Georgia Guard Officer Wins MacArthur Award

ARLINGTON, Va. - Seven Army National Guard officers received the General Douglas MacArthur Leadership Award Oct. 27 for their commitment to MacArthur's ideals of duty, honor and country.

"These outstanding officers embody the leadership principles and values that General MacArthur championed throughout his career," said Lt. Gen. Jon Stubbs, director of the Army National Guard. "Keep setting the standard, taking care of Soldiers and leading from the front."

The MacArthur award recognizes company-grade officers who demonstrate the ideals of duty, honor and country, while promoting and sustaining competent junior officer leadership across the Army, according to the Army Regulation governing the award.

The awardees are Capt. Zachary J. Valiton, Ohio National Guard; Capt. Samuel C. Turner, South Carolina National Guard; Capt. James M. Hagerott, Maryland National Guard; Capt. Cody M. Woiwood, Iowa National Guard; Capt. Joseph C. Gillham, Nebraska National Guard; Capt. Paul J. Hew, Georgia National Guard; and Chief Warrant Officer 2 Ethan R. Connor, Illinois National Guard.

Hew, a logistics officer and commander of the 1160th Transportation Company, was selected after demonstrating exceptional performance in leadership, influence, proficiency, values, team building and personal skills. Only two other Georgia Guardsmen have earned the award in the last 25 years.

Major Gen. Richard D. Wilson, the adjutant general of the Georgia National Guard, formally nominated Hew, noting that his steadfast leadership has permeated throughout the state formation. Lt. Col. Michael L. Williams Jr., commanding officer of the 265th Chemical Battalion at the time of Hew's nomination, echoed Wilson's endorsement.

"Capt. Paul Hew exemplifies exceptional leadership as an officer," Williams wrote in his endorsement. "He has made a profound impact on the organization's culture, significantly enhancing training proficiency."

Under Hew's command, the 1160th Transportation Company achieved 100% of its retention goals in fiscal year 2024 and was recognized for significantly improving training expertise through a comprehensive professional development program. Additionally, Hew successfully coordinated with the Georgia Facility Maintenance Shop to establish an offsite maintenance facility at his local armory, which rapidly enhanced equipment readiness for critical company-level training.

Throughout the last half-decade, Hew also excelled in several brigade staff roles. As a lead battle captain for Homeland Response Force operations, he managed a 160-person command and control element and improved overall readiness for the 201st Regional Support Group while serving in the personnel section.

He also volunteered to lead a team supporting the 2020 presidential inauguration in Washington, D.C. and is a previous recipient of the Terrell T. Reddick Leadership Award.