Military Times to Honor 2017 Service Members of the Year

Military Times to Honor 2017 Service Members of the Year
‘Everyday heroes’ to be recognized for going above and beyond the call of duty

VIENNA, Va – Military Times will recognize winners of the 2017 Service Members of the Year (SMOY) awards on Capitol Hill this week. The publisher of Army Times, Marine Corps Times, Navy Times, and Air Force Times, honors five everyday heroes — a Soldier, Marine, Sailor, Airman and Coast Guardsman — who demonstrate pride, dedication and courage beyond their call of duty. These service members display a high level of professionalism, concern for fellow service members and commitment to community service.

“SMOY is special because nominations come from their peers,” said David Smith, President of Sightline Media Group, parent company of Military Times. “The winners are recognized for their service in the military and also for going above and beyond in their community.”
This year’s honorees are as follows:
2017 Army Times
Soldier of the Year
Maj. Christopher Mercado
Military Exercise Planner, 25th Infantry
Schofield Barracks, Hawaii

2017 Marine Corps Times
Marine of the Year
Gunnery Sgt. Daniel Robert
Platoon Sergeant, Silent Drill Platoon
Marine Barracks, Washington

2017 Navy Times
Sailor of the Year
Information Systems Technician 1st Class Justin Sullivan
Information Warfare Training Command (IWTC)
Corry Station

2017 Air Force Times
Airman of the Year
Technical Sgt. Megan Harper
Military Training Instructor, 326th Training Squadron
Joint Base San Antonio – Lackland

2017 Navy Times
Coast Guardsman of the Year
Electrician’s Mate 1st Class William Gore
Coast Guard Cutter Margaret Norvell
Miami, Florida

These service members will be honored in an awards ceremony on Capitol Hill this Wednesday, July 12, attended by top military officers, members of Congress and other military and civilian dignitaries.

This year’s presenting sponsor is The Fisher House Foundation. Bell Helicopter, Kaplan University and United Airlines are also sponsors.  Among this year’s community partners are Washington Redskins, Rolling Thunder, Washington, DC, Inc., Association of the United States Army, USO of Metropolitan Washington, and The Veterans of Foreign Wars.
To learn more about the Service Members of the Year Awards, go to: https://smoy.militarytimes.com