GEICO's Military Service Awards recognize one currently serving enlisted member from each branch, plus one National Guard member, for standout contributions both in and out of uniform. The winner gets a certificate and $5,000 from the GEICO Philanthropic Foundation. Reserve Marines are explicitly eligible, and GEICO weights off-duty community impact more heavily than in-uniform accomplishments when making selections.
Bottom line: If you know an enlisted Marine E-7 or below who volunteers, serves their community, and leads by example, nominate them before 11 December 2026.
Who it affects
Any currently serving enlisted Marine, E-7 and below, including SMCR, IMA, and IRR. You must have at least one year of service remaining after 30 December 2026. Previous winners of this award are not eligible.
What you need to do
Nominations come from the command, not the individual. If you want to nominate someone (or nominate yourself through your chain), here is what the package requires:
- Complete the GEICO Military Service Award Package form, available at
https://www.geico.com/information/military/returning-the-favor/service-awards/ - Get a cover letter from the nominee's command, endorsed by an O-6 commander, with a unit POC name and phone number.
- Include one high-resolution color photo, head and shoulders, in Service Alpha or Navy Service Dress uniform, no cover.
- Submit the full package (no more than three pages total) electronically to both:
hqmc_safety_divison@usmc.mildale.wisnieski@usmc.mil
- If you cannot submit electronically, mail to:
Commandant of the Marine Corps
Risk Management Directorate, Safety Division
Attn: Mr. Dale A. Wisnieski
701 S. Courthouse Rd, Suite 20O50
Arlington, VA 22204-2462
Late or incomplete packages will not be considered.
Note for Sailors attached to Marine Corps commands: your deadline is earlier. Packages go through Naval Safety Command (Code 20) and must arrive by 27 November 2026. Submit to navsafecen_code20_ashore@navy.mil and joel.reyesrivera.civ@us.navy.mil.
Key dates
- 27 November 2026: Deadline for Sailors attached to Marine Corps commands
- 11 December 2026: Deadline for Marine nominations (active duty and reserve)
- 30 December 2026: Reference date for the one-year remaining service requirement
The official version
This is MARADMIN 500/26. Questions go to Mr. Dale A. Wisnieski at dale.wisnieski@usmc.mil or (703) 571-4583. Full award details and the nomination form are at https://www.geico.com/information/military/returning-the-favor/service-awards/.
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.