GEICO is proudly honoring seven members of the United States military with its 2024 GEICO Military Service Awards. These awards commemorate the immeasurable sacrifices, unwavering dedication, and invaluable contributions of enlisted service members.
GEICO’s Military Service Awards, which have recognized members of the U.S. military since 1988, not only acknowledge the distinguished leadership commitment these individuals exemplify while in uniform, but also highlight the profound and lasting impact they make as engaged citizens who strengthen their local communities. Through their continued service and leadership, both in the military and beyond, these seven awardees embody the spirit of selflessness and patriotism that epitomizes our nation's armed forces.
“More than 80 years ago, GEICO began as an insurance company to help protect military members and government employees,” said Lona Montgomery, GEICO’s head of agency operations. “Military members were among our company’s first customers, and they trusted our vision to provide ease and peace of mind. In all these decades, we’ve never strayed from our mission to support our service members, and the GEICO Military Service Awards bring us a special opportunity to honor those who have given so much of themselves to serve our country.”
The 2024 GEICO Military Service Award recipients are:
Specialist Kamili S. Francis—United States Army
Specialist Francis founded By Any Means: Advocacy Association, a nonprofit that advocates for mental health awareness in school communities comprised of students with different backgrounds. Through her nonprofit, Specialist Francis hosts communal events and classes in an effort to ensure students have access to therapy and educational resources.
Beyond her nonprofit, Specialist Francis volunteers with Open Word Christian Ministries, supporting clothing donation drives and holiday food and toy drives. She also volunteers her talent to provide web-design, video editing, photography, project management and event planning services for the South Fulton Arrow Youth Council.
Staff Sergeant Johnny P. Rodriguez—United States Army
When off duty, Staff Sergeant Rodriguez volunteers with the Los Angeles County Sheriff Department’s Vital Interventions and Directional Alternatives (VIDA) program where he devotes time to supporting at-risk teens by helping them to develop discipline and healthy coping skills. He provides additional instruction to adolescents on physical training and life skills to help set them up for success as adults.
Staff Sergeant Rodriguez is regularly lauded for making a positive impact on young lives through his motivation, patience and empathy.
Sergeant Malika H. Haines—United States Marine Corps
Sergeant Haines strives to make a positive impact in her local community through volunteering at many different causes and events. She spends time supporting local sports at both the high school and youth levels, organizing wrestling tournaments at her high school and also coaching tee ball and soccer for a children’s sports league.
Sergeant Haines’ passions stretch beyond sports to the animal community. She has volunteered with Adoption First Animal Rescue in Jacksonville, N.C., hosting adoption events and caring for animals in the shelter.
While on duty, Sergeant Haines serves as a unit readiness officer. As part of her responsibilities, she coordinated 19 Adopt-A-School events and recruited more than 250 fellow Marines and civilian volunteers to participate.
Sergeant Haines oversees auditing and payment of defense travel system vouchers for the Marines, and as the training non-commissioned officer for her unit, she ensures Marines are completing essential training requirements to excel and get promoted to higher ranks.
Religious Program Specialist Petty Officer First Class Nancy Guillermo—United States Navy
Religious Program Specialist Petty Officer First Class Guillermo’s volunteer efforts have made a lasting impact both at home and abroad. While deployed in the eastern Mediterranean region, she led four community service events to assist adults with disabilities at a care facility in Cyprus. Also, while in Cyprus, Religious Program Specialist Petty Officer First Class Guillermo led an event with 300 students at an international school that taught them about medical professions and military specialties.
During her Mediterranean deployment, Religious Program Specialist Petty Officer First Class Guillermo joined fellow sailors to weave handmade soccer nets for underprivileged teens in Crete. She has also enriched the lives of military families by leading tours through ancient Ephesus and hiking trips on some of the area’s most picturesque trails.
While at home, Religious Program Specialist Petty Officer First Class Guillermo recruits volunteers to help out at a local humane society by training animals and preparing them for adoption into forever homes.
Senior Airman Khalil M. Monroe—United States Air Force
Senior Airman Monroe serves as the Air Force Sergeants Association Activities lead, prioritizing the well-being and morale of his fellow airmen. He has hosted several morale events at his Air Force Base and oversaw a multi-million-dollar renovation of an on-base housing facility.
His efforts have made a profound impact in the local community as well, where he coordinated to have more than 16 tons of food distributed to help some 230 families.
Senior Airman Monroe also supports high school sports around Austin and San Antonio, Texas, most notably, he managed a multi-day track event that brought together more than 500 high school athletes on 17 track teams to compete. This event raised nearly $10,000 for the school program that served as the host.
While on duty, Senior Airman Monroe’s work has helped the Air Force make significant efficiency gains in processing service separations and other orders. The Air Force has saved more than 10,000 work hours and several million dollars thanks to his contributions.
Master Sergeant Durand T. Talley—United States Space Force
Master Sergeant Talley spends time helping children both in the classroom and on the field. He developed specialized science and math lessons for elementary school students who are part of a gifted learning program. He also brought his love of science to his local community, where he assisted in organizing a fundraiser for a local children’s science and technology museum.
Outside the classroom, Master Sergeant Talley adds “coach” to his title, volunteering at basketball and baseball camps, where he teaches children the fundamentals of sports and instills in them a lifelong love for health and fitness.
While on duty, Master Sergeant Talley served as a curriculum developer, leading a team who authored more than 300 hours of lessons for basic training. He also led a special duty hiring process in collaboration with Space Force headquarters to recruit personnel for the honor guard.
First Class Petty Officer Braxton L. Beaver—United States Coast Guard
First Class Petty Officer Beaver devotes time to making a positive impact on elementary school students. He serves as an academic mentor at the Sigsbee Charter School in Key West, Fla., where he volunteers by reading to some of the school’s youngest students. He also helps these students discover the marine world around them by taking them on fishing excursions.
First Class Petty Officer Beaver’s work stretches outside the classroom to the sports field, where he volunteers as a girl’s youth soccer coach. He focuses on teaching discipline, teamwork, resilience and leadership.
While on duty, First Class Petty Officer Beaver excels at rescuing individuals from unseaworthy watercrafts. He was also recognized for his leadership when he led a crew to protect a Coast Guard cutter under threat from unexpected storm surge.
About GEICO
GEICO (Government Employees Insurance Company), the third-largest auto insurer in the U.S., was founded in 1936 and insures vehicles in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. GEICO, a member of the Berkshire Hathaway family of companies, constantly strives to make lives better by protecting people against unexpected events while saving them money and providing an outstanding customer experience. Along with personal auto insurance, commercial auto and personal umbrella coverages are also available. Homeowners, renters, condo, flood, identity theft, term life, and more coverages are written through non-affiliated insurance companies and are secured through the GEICO Insurance Agency, LLC. Visit GEICO.com for a quote or to learn more.
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