Excellence in Action: Military and Civilian Members Shine during Annual Competition

Carrying on a proud tradition of excellence, United States Military Entrance Processing Command (USMEPCOM) recognized outstanding individuals whose dedication, resilience, and merit shined bright throughout the year during the annual Military Member and Civilian Employee of the Year competition, held Sept. 8-10 at USMEPCOM headquarters in North Chicago, Ill.

The awards ceremony held on Sept. 10 marked the culmination of the three-day competition for military and civilian members of USMEPCOM.

“We are stronger when we are doing things together as one team, one ohana,” said USMEPCOM Commander, Army Col. Frankie C. Cochiaosue.

The competition brought together the winners from Eastern and Western Sectors, who held their sector competitions in July 2025, and headquarters members. The finalists’ events included professional development, a First Division Museum at Cantigny tour, a battle stations tour at Naval Station Great Lakes, scenario-based briefings, executive boards and presentations and a group lunch with the USMEPCOM commander and command sergeant major.

Each element was designed to foster team building and personal development and showcased the exceptional talent throughout the command.

“USMEPCOM has so many hard working and dedicated people, so it’s an honor to be recognized among such a high performing group of individuals,” said Annalee Aiello, management analyst at USMEPCOM HQ.

Their achievements reflect the enduring spirit of USMEPCOM and the competitors’ roles in shaping readiness and excellence across the enterprise.

“It is an honor to be here, it’s a chance to identify and see the greatness that is in USMEPCOM,” said USMEPCOM Army Command Sgt. Maj. Yveline Symonette. “Congratulations to the winners.”

The 2025 USMEPCOM Military Members of the Year are:

Company Grade Officer of the Year:

1st Lt. Brent Wise – Portland, Ore. MEPS
 

Battalion Senior Enlisted Advisor of the Year:

1st Sgt. Immacula Pierre - Baltimore MEPS
 

MEPS Senior Enlisted Advisor of the Year:

Master Sgt. Courtney Smiling - Jackson MEPS

Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Year:

Sgt. 1st Class Erin Grady Walker – Portland, Ore. MEPS

Junior Noncommissioned Officer of the Year:

Petty Officer 2nd Class Kristy Fricks – Houston MEPS

This year's USMEPCOM Civilian Employees of the Year are:

GS-06 and Below:

Ronald Zitzelberger, Spokane MEPS
 

GS-07 through GS-09:

Melissa Crowe, Sacramento MEPS
 

GS-10 and Above:

Jeffrey Poulton, Butte MEPS

This year’s Headquarters, USMEPCOM Civilian Employees of the Year are:

GS-07 through GS-09:

Annalee Aiello, Innovation Facilitation Team
 

GS-10 and Above:

Leticia Flores, J-1 Human Resources Directorate