Chief Petty Officer Joseph Hawthorne Named 2026 USO Sailor of the Year

The USO has recognized U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer Joseph Hawthorne as the 2026 USO Sailor of the Year. A native of New Boston, Hawthorne is one of seven elite service members selected for this honor, representing the highest levels of courage and dedication across the branches of the U.S. Military.

Heroism in Lithuania: The Mission That Defined a Career

Chief Petty Officer Hawthorne earned this prestigious recognition for his leadership during a high-stakes underwater recovery mission in Lithuania. When an armored vehicle became submerged, leaving four crew members missing, Hawthorne took charge of the operation to locate the vehicle and its crew. His leadership during this critical recovery effort highlighted the remarkable commitment to fellow service members that the USO seeks to honor.

The Selection Process for USO Service Members of the Year

The path to becoming a USO Service Member of the Year is rigorous. Honorees aren’t simply appointed; they’re nominated by their respective leadership commands. From those nominations, a USO committee makes the final selections based on extraordinary service and bravery.

According to USO CEO Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Michael Linnington, these awards highlight individuals who step in during critical moments for both civilians and fellow troops, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to protecting and serving others.

Meet the 2026 USO Service Members of the Year

Chief Petty Officer Hawthorne stands alongside six other distinguished individuals, each representing a different branch of the U.S. Military. The full list of 2026 honorees includes:

• Soldier of the Year: Captain Emily Malcom
• Sailor of the Year: Chief Petty Officer Joseph Hawthorne
• Marine of the Year: Lance Corporal Matthew Garcia
• Airman of the Year: Staff Sergeant Theodore Dudley
• Guardian of the Year: Master Sergeant David Gudgeon
• Coast Guardsman of the Year: Petty Officer Second Class Cody Dmochowski
• National Guardsman of the Year: Master Sergeant Jon Osterhout

Celebrating Excellence at the USO Gala

The achievements of these seven service members will be officially celebrated at the annual USO Gala. The event is scheduled for April 16 at The Anthem in Washington, D.C., where the military community will gather to honor their bravery and dedication.

Key Takeaways

• Honoree: Chief Petty Officer Joseph Hawthorne, a New Boston native.
• Achievement: Led a critical underwater recovery mission in Lithuania for a sunken armored vehicle and four missing crew members.
• Award: 2026 USO Sailor of the Year.
• Event: Honorees will be celebrated on April 16 at The Anthem in Washington, D.C.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was Joseph Hawthorne named Sailor of the Year?
He was recognized for leading a dangerous underwater recovery mission in Lithuania to locate a sunken armored vehicle and four missing crew members.

How are the USO Service Members of the Year chosen?
Service members are nominated by their leadership commands and the final selections are made by a dedicated USO committee.

Who are the other 2026 honorees?
The other winners include Captain Emily Malcom, Lance Corporal Matthew Garcia, Staff Sergeant Theodore Dudley, Master Sergeant David Gudgeon, Petty Officer Second Class Cody Dmochowski, and Master Sergeant Jon Osterhout.