Awards
The Military Chaplains Association maintains three categories of annual awards. These awards are a reflection of two major MCA features – ministry profession advocacy and ministry profession support.
The National Citizenship Award
Recognizes individuals who make a significant contribution in public service and who support the values and needs of our nation’s military members and their families. Selected annually by the MCA National Executive Committee. Presented during the MCA National Institute.
Recipients to date
Rear Admiral Barry C. Black, CHC, US Navy (Retired)
Rear Admiral Margaret G. Kibben, CHC, US Navy (Retired)
The David E. White Leadership Award
Established in 2005 by the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA). Chaplain David E. White, former MCA Executive Director and Past National President was the first recipient. Recognizes lifetime commitment as a chaplain, vision for Joint service and inter-agency collaboration, and overall ministry professionalism. Selected by a committee from MOAA and MCA. Presented annually during the MCA National Institute.
Recipients to date
Captain Fred Zobel, Chaplain, US Navy (Retired)
The G. William Dando Volunteer Service Award
G. William Dando (LCDR, CHC, USN) became the Executive Director of the MCA in 1990 after his retirement from the Navy. He was endorsed by the Presbyterian Church (USA). Chaplain Dando joined the MCA in 1967 and became a Life Member in 1978. He was involved with governance and leadership of the Association for three decades until his death in 1997. Because of his leadership and the example he set, our award for volunteer service is named for him.
Recipients to date
Chaplain Bruce Farrell
2026 MCA Distinguished Service Awards
The MCA Distinguuished Service Award was initiated in 1991. This year we are delighted to recognize the ministries of chaplains in the Army, Air Force, Sea Services, Civil Air Patrol, and Departmnet of Veterans Affairs.
Recipients to date
United States Army
Chaplain (MAJ) Mark R. Lee, US Army
Chaplain (MAJ) Christopher Aikens, US Army Reserves
Chaplain (MAJ) Edward D. Lartey, Army National Guard
United States Navy
LCDR James W. Campbell, CHC, US Navy (Serving with the US Marines)
LT Ryan A. Messer, CHC, US Navy
LT George Dyson, CHC, US Navy (Reserves)
LCDR Steven T. Szelmeczki, CHC, US Navy (Serving with the US Coast Guard)
United States Air Force
Ch, Maj, Brice W. Ullman, US Air Force
Ch, Maj, Blake I. Campbell, US Air Force Reserves
Ch, Maj, Brett A. Campbell, Air National Guard
US Space Force
Ch, Cpt, Michael R. Blohm, US Air Force
Civil Air Patrol
Ch, Cpt, Ronald Martin, Civil Air Patrol
Department of Veterans Affairs
Chaplain Clifton Montgomery Jr.
Federal Bureau of Prisons
Chaplain Richard A. Tatum
MCA Calvin P. Titus Distinguished Service Award:
This award was initiated in 2022. It recognizes the outstanding accomplishments of Religious Affairs Specialists and Religious Program Specialists of the Armed Forces.
US Army:
SSG Antonie L. Campbell, US Army
SSG Michael Aspinall, US Army Reserves
SFC Joshua J. Powell, Army National Guard
US Navy:
RP1 Jahson Harris, US Navy
RP3 Chazz D. Cooper, US Navy Reserves
US Air Force:
TSgt Casey L. MacWilliams, US Air Force
TSgt Hannah L. Lucas, US Air Force Reserves
TSgt Giselle R. Salinas, Air National Guard
Contact Us
Contact MCA
"*" indicates required fields