U.S. Navy:

The Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance (MDAA) honored Fire Controlman (Aegis) First Class Mario Amaro as the Navy recipient of the Missile Defender of the Year award during an annual banquet honoring the best missile defense Soldier, Sailor, Airman and National Guard member for their outstanding efforts in Alexandria Va., Jan. 10.

“I am overwhelmed to be here this evening. I am just a Sailor doing my job. I am honored to receive this award, and do so on behalf of all the Sailors who are in harm’s way, working tirelessly as part of a team that will keep our country and our allies safe,” said Amaro. “I am just one person; it takes all of us, together, to get the job done.”

Vice Adm. James Kilby, deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Warfighting Requirements and Capabilities, and Riki Ellison, Chairman and Founder of MDAA, presented the Navy’s ‘Missile Defender of the Year’ award to Amaro. Army Capt. Cody Williams, Air Force Capt. Nolan Hebein, and Army National Guard Capt. Eric Grant were recipients of their respective service’s Missile Defender of the Year award.

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