The Cardin - Bell - Del Valle Awards 

 About the Awards

Each year, the Marine Corps recognizes exceptional Marines from every community through Military Occupational Specialties-specific awards programs published via Marine Administrative Messages (MARADMINS) and sponsored by a variety of organizations. Marines from the infantry, logistics, aviation, communications, manpower, and other MOSs are honored for their contributions to mission success. 

The Marine Corps artillery community is long overdue for a similar program to recognize excellence from within our ranks.  
The wait is over - we now have that program!

Sponsored by the United States Field Artillery Association, the awards are presented annually by the Marine artillery community, the Marine Corps Artillery Community Awards Program (MCACAP) celebrates the very best Non-Commissioned Officers (NCO) (Cpl - Sgt), Staff Non-Commissioned Officers (SNCO) (Staff Sergeant - Gunnery Sergeant), and Company-Grade Officers (W-1 to W-3 and O-1 to O-3) in the Marine artillery and fire support community.

Named after three legendary Marine artillery leaders — the SSgt Louis F Cardin Award (NCOs), SSgt Vincent J. Bell Award (SNCO), and LtGen Pedro del Valle Award (officers) — the Marine Corps Artillery Community Awards will serve to recognize Marines whose leadership, tactical and technical expertise, and selfless devotion to their Marines and their profession embody the highest ideals of the Marine artillery and fire support.

Their names, service, and sacrifice remain a lasting example—honored at Arlington National Cemetery and carried forward by Marines and loved ones whose lives they profoundly shaped.

How You Can Support: 

Would you like to support this new endeavor and add your name or corporate logo to the legacy of this prestigious award program? Click below for corporate sponsorship packages, individual donation levels, information on paying by check, or contact information for invoicing. To donate via credit card or debit card, please use the fields below. 

Click here for Sponsorship Packages and Donation Information

*Select MCAP Awards at Check Out!

These awards establish a clear benchmark for leadership, technical excellence, and professional character, while strengthening esprit de corps across the Marine artillery community for years to come. The Marine Artillery Community Awards Program (MCACAP) was established to formally
recognize excellence among Marine artillery Noncommissioned Officers, Staff Noncommissioned Officers, and Company Grade Officers annually.

Using an annual MARADMIN, nominations originate from Marine artillery commanders and leaders, reinforcing shared professional standards across the Active Duty, Reserve, and supporting establishment and promoting the value of professional association that USFAA represents. Executing the MCACAP through USFAA guarantees a program that is credible, complimentary, enduring, community-owned, fiscally responsible, and professionally meaningful—advancing Marine artillery excellence and professional development.

Administered by the Commanding Officer, Marine Corps School of Artillery, Fort Sill, OK, specific submission requirements will be published via a MARADMIN calling message during Fall 2026.

Eligibility

Applicants for the SSgt Cardin Marine Artillery Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year Award must be actively serving in the ranks of Corporal - Sergeant (E-4 to E-5) at the time of nomination.

Applicants for the SSgt Bell Marine Artillery Staff Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year Award must be actively serving in the ranks of Staff Sergeant - Gunnery Sergeant (E-6 to E-7) at the time of nomination.

Applicants for the Marine Artillery Company-Grade Officer of the Year Award must be actively serving in the ranks of Warrant Officer (W-1 through W-3) and 2ndLt through Captain (O-1 through O-3) at the time of nomination.

Point of Contact

CWO5 James Vinup

Marine Corps School of Artillery

Fort Sill, OK

Phone: 520-671-9677

Email: james.e.vinup.mil@army.mil