Congratulations to the
2021 Uniformed Services Award Winners

 As the First Sergeant for a Theater Lead Agent for Medical Materiel, SFC Paguio's self-less dedication allowed for a comprehensive response to the COVID pandemic by ensuring over half a million dollars worth of medical supplies were distributed to over 130 organizations. He oversaw a dozen aerial deliveries of medical supplies throughout the Korean Peninsula. As an active member of the United States Army Garrison Daegu (USAG-Daegu) community, SFC Paguio constantly shares his experiences of his Filipino background and how it has led towards success within the Army, inspiring those around him. He was essential in the development of his organization’s Leader Self-Development Program which included the first ever Community Heroes initiative. SFC Paguio is a valuable member of the organization and community and a exceptional ambassador of the U.S. Army profession.

For meritorious service as a combat instructor Lima Company, Headquarters Support Battalion, School of Infantry (West) from January 2020 to January 2021. Sergeant Tumaquip planned, supervised, and assisted the training of a budget management class with the National Asian American Coalition resulting in over 300 Marines increasing their proficiency in managing their finances, Sergeant Tumaquip performed over 550 volunteer service hours mentoring people with their financial issues. Sergeant Tumaquip as well organized a fundraising campaign due to the damages from Typhoon Ulysses. His work and dedication were evident in this event which resulted in over 1,500 meals provided for the families suffering in this disaster. Sergeant Tumaquip’s leadership, initiative, and selfless devotion to duty reflected great credit upon him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the marine corps and the united states naval service.

For meritorious service as the field services NonCommissioned Officer in charge, Marine Air Ground Task Force information technology support center, S-6, Marine Corps base Hawaii from May 2018 to February 2021. During this period, Corporal Crone performed over 1000 volunteer service hours, planning, championing, and executing for numerous community organizations on the island of Oahu. Corporal Crone mentored marines and youth in schools, troops, and aboard the installation, keying volunteerism and unity, while simultaneously strengthening the military and local community. Corporal Crone's leadership, initiative, and selfless devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.

As the Command Managed Equal Opportunity Manager, he administered the annual Defense Equal Opportunity Command Climate survey during 2020 cycle. His follow-on efforts created valuable improvements with daily interactions amongst the crew. Through his keen sense of diversification, the GERMANTOWN’s Command Resilience Team was reshaped with the recruitment and composition of Sailors from all backgrounds and paygrades. He is fair, firm, compassionate and a most thoughtful principal advisor as a CMEO. The Chain of Command has full confidence in his ability to manage all Equal Opportunity matters through his advocacy of the tenets of the U.S. Constitution, civil/human rights and equal opportunity. His passion for the equal opportunity program and Sailors in the command significantly contributed to an increase in morale and resiliency for 343 members immediately following back to back patrols throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Captain Hanna S. Sparks distinguished herself as Military Personnel Flight Commander, 802d Force Support Squadron, Joint Base San Antonio, Texas. During her previous time as Executive Officer, Force Development Directorate, Captain Sparks founded the first-ever Asian-American Pacific Islander Air Force officer group, linking over 2,600 Asian-American and Pacific Islander Airmen to a global network of mentors and professional development opportunities. Additionally, Captain Sparks planned and executed several events to include a Language Enabled Airman Panel, a Foreign Area Officer Discussion, an interview with the first-ever Vietnamese-American Air Force General Officer, and a Q&A session with the first-ever Asian-American and female Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, resulting in the development of 160 Total Force Airmen. Moreover, Capt Hanna Sparks narrated an unconscious bias training video that was implemented across the Air Force enterprise at multiple installations across the globe, advancing a Department of Defense directive that promotes a strategic vision for diversity and inclusion as a unifying core value and factor of readiness for Service members. Furthermore, she established the first-ever Air Force Asian-American Pacific Islander barrier analysis working group. She expertly led a team of 114 and planned a strategic offsite, posturing the team to enact five lines of effort. The group currently stands at 130 members to include officers, enlisted, civilians, active duty, Guard, and reserve personnel, representing a true Total Force concept. The distinctive accomplishments of Capt Sparks mirror the high ethical standards of the Federal Asian Pacific American Council and reflect credit upon herself and the United States Air Force.

TSgt Hooper led the Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Committee and the local community’s Filipino-American Association for Kirtland Air Force Base. He collaborated with over 150 military volunteer members worldwide of all ranks and branches to promote diversity and cultural awareness supporting various international-level events. He organized 10 local mentorship events with full media coverage and another virtual cultural engagement in which he joint tasked with united service members across the globe and the Philippine Ambassador to the United States of America. The virtual event highlighted the challenges and successes of Asian American and Pacific Islander service members across a multitude of Air Force Specialty Codes and varying levels of leadership as they progressed through the ranks while navigating their teams to overcome cultural and racial barriers especially in the midst of global pandemic. These events received world-wide acclaim within the Filipino-American community and amassed nearly 43,000 views. Additionally, Sergeant Hooper directed local efforts to collect and distribute over 81,500 pounds of relief essentials, raised over 1,000 dollars, and provided countless volunteer hours to the Navajo nation that was devastated by the pandemic. His continuous dedication to promote positive relationships between the military and local community is evident in his Wing Volunteer of the Year award 2020 and Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal 2021.

CDR Hoon Park is currently serving as the Associate Director of Diversity Outreach and Student Engagement at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy Admissions Division. Directs coordination, administration & management of CGA campus programs hosting over 8,000 visitors annually. He also managed the Academy Introduction Mission (AIM) program where 696 high school seniors virtually participated in a week-long program to help shape the next incoming class of 2025. The 2020 AIM program resulted in the most URM (underrepresented minority) with 48% and females with 49% in history. CDR Park’s prior tours include Assistant Cadet Training Officer at USCGA, Chief of Inspections Division at Sector Long Island in New Haven, CT, Coast Guard Liaison Officer at U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, NY, Marine Inspector at Sector New York, and finally, a deck watch officer onboard the USCGC ACUSHNET.

Chief Hofschneider is an outstanding leader that fosters a culture of diversity and inclusion. His inspirational leadership style combined with his commitment to others has created an environment for his diverse team to give their very best to achieve superior results. His deliberate and impactful commitment to mentoring others has resulted in unprecedented recruitment, qualifications, retention, advancement. and promotion amongst Coast Guard personnel throughout Asia and Pacific Islander Communities. Chier Hofschneider’s completely voluntary recruiting efforts have set the standard for increasing diversity throughout the Coast Guard with him recruiting well over 90 underrepresented minorities to apply for acceptance into the Coast Guard last year.