The National Guard Executive Directors’ Association is comprised of members from 54 state and territory associations that meet, network, and share best practices for the benefit of all Guard members across the nation. Our awards program is designed to draw attention to exceptional programs and individuals.
The Colonel James F. Gamble Award
Purpose
The COL James F. Gamble Award is established to recognize an individual who has demonstrated exemplary performance and dedication in support of the member states and activities.
Eligibility Criteria
1. Each NGEDA member is eligible to be nominated for the award provided he/she has been a member for a period of not less than two years at the time of nomination.
2. One (1) award will be presented annually.
Nomination
1. Each NGEDA member in good standing may nominate one individual annually who, in the member’s opinion, best meets the qualifications as stated in paragraph 1 above.
Scope
– Special awards received
– Outstanding individual achievements
– Exemplary contributions made
– Personal characteristics
Time Frame
1. Nominations will be submitted in letter form describing in detail the accomplishments and contributions of the individual being nominated.
Submission of supporting documentation is encouraged.
2. Nominations must be received by the NGEDA Secretary no later than 28 December each year. Presentation will be made at the annual NGEDA Conference.
3. The NGEDA Secretary will remind the states of the deadline for the COL James F. Gamble Award nominations and provide nomination criteria.
Selection
– The NGEDA President shall act as the chairperson and form the Selection Committee to select the recipient of the COL James F. Gamble Award.
– Members of the committee shall include but not be limited to the following officers of NGEDA- First Vice President, Second Vice President, and the Secretary/Treasurer.
Communications Award
Purpose
The NGEDA Communications Award aims to recognize outstanding achievements in communications
that have significantly contributed to advancing the mission and vision of National Guard Associations.
This award celebrates innovation, effectiveness, and excellence in communications strategies and
practices.
Eligibility Criteria
1. The award is open to all National Guard Associations in each state, commonwealth, territory, and the District of Columbia who are members of NGEDA.
2. The communications work under consideration must be conducted between October – September of each year.
Scope
Eligible submissions include, but are not limited to, campaigns, digital communications,
publications, media relations, and social media initiatives.
Selection
– The NGEDA President shall act as the chairperson and form the Selection Committee to select the recipient of the Communications Award.
– Members of the committee shall include but not be limited to the following officers of NGEDA: First Vice President, Second Vice President, and the Secretary/Treasurer.
State Association Industry Program Award (SAIPA)
Purpose
The National Guard Executive Directors Association (NGEDA) State Association Industry Program
Award (SAIPA) is an annual award recognizing a state National Guard association that demonstrates
exceptional commitment to fostering relationships with industry and corporate partners. The award
highlights exemplary practices in corporate engagement, innovation, and support for industry and
state National Guard relationships.
Eligibility Criteria
• Open to all state National Guard associations who are active members of NGEDA.
• Associations must have conducted activities or initiatives to build or maintain partnerships
with industry within the calendar year.
• Award recipients can receive only one award in three consecutive years.
Scope
CAP will evaluate applications and nominations based on the following criteria:
1. Innovation in Partnership Development:
o Demonstrated creativity in creating or enhancing industry/corporate partner
programs.
o Introduction of new initiatives or strategies to strengthen partnerships.
2. Sustainability and Growth of Industry Relationships:
o Demonstrated commitment to maintaining and expanding industry relationships.
o Increase in the number of corporate partners or enhancement of existing
partnerships.
3. Engagement with Industry at Conferences or Events:
o Hosting impactful annual conferences or other events with active industry
participation.
o Development of exhibit halls, sponsorship programs, or other mechanisms to
facilitate industry involvement.
o Feedback or testimonials from corporate partners about their experience and value
derived from these engagements.
4. Alignment with National Guard Values:
o Adherence to values of service, readiness, and support for National Guard members.
o Inclusion of diverse industries and sectors that enhance overall Guard capabilities.
5. Achievement Documentation:
o Submission of supporting materials, including reports, event summaries, or
testimonials from industry partners.
o Quantifiable outcomes such as funds raised, partnerships formed, or specific Guard
initiatives supported.
Selection
1. CAP will review all submissions and score them against the evaluation criteria.
2. Finalists may be asked to provide additional information or participate in an interview.
3. CAP will generate a score sheet for all states nominated for the award in reference to the
evaluation criteria.
4. Score sheets will be presented to the NGEDA Awards Committee to be tallied and validated.
5. In the event of a tie, the score sheets of the states that are tied will be presented to CAP to
revote and break the tie.
6. The score sheets from the states that tied will be returned to the NGEDA Awards Committee
for final results.