Command hosted an Eastern Sector Assumption of Command ceremony at its headquarters July 2, officially welcoming Army Col. Nicole Jepsen as the new Eastern Sector commander.

Rebecca Cozzo, ISC issue resolution specialist, and Jeff Engel, ISC chair, pose for a photo in their office.

June 25, 2025

ISC Bridges Modernization and Mission

NORTH CHICAGO, Ill. — Modernizing an organization like USMEPCOM requires more than just new tools and policies. Listening to the people who use the tools and process applicants is an essential part of that growth. The Innovation Steering Committee (ISC) bridges headquarters-led change and MEPS-level operations by connecting frontline users directly to modernization efforts.

Senior Chief Petty Officer Howard Williams, Memphis MEPS senior enlisted advisor, leads a class during Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Williams spoke about the intricacies of the relationship between Enlisted and Officers, offering insights into the Enlisted perspective.

June 3, 2025

Bridging the Gap: Memphis MEPS SEA Prepares Future Officers at Embry-Riddle

Daytona Beach, Fla. — Senior Chief Petty Officer Howard Williams, Memphis MEPS senior enlisted advisor (SEA), shared his experience and perspective with officer candidates during a leadership development exercise hosted by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Navy and Marine Corps NROTC unit.

Honoring a Fallen Marine

May 23, 2025

Honoring a Fallen Marine: A Father’s Tribute to Sgt. Shawn P. Martin

ALBANY, New York — A father honors his son at Albany MEPS

USMEPCOM launched it first AI-generated summary tool to streamline review of military applicant medical records, marking a major innovation in the command's prescreening process.

May 19, 2025

USMEPCOM Launches AI Tool to Streamline Medical Reviews for Applicants

NORTH CHICAGO, Ill. — USMEPCOM just launched the first AI-generated summary tool for military applicant Health Information Exchange encounters, another major step forward in transforming its medical prescreening process.

Former USMEPCOM commander Col. Megan Stallings recognizes Renee Johnson with a coin for providing narration for more than 50 command events and videos. Renee Johnson, a retired Army Reserve Sgt. 1st Class and lifelong performer, has become USMEPCOM's trusted narrator and voice of ceremonies, blending her passion for storytelling, service and theatre to inspire, uplift and honor others

May 12, 2025

The Voice That Honors: Renee Johnson's Story

NORTH CHICAGO, Ill. — If you close your eyes and listen, you might mistake Renee Johnson, administrative support specialist, J-8, for Barbara Howard from “Abbott Elementary” – the same rich, precise diction, exuding both authority and warmth. It’s a voice that commands attention yet comforts, a presence felt across USMEPCOM whenever Johnson takes the microphone to narrate awards ceremonies.

(L) Dr. Ashley Jackson, director of USMEPCOM's newly established Provider Quality Management Program Office (PQMPO) collaborates with Army Col. Megan McKinnon, USMEPCOM command surgeon. USMEPCOM launched the PQMPO to centralize oversight and standardize medical evaluations for military applicants amid evolving technology and policy demands.

May 5, 2025

USMEPCOM Centralizes Medical Oversight with New Office

NORTH CHICAGO, Ill. — USMEPCOM officially launched the new Provider Quality Management Program Office (PQMPO) in April, a centralized office under the Command Surgeon office. This transition shifts how USMEPCOM supports its approximately 500 medical providers across 65 MEPS.

USMEPCOM personnel pose for a photo during stand up of the first ever "MEPS in a Box". USMEPCOM launched the mobile "MEPS in a Box" initiative with a pilot in Austin, Texas, April 28-30, to provide full-service applicant processing in underserved areas and expand recruiting capacity.

April 30, 2025

USMEPCOM Launches Mobile Processing with "MEPS in a Box"

NORTH CHICAGO, Ill. — USMEPCOM launched a new initiative dubbed “MEPS in a Box,” starting with a pilot site in Austin, Texas, April 28 – 30.