Cal Guard’s U.S. Army Captain takes home prestigious General MacArthur Leadership Award

Story by Joseph Prouse
California National Guard Public Affairs

Sacramento, California
October 21, 2020

The award process begins with a nomination from a senior officer for personifying Gen. MacArthur's service pillars-- duty, honor, and country.

The 40th Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army, Gen. James C. McConville, presided over the ceremony this year and said, "these men and women are identified as our top leaders. "Less than .02% of eligible service members are nominated for this award, making it harder to earn this award than becoming a General Officer. "We can do it just as good as anyone else, and it feels good to represent for back home," said Valles. He was open about what it takes to earn this award. "It’s a holistic career approach that encompasses everything you have done since becoming an officer, and putting it into the duty, honor and country narrative.”

The award is a bust of Gen. Macarthur's head, weighing 13 pounds, but Valles expressed how it felt to hold it for the first time. “I can deadlift 300lbs, but that statue has some real weight. It felt heavy as I held it for the first time carrying it across the stage.” The total experience lasted three days in the D.C. area. The award winners got a chance to spend time getting to know each other and some high level leaders of the Department of Defense. “It was nice having lunch with the director of the Army and being around three-star generals just being social,” said Valles. Nominations are open now for next year’s eligible junior officers. Junior officers should be recommended by commanding field grade officers. Contact your local J1 or search out Army Regulation 600-89.