Distinguished Service Awards Update - MG Horatio Gates Award Write-Ups
AGCRA Distinguished Service Awards are bestowed for Army/AG Corps contributions and/or AGCRA contributions to individuals who advance the mission of professional excellence and community impact through volunteer service. To assist members who nominate, process, and endorse award nominations, a justification write-up format is now provided. This format will be required beginning 1 August 2026 for the following awards:
- MG Horatio Gates Bronze
- MG Horatio Gates Gold
- MG Horatio Gates Lifetime Gold
- MG Horatio Gates Honorary
The COL Robert L. Manning Achievement Medals will follow this format when the nomination is based on AGCRA contributions. Nominations that lack measurable impact or do not follow the required format may be returned for revision.
Sample Contribution Statement in bullet format (may/must include multiple Chapter service periods per award criteria):
Chapter Name, Chapter Role(Member, Committee Member, or Officer Position), Service Period YYYY-YYYY-
quantifiable/qualitative bullet type achievement #1-
quantifiable/qualitative bullet type achievement #…
Red River Chapter, VP Programs, 2022-2024
-Drove Chapter Governance: Hosted numerous AGCRA council meetings and meticulously facilitated IPRs ensuring the flawless execution of chapter events and sustained organizational success.
-Fundraising Chair: Coordinated with local government agencies, non-profit organizations, and community partners raising over $6,000 to support members and chapter activities.
Ozark Chapter, Member, 2024-2026
-Served as Master of Ceremonies for two Chapter Balls, strengthening esprit-de-corps and professional fellowship.
-Published “Developing an HR Operational Mindset” in the Fall 2025 1775 Magazine, highlighting the convergence of HR technical and operational proficiency with Army objectives.
Justifications for AGCRA contributions must be specific, measurable, and relevant to the Association's goals. Use the 5 Ws to structure the write-up:
WHO: Identify the nominee, their role, and their sphere of responsibility. Demonstrate that they were positioned to make meaningful contributions.
WHAT: Describe the specific actions, accomplishments, or leadership contributions. Make the achievement visible, measurable, and undeniable.
WHEN: Provide the timeframe of the achievement and its relevance. Show that the contribution was timely and impactful.
WHERE: Explain the environment, chapter, event, or program where the impact occurred. Demonstrate mission‑aligned influence.
WHY: Justify why the achievement is exceptional and deserving of recognition. Show that the nominee’s impact exceeded expectations.
Example Goals for a Justification
-Show measurable improvement in chapter operations, event quality, communications, or member engagement.
-Highlight leadership behaviors that set a standard for others - initiative, mentorship, reliability, and professionalism.
-Prove that the nominee exceeded expectations, not merely fulfilled assigned duties.
-Connect the nominee’s achievements to lasting organizational benefit, not just short-term success.