The International Military Affairs Committee (IMAC) and the Western Region Military Affairs Committee will award two (2) IMAC awards to Brothers that are military veterans. The those awards are:

Command Sergeant Major Cornell W. Gilmore I Award | Military Affairs Committee Member of the Year

The Command Sergeant Major Cornell W. Gilmore I Award is presented to a Brother of Ph Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. whose service and dedication within the Military Affairs Committee exemplifies the values of Brotherhood, Scholarship, and Service at the highest level.

It is reserved for those who have served at the chapter, state, regional, or international level within the Military Affairs Committee (MAC), this honor celebrates fraternal leadership that goes beyond duty — leadership that uplifts, unites, and leaves a legacy.

The award stands as a living tribute to a life cut short in combat, but one that will continue to teach us all — how to lead, how to serve, and how to live as a Sigma.

The Command Sergeant Major Cornell W. Gilmore I Award is not a recognition of pastaccomplishments alone — it is a celebration of the Sigma who stands ready to serve, uplift, and support. This award honors a brother of Phi Beta Sigma who has demonstrated

1. Distinguished military service in active duty, reserve, National Guard, ROTC, or as a veteran;
2. Leadership and excellence who gives selflessly to the cause of military advocacy and fraternal advancement within both military and fraternal spaces;
3. Service to humanity who checks on his Brothers first, who mentors young service members and brothers, aligned with the fraternity's principles of Brotherhood, Scholarship, and Service;
4. And commitment to the advancement of Sigma Military Affairs who upholds the mission of IMAC through integrity, commitment, and compassion at the local, regional or international level.

III. Eligibility

Nominees must:

1. Nominee must be a financial member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.
2. Must currently serve or have served on a Military Affairs Committee (Chapter, State, Region, or International).
3. Must demonstrate an enduring commitment to the strategic aims of the International Military Affairs Committee: Identification, Assistance, and Recognition.
4. Nominee should embody the spirit of mentorship, fraternity engagement, and servant-leadership demonstrated by CSM Gilmore.

Nomination Packet Must Include:

1. Official Nomination Form (provided by IMAC)
2. DD-214 or current active/reserve service record (verifying honorable service)
3. Personal Statement (1–2 pages): Explain your leadership, service, and embodiment of the legacy of CSM Gilmore
4. Letter of Recommendation from a Chapter President, Military Affairs Committee Chair, Regional Military Affairs Director, or IMAC representative
5. Optional: Impact Testimonial from a mentee, fellow Brother, or military/fraternal colleague
6. Evidence of MAC Engagement or Supporting Materials (e.g., program agendas, digital campaigns, outreach flyers, community partnerships, social media screenshots, etc.)

Submission Process:

1. All nominations must be submitted by a designated MAC official (Chapter Chair,RMAD, or IMAC designee).
2. A Submissions should be emailed electronically to the International Military Affairs Committee at [official IMAC email] no later than 60 days prior to the start of Conclave.
3. Incomplete or late packets will not be considered.

CSM Cornell W. Gilmore I Award Write-up
CMOY Awards Packet

Second Lieutenant Norwood C. Fairfax Award | Military Sigma Man of the Year

The Second Lieutenant Norwood C. Fairfax Military Sigma of the Year Award is the highest honor bestowed by the International Military Affairs Committee (IMAC) of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., to recognize and celebrate the exceptional service, leadership, and brotherhood of Sigma men who serve or have served in the Armed Forces of the United States.

This distinguished award is named in honor of 2LT Norwood C. Fairfax, a proud Sigma Brother, scholar, and trailblazing African American Army officer who made the ultimate sacrifice during World War I while serving in the 368th Infantry Regiment. As one of the first Black commissioned officers trained at Fort Des Moines, Iowa, Lieutenant Fairfax’s courage, character, and commitment to service remain a beacon of honor for generations of military men and fraternity brothers.

II. Award Significance

This award honors a brother of Phi Beta Sigma who has demonstrated

1. Distinguished military service in active duty, reserve, National Guard, ROTC, or as a veteran;
2. Leadership and excellence within both military and fraternal spaces;
3. Service to humanity aligned with the fraternity's principles of Brotherhood, Scholarship, and Service;
4. And commitment to the advancement of Sigma Military Affairs at the local, regional, or international level.

III. Eligibility

Nominees must:

1. Be a duly financial Brother of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.;
2. Have served or currently serve in any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces (Active Duty, Reserve, National Guard, ROTC, or Veteran);
3. Possess a verified service record with an Honorable Discharge (if no longer serving);
4. Not have received a Dishonorable, Bad Conduct, or Other Than Honorable discharge (based on DD Form 214 or current official service record).

Nomination Packet Must Include:

1. Official Nomination Form (provided by IMAC)
2. DD-214 or current active/reserve service record (verifying honorable service)
3. Personal Statement (1–2 pages): Describe your service, commitment to Brotherhood, and how you embody the legacy of 2LT Norwood C. Fairfax
4. Letter of Recommendation (from Chapter, Regional Military Affairs Director, or IMAC representative)
5. Optional: Impact Testimonial (from a mentee, fellow Brother, or supervisor)
6. Evidence of Engagement or Supporting Materials (e.g., service project photos,program fliers, news coverage, community letters)

Submission Process:

1. Regional Military Affairs Directors (RMADs) are responsible for submitting nomination packets to IMAC on behalf of their Regional Award Winner and/or Runner-Up.
2. All materials must be submitted electronically to the International Military Affairs Committee at [official IMAC email] no later than 60 days before Conclave.
3. Nominees will be scored using the approved Fairfax Award Rating Metrics by a designated panel of IMAC evaluators and Sigma military leadership.
4. Incomplete or late packets will not be considered

Second Lieutenant Norwood C. Fairfax Award Write-up
MSOY Awards Packet

Deadline Friday, June 27, 2025, to evaluate for Conclave Tampa Award Ceremony If you have any questions and or concerns please feel free to contact me at the number below.

Fraternally,

Bro. Perry Harris
Dir., of Military Affairs | WR

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