FORT MYER, Va. — Seven Army National Guard officers were recognized during the 2026 General Douglas MacArthur Leadership Awards ceremony held Aug. 12 at Conmy Hall.
The MacArthur Leadership Award program was introduced in 1987 to recognize company-grade and junior warrant officers who demonstrate MacArthur’s ideals of “Duty, Honor, Country,” and have a proven record of extraordinary performance, leadership, and achievement. The annual award honors the legacy of Gen. Douglas MacArthur across the active Army, Army National Guard, and Army Reserve.
“These amazing leaders awarded here today represent the finest of the Army National Guard team,” said Maj. Gen. Dan Degelow, National Guard assistant for the director of the Army National Guard staff. “As we prepare for the complex challenges of tomorrow, it is exceptional company-grade and warrant officers, as we see here today, who are driving our readiness at the tactical level and ensuring our Soldiers are prepared to fight and win.” Among the recipients honored at the ceremony, the following Army National Guard officers were recognized for their exceptional service, tactical competence, and dedication to their units:
· Capt. Emilie A. Anderson, Oregon Army National Guard · Capt. Jesse Hernandez, Oklahoma Army National Guard · Capt. Zachary W. Johnson, Ohio Army National Guard · Capt. Timothy A. Klase, Utah Army National Guard · Capt. Sean M. Lough, Kentucky Army National Guard · Chief Warrant Officer 2 David S. Palmer, Alabama Army National Guard · Capt. Amanda S. Tang, North Dakota Army National Guard
For the recipients, the national recognition was largely viewed as a reflection of the teams they lead and the mentorship they have received along the way.
"Personally, to me, receiving the award just means that I have taken pride in my job and taking care of Soldiers," said Tang, who is assigned to the North Dakota Army National Guard's 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade. "I always joke that I’m just being rewarded for doing my job but I first and foremost just want to take care of Soldiers."
Tang noted that mutual trust is critical for unit success. "When I was in company command, I always wanted my Soldiers to know that I had their backs. So, if I gave them the leeway to do their job, they were able to take care of me."
Capt. Zachary Johnson, assigned to the Ohio Army National Guard's Bravo Company, 3rd Battalion, 238th General Support Aviation Battalion, echoed Tang's sentiment, crediting his senior enlisted advisors and technical experts for his success.
"I’ve been mentored and coached by a lot of senior NCOs and warrant officers and being able to lean on their expertise to make the decisions that we need to at our leadership levels," Johnson said. "I feel like they’re as much earning this award as I am today, too. First things first is caring for the Soldiers that you lead. I’m convinced that’s the majority of leadership."
Selections for the MacArthur Leadership Award are based on a leader's overall performance, their positive influence on the Soldiers they lead, and their daily embodiment of the Army's core values. The distinction highlights the critical role company-grade and warrant officers play in maintaining unit readiness, morale, and operational effectiveness.
For Capt. Sean M. Lough of the Kentucky Army National Guard, a people-first approach means learning from every level of the chain of command, from senior leaders down to the newest privates.
"I wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for the Soldiers and leaders around me. Even the E-2s and the E-3s teach me leadership stuff out in the field," said Lough, who is assigned to Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 147th Assault Helicopter Regiment. "Take care of your troops, and they’ll take care of you. The more that we invest in our people and put a people-first mentality of taking care of their needs, taking care of their well-being, taking care of their families, they’ll meet the mission no matter what."
Only a select group of officers are chosen each year from across the entire United States Army to receive this high honor, representing the Army’s top tier of junior military leadership.