Marines Awarded NAM For Decisive Action On MBW
by U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Lauri Schleicher
September 15, 2026 Five Guard Company Marines assigned to Marine Barracks Washington (MBW) were recognized for their disciplined and decisive response after an armed individual pointed a weapon toward a guard post outside the installation. Lance Cpl. Joshua Aikman, Lance Cpl. Anthony Verastegui, Lance Cpl. Caden Phillips, Lance Cpl. Logan Carpenter, and Cpl. Ian Caudy relied on their training, one another and the standards expected of Marines to quickly respond, communicate and gain control of the situation while protecting the Barracks and surrounding community. Their actions reflected the discipline required to perform under pressure and the steady character that allows Marines to exercise sound judgment when circumstances vary from the plan. 
September 3, 2026 - U.S. Marines (LCpl. Joshua Aikman, LCpl. Anthony Verastegui, LCpl. Caden Phillips, LCpl. Logan Carpenter, and Cpl. Ian Caudy) with Guard Company, Marine Barracks Washington proudly stand with Sgt. Maj. Juan P. Segura, sergeant major, Marine Barracks Washington, left, and Col. Jason Copeland, commanding officer of Marine Barracks Washington, right, after receiving the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (NAM) at Marine Barracks Washington, D.C. The Marines were awarded for their decisive actions as part of a reaction team that safely neutralized an armed threat on the installation. (Image created by USA Patriotism! from U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Brynn L. Bouchard.)
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“There wasn’t time to think about anything except what we had been trained to do,” Aikman said. “Everyone knew their responsibility, communicated and stayed composed. The goal was to control the situation without anyone getting hurt. Trusting the Marine to your left and right goes a long way in a real-world situation like this.”
Col. Jason C. Copeland, commanding officer of Marine Barracks Washington, presented the five Marines with Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals in recognition of their actions. The awards recognized the Marines’ actions as well as the preparation, control, and trust that enabled them to act with composure when it mattered.
Aikman’s parents, Rhonda and Kevin Aikman, traveled from Louisiana to attend the ceremony, underscoring the role Marine families play in the development and success of the force. “Recognizing deserving Marines is one of the greatest honors we have as officers,” Copeland said. "Families entrust their sons and daughters to the Marine Corps, and us by extension. With that comes the responsibility to care for them, develop them and set them up for success. We couldn’t accomplish our mission without the families who support them.”
The Marines’ response demonstrated how disciplined training, resilient minds, and trust among teammates has cultivated a legacy of honor. Whether safeguarding the “Oldest Post of the Corps,” or preparing to return to the Fleet Marine Force, 8th & I Marines remain steadfast in how they represent the Marine Corps when the Nation calls. U.S. Marine Corps | The U.S. Marines | More Heroes Honoring The Fallen | Don't Weep For Me | Remember The Fallen | Tears For Your Fallen | Our Wounded Our Heroes, America's Best | America's Greatest Heroes | Uncommon Valor Our Valiant Troops | I Am The One | Brave Young | Answering The Call Brave Blue Veterans | Citizens Like Us | Vietnam War Veterans | Spouses Serve Too Americans | We The People | Answering The Call | One Nation Under God | Give Thanks Love and Pride of USA | National Will | God and Country | America, My Home! | |
