An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Home : News : Article View
NEWS | May 21, 2008

Officer, NCO awarded place in history

By Staff Sgt. Jim Greenhill National Guard Bureau

ARLINGTON, Va. - An officer and a noncommissioned officer received on May 16 the first joint awards since the National Guard Bureau (NGB) became a joint activity of the Department of Defense.

"These are the first joint awards under the new authority of the newly joint National Guard Bureau, so these guys are making history," said LTG H Steven Blum, NGB chief, after the Joint Staff Flag Room ceremony at the Pentagon.

Maj. David Guido received the Defense Meritorious Service Medal and Sgt. 1st Class John Craig received the Joint Service Achievement Medal. Both serve the National Guard as Title 10 Soldiers in the Guard's federal active duty force.

On Jan. 28, President George W. Bush signed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2008, which included the most significant and sweeping administrative and organizational reforms of the National Guard and NGB since the National Defense Act of 1916, according to NGB officials.

The overall effect was to strengthen the Guard's role in the DoD to meet the Guard's increasing domestic and foreign responsibilities, officials said.

Among a host of other changes, the NDAA designated the NGB as a joint activity of the DoD, thus the joint awards.

Guido's award recognized his performance as executive officer in NGB domestic operations and as central command desk officer in international affairs there.

Craig was recognized for contributions to Vigilant Guard, the largest National Guard homeland defense exercise ever conducted.

"I'm very honored," Craig said. "It's a privilege to get this award and be the first NCO to receive a joint award. It's significant for the whole National Guard because we are now a joint staff. Hopefully, there will be many more joint awards to come."

Guido and Craig were joined by members of their families and Citizen-Soldiers and -Airmen with whom they serve.

"I'm very proud of him," said Mitzi Craig, Sgt. 1st Class Craig's wife.

"It's a great honor," Guido said. "It's a great moment for the Guard to be recognized as a joint headquarters, and it's an absolute privilege to be part of a joint team. Having commanded a history detachment [and now] being a little bit of history is always a great thing."

Craig, whose decorations include the Bronze Star, is an operations sergeant in NGB operations division, with an expertise in nonlethal weapons.

Guido, liaison officer to the Office of the Secretary of Defense, is continuing a family tradition of military service that includes World War II and Vietnam. He enlisted before he turned 17.

The Defense Meritorious Service Medal recognizes exceptionally outstanding work by leaders serving in a joint activity. The Joint Service Achievement Medal recognizes outstanding performance.

Service members permanently assigned to the headquarters staff of NGB on or after Aug. 1, 2004, are eligible for DoD decorations and awards, according to a DoD memo.

Eligibility does not extend to the 54 states' and territories' joint force headquarters.

 

 

Related Articles
U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Anthony Gonzalez, fire protection craftsman assigned to the 156th Civil Engineer Squadron, Puerto Rico Air National Guard, extinguishes a fire during a Deployment for Training (DFT) at Aviano Air Base, Italy, June 25, 2025. During the DFT, the 156th CES developed their skill proficiency in a new area of responsibility while supporting real-world projects that support the U.S. European Command operations.
Puerto Rico Air Guard Conducts Deployment for Training at Aviano
By Senior Airman Victoria Jewett, | July 7, 2025
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy — U.S. Airmen with the Puerto Rico Air National Guard 156th Civil Engineer Squadron conducted a Deployment for Training June 16-27 in Italy to develop their skills proficiency within the U.S. European...

Airmen from the 168th Wing Medical Group, along with their counterparts from other Air National Guard units, conduct radiation monitoring during field training at Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, Michigan, June 2025. The training enhances the unit’s ability to detect and respond to radiological threats in deployed or contingency environments.
Alaska Air Guard 168th Medical Group Trains for High-Stakes Missions
By Senior Master Sgt. Julie Avey, | July 7, 2025
ALPENA COMBAT READINESS TRAINING CENTER, Mich. — The Alaska Air National Guard 168th Wing Medical Group continues to strengthen its operational edge, proving lethality in today’s battlespace isn’t just about combat power -...

Civic leaders and newly commissioned U.S. Air Force pilot trainees gather with the 168th Wing KC-135 Stratotanker aircrew following an aerial refueling mission during Red Flag-Alaska 25-2, June 24, 2025. The event provided participants with a unique opportunity to witness the complex coordination and precision required for refueling U.S. and allied aircraft in flight. This experience highlighted the critical role the 168th Wing plays in sustaining readiness and strengthening defense capabilities throughout the Indo-Pacific region.
Civic Leaders Fly With Alaska Air Guard During Red Flag Alaska 25-2
By Senior Master Sgt. Julie Avey, | July 3, 2025
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska – The Alaska Air National Guard’s 168th Wing hosted a civic leader flight June 24 that offered local leaders an opportunity to view an aerial refueling mission over the Joint Pacific Alaska...