The Marine Corps has opened nominations for the FY26 MajGen W.P.T. Hill Memorial Awards Program, which recognizes excellence in food service operations and individual performance across the Total Force. Award categories have been updated this year to reflect current operational requirements. Winners will be recognized at the National Restaurant Association (NRA) Military Foodservice Awards Ceremony in May 2027, with representatives attending as guests of the NRA Educational Foundation (NRAEF).
Heads up: Reserve component units and MOS 3381 Marines have their own nomination categories, with a 1 December 2026 deadline for all RC submissions.
Who it affects
This touches two RC groups:
- Reserve unit commanders and food service leadership: COMMARFORRES will nominate the best Reserve component field mess. If your unit runs a field mess, your chain of command may be building a package.
- MOS 3381 Marines in the RC: Reserve food service specialists at every grade (PFC through GySgt) are eligible for the Food Service Specialist of the Year award. COMMARFORRES nominates two Marines per grade category.
The three Specialist of the Year categories, by grade:
| Category | Grade Range |
|---|---|
| Junior | PFC through LCpl, billet MOS 3381 |
| NCO | Cpl through Sgt, billet MOS 3381 |
| SNCO | SSgt through GySgt, billet MOS 3381 |
What you need to do
If you're a commander or S-4 in the RC: Work through your chain to COMMARFORRES for field mess and specialist nominations. Get your packages together early. All RC nominations are due NLT 1 December 2026. Packages must be a single consolidated PDF, submitted via separate encrypted email per nomination, with PII encrypted per DoD policy.
If you're a MOS 3381 Marine: Talk to your chain of command now if you think you're competitive. The nomination package requires:
- One-page professional biography and resume.
- A Summary of Action (SoA) covering measurable impact, leadership, and operational contributions. This SoA will also be used for a personal award submission.
- Current BIR (MOL copy acceptable).
- Current BTR (MOL copy acceptable).
- Unit POC information.
Eligibility checklist for Specialist of the Year:
- At least two years' time in service.
- Meets all regular retention standards.
- Has not previously received this same award.
- No adverse material or pending disciplinary action during the FY26 eligibility period.
- Demonstrates superior MOS 3381 performance and "Whole Marine" qualities.
Email subject line format for submissions:
[Award Category] - Attn: MCICOM G-4 Food Service and Subsistence Branch
Key dates
- 1 October 2026: Active component nominations due.
- 1 December 2026: All RC nominations due (field mess and Specialist of the Year). Digital photos also due to POC 2 and POC 3 by this date (300 dpi or greater, JPEG format).
- 1 December 2026 through 15 February 2027: HQMC evaluation team site visits. Nominated commands will recommend dates; final schedule published via AMHS.
- May 2027: NRA Military Foodservice Awards Ceremony. Winners attend as NRAEF guests.
The official version
This is MARADMIN 345/26.
Referenced orders include MCO 10110.14N (Marine Corps Food Service and Subsistence Program) and MCO 1650.61 (Marine Corps Installations and Logistics Awards Program). Links are not provided in the MARADMIN; request copies through your S-4 or unit admin.
For questions, contact:
- LtCol Robert W. Kreuger III:
robert.kreuger@usmc.mil/ 703-571-6232 - MGySgt Shawn C. Fitzpatrick:
shawn.fitzpatrick@usmc.mil/ 703-571-6186 - Julisha C. Frias (Civ):
julisha.c.frias.civ@usmc.mil/ 703-571-6206
This is written by a reservist, for reservists. It is not an official publication of HQMC or MARFORRES. Always verify guidance with your command or unit S-1 before acting on any article or summary.