Announcement of the FY 2026 Marine Corps Enlisted Aide of the Year Award Winner NMOS 3372

1.  I am pleased to announce the Fiscal Year 2026 
Marine Corps Enlisted Aide of the Year winner, Gunnery Sergeant 
Dara C. Smith, nominated by Major General Brian N. Wolford, 
Former Commanding General, Marine Corps Installations Pacific.
2.  This award recognizes outstanding dedication and operational 
excellence within the Food Service Enlisted Aide profession. 
Mastery, unwavering commitment, and technical expertise form the 
foundation of our Marine Corps Enlisted Aide community.
3.  Gunnery Sergeant Dara C. Smith will represent the Marine Corps 
as a competitor for the 2026 Department of Defense Enlisted Aide 
of the Year Board. The board will convene on September 14, 2026, 
with the exact time and location to be determined.
The Enlisted Aide of the Year Award Ceremony will take place on 
September 15, 2026, at 1000 in the Pentagon's Hall of Heroes hosted 
by the Robert Irvine Foundation. The evening of September 15, 2026 
all candidates and the award recipient will be formally 
recognized at the Red Wine and Blues Dinner.
Congratulations, Gunnery Sergeant Dara C. Smith!
4.  Release authorized by Lieutenant General Andrew M. Neibel, Deputy
Commandant, Installations and Logistics.