NDTA has a number of awards that recognize individual and corporate members, as well as chapters and military units that have excelled in fostering the goals and aims of the association. These awards include the NDTA Corporate Distinguished Service Awards, NDTA Instructor of the Year Awards, and Military Unit of the Year Awards, among others. We congratulate this year's award winners and thank them for their contributions to the association, as well as to the greater logistics and transportation community.
TORSANI MEMORIAL A WARD FOR LIFETIME SERVICE & ACHIEVEMENT
Over the course of decades, COL Joseph A. Torsani, Jr., USA (Ret.), dedicated his time, leadership and logistics expertise to the National Defense Transportation Association. COL Torsani served tirelessly in key positions at the state and national levels, including the NDTA Foundation and the Council of Regional Presidents. He represented the face of the association to many members and helped guide the association as the nation confronted new global challenges. COL Torsani truly embodied NDTA's values and commitment to education, knowledge sharing and fostering the next generation of professionals.
In his memory and in the spirit of his many contributions to the association, NDTA proudly presents the Torsani Award on a special basis to recognize many years of service to and advocacy for the association. This is the highest honor the association can bestow and Torsani Award recipients are personally selected for extraordinary achievement by NDTA's President and confirmed by the Board of Directors. Awardees have selflessly contributed to national security endeavors in transportation, logistics and passenger travel services, especially through NDTA's collaborative efforts with the US military, government and private industry. r. Francis O. (Frank) McDermott is awarded the 2018 Joe Torsani Award for Lifetime Service and Achievement by the National Defense Transportation Association. Over the past five decades, Mr. McDermott has faithfully and expertly served 13 NDTA Board Chairmen, 10 Presidents, and thousands of appreciative leaders and members at large as the association's Legal Counsel. He provided expert and timely legal opinion on matters of great importance to the association and the national defense transportation system. A member since 1968, he always maintained availability to NDTA leadership in spite of a very active, successful and time-consuming law practice. His mastery of the legal system, boundless energy, incredible memory, and keen sense of humor served NDTA with great distinction. Frank McDermott is a national treasure and has made an indelible mark on the US warfighter, the transportation industry, and the defense efforts of this nation.
IN RECOGNITION OF EXEMPLARY SERVICE TO THE IDEALS OF NOTA
INNOVATIVE LOGISTICS SERVICE AWARD
The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is nominated for the prestigious NDTA Innovative Logistics Service Award. The Exchange has served Americas armed forces for nearly 123 years with a mission to make life better for service members through goods and services provided while generating at a dividend to military Quality-of-Life programs. The Exchange operates more than 2,700 facilities worldwide, in more than 30 countries, 4 US territories and 49 states. During the past year, the Exchange executed numerous programs which increased efficiencies and reduced costs. The Veterans online shopping benefit welcomed home 18.5 million honorably discharged Veterans with a lifelong online military exchange shopping benefit. An advanced warehouse management and transportation management software reduced military non-operational burdens and increased Quality-of-Life support. The Exchange also provided extensive support before, during and after hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria. Exchange initiatives realized earnings of $376 million over the past year, contributing to DOD cost reductions and funding $219 million directly to support military Quality-of-Life programs including Child Development Centers, youth programs, fitness centers and other activities that make life better for service members and their families--without burdening American taxpayers. The Exchange remains committed to its motto of "We Go Where You Go" and to the support of our Soldiers and Airmen around the world by continually improving efficiencies within the supply chain that provide direct dividend support to military Quality-of-Life programs.
NDTA INSTRUCTOR OF THE YEAR AWARD
In conjunction with the senior logistics chiefs from each of the services, the NDTA Instructor of the Year Awards honor instructors from the service transportation schools. Criteria for award selection are established by the military services and include such measures as the individual's technical knowledge, teaching skills, self-development, and general leadership abilities.
NOTA SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS--NATIONAL LEVEL
PROGRAM A
Kelsey Diven University of Tennessee
Jill Gelinas University of Maryland, College Park
Joy Goldschmidt Western Michigan University
Kianna Hawkins Howard University
Lindsey Johnson University of Maryland, College Park
Sojung Kim University of Maryland, College Park
Addison Lash Massachusetts Maritime Academy
Brian McCauley Old Dominion University
Grayson Steigler Northeastern University
Eileen Stribling Appalachian State University
Madison Thurston Western Michigan University
Trevor Webb SUNY Maritime College
PROGRAM B
Cameron Bennett Georgia Institute of Technology
Kathryn Comeaux Murray State University
Margaret Kleiman University of South Dakota
Zachary Kraabel Spring Arbor University
Grayson Locke Middle Georgia University-Aviation
Evan Patrick California State University Maritime
Gabriel Reid Northeastern University
Benjamin Weisel University...
