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Matthew Kaminski, Pittsburgh MEPS test score technician, poses with a Marine Corps veteran at an Operation Veteran Now event, supporting veterans in the Pittsburgh area. Matthew Kaminski founded "Meetup Volunteers Pittsburgh" a local volunteering group that has garnered more than 600 members and contributes to various charities and non-profits aiming to make a positive difference in the Pittsburgh area and beyond.

April 9, 2025

Service Beyond Self: Pittsburgh MEPS Testing Tech Leads with purpose

PITTSBURGH MEPS, Pa. — Matthew Kaminski, a dedicated Test Score Technician at Pittsburgh Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS), spent more than two decades serving his country in uniform, first in the Navy, then in the Air Force and now out of uniform as a federal employee. His service doesn’t stop there, Kaminski is also the driving force behind MVP - Meetup Volunteers Pittsburgh, a community organization he founded two and a half years ago that has grown to more than 600 members.

Britney Hodges, Montgomery MEPS test coordinator, left, and Misty Calhoun, Montgomery MEPS Education Services Specialist, right, pose with Alabama Governor Kay Ivey's signed proclamation that declared October 2024 ASVAB Career Exploration month after the ceremony. Misty Calhoun serves as the Montgomery MEPS Education Services Specialist (ESS) and USMEPCOM 8th Battalion ESS subject matter expert, coordinating the ASVAB and ASVAB CEP in schools across the region.

April 2, 2025

Meet an Education Services Specialist: Shaping Futures at Montgomery MEPS

NORTH CHICAGO, Ill. — Education Services Specialists (ESSs) play a vital role in the military processing mission across USMEPCOM, serving as the primary coordinators for the ASVAB Career Exploration Program (CEP). As the main advocates for the program, ESSs collaborate with school counselors, administrators and other education professionals to expand access and awareness, ensuring students have the resources they need to make informed decisions about their futures.

Navy Capt. Sarah Nolin, Navy Lt. Cmdr. Lisnnette Rhea, Caleb Goddard, acting Deputy Chief of Mission at the US Embassy of Mauritius, Navy Reserve Chief Petty Officer Amber Baker-Ruiz, and Master Sgt. Ellie Rivas pose for a photo during Cutlass Express 2025. Navy Reserve Chief Petty Officer Amber Baker-Ruiz, USMEPCOM program analyst, facilitated a peace and security symposium during Cutlass Express 2025 in Port Louis, Mauritius.

March 25, 2025

Serving at Home and Abroad: Amber Baker-Ruiz’s Dual Mission

NORTH CHICAGO , Ill. — USMEPCOM civilian employees play a vital role in shaping the future of military service, ensuring that each applicant is prepared for the challenges ahead. For Amber Baker-Ruiz, a program analyst in Eastern Sector, that mission extends beyond her civilian role—she also serves as a U.S. Navy Reserve Chief Petty Officer, bringing a unique dual perspective to her work.

(L to R) Luz Ramirez, Quispicanchi project manager; Malu Mamani, Quispicanchi project regional advisor; Diana Olivares-Salazar, Quispicanchi project intern and New York MEPS medical technician; and Carmela Vise, process design consultant meet about expanding health programs in the Quispicanchi province of Peru. Olivares-Salazar, a medical technician at New York MEPS, recently traveled to Peru as part of her Master of Public Health program working with a nonprofit organization focused on sustainable health solutions in less fortunate communities.

March 18, 2025

New York MEPS Med Tech Supports Public Health Initiative in Peru

NEW YORK MEPS, N.Y. — Diana Olivares-Salazar, a medical technician at New York Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS), recently traveled to Peru as part of her Master of Public Health (MPH) program, working with a nonprofit organization focused on sustainable health solutions in less fortunate communities.

Col. Frankie Cochiaosue, USMEPCOM commander, greets attendees of the USMEPCOM OPSO Symposium. Operations Officers from MEPS nationwide gathered at USMEPCOM headquarters for a symposium to enhance leadership, improve communication and strengthen peer networking, marking the first event of its kind in more than a decade.

March 10, 2025

OPSOs Strengthen Leadership and Collaboration at USMEPCOM Symposium

HQ USMEPCOM, NORTH CHICAGO, Ill. — Operations Officers (OPSOs) from Military Entrance Processing Stations (MEPS) across the country gathered at USMEPCOM headquarters, March 4 – 6, for a symposium designed to enhance their leadership, improve communication and strengthen networking among peers.

The New Orleans Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) staff prepares a potluck for the staff. Hugh Brown, an information technology specialist at the MEPS enjoys the meals they share together, which consistently features cuisine unique to New Orleans.

March 5, 2025

Meet an ITS: A Second Career with Purpose

NEW ORLEANS MEPS, La. — At the New Orleans Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS), Hugh Brown found a meaningful way to connect with the next generations of military applicants in a surprising second career as an information technology specialist (ITS).

(L to R) Dr. Megan Hart Lee, lead clinical psychologist, Air Force Maj. Daniel Strickland, deputy command surgeon, and Dr. Connor Rose, clinical psychologist, engage in behavioral health consulting training at USMEPCOM HQ. The Behavioral Health Consulting program at USMEPCOM has significantly improved processing efficiency and reduced wait times for military applicants needing behavioral health consultations.

Feb. 25, 2025

Behavioral Health Consult Program Increases Efficiency and Impact

HQ USMEPCOM, NORTH CHICAGO, Ill. — Since first directly hiring behavioral health providers in December 2023, USMEPCOM has made significant strides in improving processing efficiency and reducing the wait times for military applicants requiring behavioral health consultations. What started with just six MEPS has now expanded to 12, with plans to grow to 16 MEPS based on identified needs.

The Minneapolis MEPS medical team, led by Dr. Kristina McCaughtry (third from left) poses for a photo. Dr. Kristina McCaughtry serves as the Chief Medical Officer for Minneapolis MEPS and recently made her own challenge coin to show gratitude to an Army guidance counselor at the MEPS

Feb. 18, 2025

From Jet Mechanic to Chief Medical Officer: The Story Behind a Unique Challenge Coin

There are many tales of how challenge coins came to be a military tradition. The most common assumption dates to World War I, when a Soldier’s unit medallion saved his life by proving his identity to French soldiers, leading to many service members carrying them after. Another depiction says the tradition began in Vietnam, where U.S. troops avoided buying drinks in a bar by showing a coin to prove combat service.

Whitney Middleton, Fort Gregg-Adams MEPS nurse practitioner, poses in exam room in between reviewing medical documentation for applicants joining military service. Middleton currently serves as the sole full-time medical provider at Fort Gregg-Adams MEPS, assessing applicants against DoD and Service medical standards for military service.

Feb. 12, 2025

Meet a Provider: Nurse Practitioner Thrives at Fort Gregg-Adams MEPS

At the MEPS, medical providers play a critical role in military processing. They conduct physical exams, review medical documentation and make the initial medical qualification decisions for applicants joining military service.

Coast Guard Seaman Recruit Dakota Duchene, younger brother of Senior Airman Daniel Sanchez, poses for a photo outside the ceremony room dedicated to his brother before shipping off to basic training. Senior Airman Daniel Ray Sanchez, an El Paso native who sacrificed his life in Afghanistan, has his legacy upheld through community support, a dedicated MEPS ceremony room and a foundation that inspires future generations to serve.

Feb. 6, 2025

A Hero's Legacy in El Paso

EL PASO MEPS, Tx. — In El Paso, Texas there is a saying among locals that it’s a big city with a small-town feel. I did not fully understand that, until I saw how a community comes together to support a family that has lost so much but inspires so many. Senior Airman Daniel Ray Sanchez, an El Paso native, lost his life fighting for our country, but his legacy continues not only in our local community, but also in all applicants who set foot in the El Paso MEPS ceremony room.

USMEPCOM has gone from manual, paper-processing to all-digital systems in order to meet the evolving needs of the military and its recruits. Over seven years, USMEPCOM modernized its outdated 1990s-era IT systems while embracing a culture of continuous improvement in technology modernization.

Jan. 16, 2025

USMEPCOM's Seven-Year Sprint

HQ USMEPCOM, NORTH CHICAGO, Ill. — For the past 30 years, the command has been accomplishing its daily mission on an information technology system of systems made up of 10-12 applications. Primarily built in the 1990s, these applications became outdated and difficult to maintain or modify. The race to complete an end-to-end replacement of these systems began in 2017 and December 12, 2024, marks the finish line.

Anita Guevara, Montgomery MEPS transportation assistant, works in new Recruit Travel application. USMEPCOM launched Recruit Travel Application, replacing three outdated systems, on Dec. 12, 2024.

Dec. 13, 2024

USMEPCOM Launches Recruit Travel Application

HQ USMEPCOM, NORTH CHICAGO, Ill. — The U.S. Military Entrance Processing Command (USMEPCOM) is taking a significant step in modernizing its operations with the introduction of the Recruit Travel application.

Johnnie Mungia, Houston Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) human resource assistant (HRA), checks applicant progress alongside his coworkers at Houston MEPS. After completing 22 years of his own military service, Mungia supports the next generation of military members through his federal career.

Dec. 2, 2024

Meet an HRA: One Veteran’s Mission Continues at the Houston MEPS

HOUSTON MEPS, Tx. — A career at one of the Military Entrance Processing Stations (MEPS), located throughout the U.S., offers opportunities to contribute to our nation’s defense, make a lasting impression on the next generations of troops and gain skills that continue to grow. For one man at the Houston MEPS, this is exactly what he gets to do.

1st Lt. Jeffery Bennett, Pittsburgh MEPS assistant operations officer, smiles with medal and pie prizes after winning first in his age group after participating in Veterans Day 5k. Pittsburgh MEPS personnel participated in a Veterans Day 5k Nov. 10, 2024 to support veterans in their community.

Nov. 20, 2024

Pittsburgh MEPS Supports Veterans and Builds Camaraderie in Veterans Day 5k

PITTSBURGH MEPS, Penn. — Pittsburgh MEPS strengthened its community ties and boosted morale by initiating a monthly Interservice Recruiting Committee (IRC) running group in August 2024, which has spurred a growing interest in physical fitness and community involvement among MEPS personnel.

USMEPCOM and Program Executive Office Defense Healthcare Information System personnel pose for a group picture during a Hackathon, Nov. 13 – 15. The Hackathon was a kick-off event for a project to connect MHS GENESIS and USMIRS 1.1, improving processing efficiency for military applicants.

Nov. 15, 2024

USMEPCOM and DHA Collaborate to Connect Key Data Systems

HQ USMEPCOM, NORTH CHICAGO, Ill. — USMEPCOM’s Innovation Facilitation Team (IFT) hosted a hackathon with the Program Executive Office Defense Healthcare Information System’s (PEO DHMS) Enterprise Intelligence and Data Solutions (EIDS) team, Nov. 13 – Nov. 15. The IFT and EIDS hackathon brought key players together to begin building a connection between MHS GENESIS (MHSG) and USMIRS 1.1, two platforms used by MEPS personnel to qualify and process military applicants.

Marc Porrazza, human resources assistant, speaks to an applicant during pre-accessions interview at Jacksonville MEPS.

Nov. 8, 2024

Meet an HRA: An HRA’s Dedication from Honolulu to Jacksonville MEPS

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A Human Resources Assistant (HRA) at a MEPS is the first face applicants see, playing an essential role in guiding them through the enlistment journey.

Continuing Service: Finding Ways to Serve after the Military

NORTH CHICAGO, Ill Nov. 8, 2024

Continuing Service: Finding Ways to Serve after the Military

NORTH CHICAGO, Ill. — Navy Veteran continues life of service

Participants of the Pittsburgh Interservice Recruiting Committee (IRC) run take a break during the two-mile trek. Pittsburgh MEPS has revitalized its communication efforts by launching a monthly IRC run, allowing partners to build relationships.

Oct. 30, 2024

Pittsburgh MEPS Kicks Off Monthly IRC Runs

PITTSBURGH MEPS, Pa. — In the heart of Pittsburgh, the city known for its steel bridges and passionate sports fans, a breeze of change had swept through the city’s MEPS. With the arrival of new commanders at USMEPCOM HQ, Eastern Sector and Pittsburgh MEPS, there was a renewed energy and directive to align efforts with the vision of these new leaders.

Lt. Cmdr. Tamarah Grant, Tampa MEPS commander, discusses hurricane recovery during all-hands with personnel after Hurricane Milton. Tampa MEPS closed from Oct. 9-11 for safety reasons due to Hurricane Milton.

Oct. 23, 2024

Tampa MEPS Prevails Through Hurricanes

TAMPA MEPS, Fla. — Hurricanes Helene and Milton took the southeast and its MEPS by storm, but the teamwork and flexibility demonstrated by Tampa MEPS personnel showed that when weathering the storm together, they came out stronger.

Elizabeth Fonk, talent acquisition specialist, speaks to a potential candidate at a recruiting fair at Solider Field, Chicago, Ill., in October 2023, one of the first TAD attended after formally launching.

Oct. 17, 2024

USMEPCOM Doubles Down on Strategic Hiring Team

HQ USMEPCOM, NORTH CHICAGO, Ill. — It was a warm summer night in Greenville, S.C., when Andrew Wangelin and his wife, out on a date, struck up a conversation with the man at the next table. The resulting small talk meandered, touching a range of topics before landing on work. While Wangelin was actively searching for work at the time, he never seriously considered a career in government.