Enlisted Association of the Arkansas National Guard Awards Program and Nomination
Recognizing Excellence, Leadership, and Service to the purpose of the Enlisted Association of the Arkansas National Guard
Check Criteria
Review the Awards for Criteria
Submit Nomination
Nominate a Deserving Individual Who Meets Criteria
Approval and Annoucement
Awards will be Presented at State Conference
H. Lynn Wassell Leadership Award
Purpose
To recognize an individual whose leadership, dedication, and distinguished service have advanced the mission of the Enlisted Association of the Arkansas National Guard (EAANG), the Arkansas National Guard, and the community.
Eligibility
- Any current annual or life member of the EAANG
Criteria
- Demonstrates exceptional leadership and sustained accomplishments in service to EAANG, the Arkansas National Guard, and civic or religious organizations.
- Superior performance of normal duties alone does not justify this award.
- Nomination must include a letter of recommendation from a commander, supervisor, or peer with direct knowledge of the nominee’s leadership.
Meritorious Service Award
Purpose
To recognize an individual whose exceptionally meritorious service or act has contributed significantly to the EAANG, the Arkansas National Guard, or the community.
Eligibility
- Any current annual or life member of the EAANG
Criteria
- Performed an act or rendered service of an exceptionally meritorious nature.
- A single act may justify the award if its impact significantly benefits others or the organization.
Director of the Year Award
Purpose
To recognize a District Director who has demonstrated exceptional leadership, commitment, and service in advancing the goals and mission of the EAANG.
Eligibility
- Any EAANG District Director in good standing
Criteria
- Demonstrated sustained leadership, initiative, and superior performance within their district.
- Contributed significantly to membership growth, engagement, or communication efforts.
President’s Patriot Award
Purpose
To recognize individuals or groups whose exceptional service and support have advanced the mission and objectives of the EAANG and the Arkansas National Guard.
Eligibility
- Any individual or group contributing exceptional service to EAANG
Criteria
- Provided outstanding service benefiting EAANG or the Arkansas National Guard.
- May be based on a single notable accomplishment or sustained, impactful service.
Chairperson of the Year Award
Purpose
To recognize a Committee Chairperson whose outstanding leadership and management have significantly advanced EAANG programs or initiatives.
Eligibility
- Any EAANG Committee Chairperson
Criteria
- Provided exceptional service in leading committee activities.
- Demonstrated initiative, creativity, and measurable results.
- Presented at the will and pleasure of the President.
100% Unit Membership Award
Purpose
To recognize Arkansas National Guard units achieving 100% EAANG enlisted membership, reflecting unity, professionalism, and commitment to association goals.
Eligibility
- Any Arkansas National Guard unit achieving 100% enlisted membership (E1–E9) based on January 1 strength
Criteria
- Verified 100% paid membership as documented by EAANG membership records.
EAANG Support and Partnership Award
Purpose
To honor individuals or organizations whose support and partnership have advanced the goals, welfare, and professionalism of Arkansas’s enlisted National Guard members.
Eligibility
- Any individual, organization, or corporate partner contributing significantly to EAANG goals
Criteria
- Actively supported EAANG initiatives or events.
- May be based on a single act or sustained involvement promoting EAANG’s mission.
Natural State Patriotism Award
Purpose
To honor individuals whose actions reflect exceptional patriotism and devotion to the United States, its Armed Forces, and the Arkansas National Guard.
Eligibility
- Any individual demonstrating outstanding patriotic support for the U.S. military or National Guard
Criteria
- Demonstrated significant patriotic service or advocacy for military members.
- A single act or sustained service may qualify if it clearly stands above others.
Arkansas Heritage Corporate Partner Award
Purpose
To recognize a corporate or business partner whose support and commitment have significantly contributed to the mission and success of EAANG and the Arkansas National Guard.
Eligibility
- Any corporate sponsor or organization supporting EAANG programs or objectives
Criteria
- Provided outstanding sponsorship, services, or support to EAANG or Guard members.
- Contributed meaningfully to the welfare and recognition of enlisted personnel.
Arkansas Eagle Award
Purpose
To recognize an elected official who has demonstrated outstanding support for the Arkansas National Guard and its enlisted force.
Eligibility
- Any current member of the U.S. Congress, Arkansas Legislature, or public official
Criteria
- Provided outstanding advocacy or legislative support benefiting the Arkansas National Guard.
- Demonstrated consistent engagement with Guard or EAANG initiatives.
Arkansas Militia Staff Recognition Award
Purpose
To honor a legislative staff member or government employee whose efforts have significantly supported the Arkansas National Guard or EAANG legislative priorities.
Eligibility
- Any legislative aide, staffer, or government employee contributing to Guard support
Criteria
- Demonstrated substantial coordination, advocacy, or legislative support.
- Advanced the mission of EAANG through service or policy support.
Natural State Humanitarian Medal
Purpose
To recognize an Arkansas National Guard member who has saved or attempted to save a life beyond the call of duty.
Eligibility
- Any current annual or life EAANG member serving in the Arkansas National Guard
Criteria
- Involved in saving or attempting to save a life.
- Act may occur on or off duty.
- Supporting documentation is required.
Arkansas Heroism Medal
Purpose
To recognize an Arkansas National Guard member who risked their life performing a heroic act beyond the requirements of duty.
Eligibility
- Any current annual or life EAANG member serving in the Arkansas National Guard
Criteria
- Acted courageously while risking personal safety to protect or save others.
- Act may occur on or off duty.
- Supporting documentation is required.
Arkansas Retiree of the Year Award
Purpose
To recognize an outstanding Arkansas National Guard retiree for lifelong distinguished service, leadership, and continued dedication to the enlisted force and EAANG.
Eligibility
- Any retired Arkansas National Guard member who is a current annual or life EAANG member
Criteria
- Maintained EAANG membership for at least five years prior to retirement.
- Demonstrated lifelong honorable and distinguished service.
- Continued support of EAANG and the EANGUS Auxiliary.
Arkansas Side-by-Side Award
Purpose
To recognize a spouse of a member of the EAANG who has rendered outstanding and exceptional service to the EAANG and the National Guard community.
Eligibility
- Any spouse of a current member of EAANG
Criteria
- Provided exceptional service supporting EAANG goals.
- Distinguished by either a single act or sustained, outstanding contributions.
*Awardees will be selected one per district*
Arkansas Employer Patriot Award
Purpose
To honor an Arkansas employer who demonstrates exceptional support for employees serving in the National Guard.
Eligibility
- Employers of Arkansas National Guard members
Criteria
- Demonstrated policies or practices supportive of employees’ military service.
- Encouraged Guard participation and family readiness.