United States Military Entrance Processing Command

10/22/2026

🏅26.2 miles. 3 hours, 15 minutes.

From taking the first steps toward a healthier life to crossing the finish line of the 2026 Chicago Marathon, USMEPCOM Command Paralegal Jesus Flores continues to show what’s possible when you refuse to give up. 💪

We previously shared how Flores transformed his life and discovered a passion for running that continues to push him toward new goals.
Read his story: https://www.mepcom.army.mil/Media/News/Article/4276144/no-excuses-how-flores-beat-the-odds-and-found-strength-in-the-struggle/

10/19/2026

Charlotte MEPS, 12th Battalion, USMEPCOM partnered with the Charlotte Police Department and Federal Protective Service for anti-terrorism familiarization training to strengthen security procedures and improve emergency preparedness.

This training is part of a broader security initiative to ensure personnel are prepared to protect applicants, military members and staff.

Through collaboration with local and federal partners, USMEPCOM remains committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment while carrying out its mission to process the next generation of America’s armed forces.

10/15/2026

Rain, Grit, and Teamwork: Meet the Inaugural MEPCOM Milers! 🏃‍♂️
This past weekend, Oct. 8-12, USMEPCOM’s inaugural running team, the MEPCOM Milers, landed in Washington, D.C. for the legendary Army Ten-Miler race weekend!

Despite some serious downpours, this incredible 8-person team showed exactly what military grit is all about. Not only did they tackle the elements, but every single team member crossed the finish line in under two hours! ⏱️

Beyond the race, the team spent a packed weekend in our Nation's capital building camaraderie, learning and representing USMEPCOM:

🏢 Embarked on a Pentagon Tour
🍽️ Shared lunch and strategic discussion with Dr. Katie Helland, Director of Accession Policy
🏛️ Visited the National Museum of the United States Army
🤝 Concluded the experience at the AUSA Convention

Let’s give a big shoutout to our inaugural team members who represented our HQ and MEPS across the country! They hope their dedication inspires even more of you to lace up your running shoes and join in next year.

The Inaugural MEPCOM Milers Roster:
• HQ: Command Sgt. Maj. Gary Krese, Master Sgt. Austin Edington, & Master Sgt. Lorena Pirela
• 1st BN: 1st Lt. Joyoung Kim (Omaha MEPS) & First Sgt. Paul Stavar Jr. (Des Moines MEPS)
• 2nd BN: Sgt. Gerald Weeks (Boston MEPS)
• 4th BN: 1st Sgt. Herbenson Duvelsaint (Albany MEPS)
• 9th BN: Petty Officer 2nd Class Jesse Humes (Amarillo MEPS)

10/13/2026

Happy 251st Birthday U.S. Navy! ⚓

Today, the USMEPCOM Ohana celebrates the Shipmates past and present who continue the Navy’s proud legacy.

Sailors gathered alongside fellow USMEPCOM members to celebrate 251 years of courage, commitment and sacrifice and honor the women and men who dedicated themselves to defending the nation.

To all Sailors serving throughout USMEPCOM and around the world: Thank you for your service and unwavering dedication. Here’s to 251 years of honoring tradition while shaping the future!

10/09/2026

“You probably couldn’t be a Marine.”

Eighteen years later, 1st Sgt. Rafael Cervantes Jr. is the senior enlisted advisor at St. Louis MEPS, 11th BN, US Military Entrance Processing Command, using the challenges he has overcome to help others recognize what they are capable of becoming.

After earning a Purple Heart in Afghanistan, Cervantes chose to remain in the Marine Corps. Today, he uses his experiences to mentor peers, encourage applicants and inspire young people on and off the soccer field.

Read more about his journey and the people he continues to influence:

In 2007, Rafael Cervantes Jr. walked into a Marine Corps recruiting office with a friend who had recently taken the Oath to serve. Simply running errands in California alongside his friend, he had no

10/06/2026

USMEPCOM wrapped up its 2026 Su***de Prevention and Awareness Month Push-Up Challenge!

During September, participants completed 17 push-ups each day – or modified the challenge based on their ability – as a visible reminder that every rep builds awareness, every
participant shows support and every connection matters.

Together, USMEPCOM logged an incredible 116,511 total push-ups!

🏆2026 Challenge Winners:
🥇Top Sector: Western Sector – 66,084
🥇Top Battalion: 3rd Battalion – 23,449
🥇Top MEPS: Denver MEPS – 11,111
🥇Top Civilian: Michael Turick, Springfield MEPS – 7,160
🥇Top Military Member: Lt. Ronny Comacho, Omaha MEPS – 5,480

10/01/2026

Karen Pane, director of the U.S. Army Civilian Human Resources Agency (CHRA), visited Chicago MEPS to learn more about the work that happens behind the scenes to prepare and evaluate applicants for military service.

During the visit, Pane and CHRA personnel toured medical, testing and processing sections, engaging with the civilian and military professionals who carry out each step of the accession process. She also was excited to administer the Oath of Enlistment to applicants taking the first step in their military careers.

09/30/2026

Last call for FY26 Processing!

Today we cross the finish line for FY26 processing. We want to extend gratitude to everyone who contributed to making this year a success for the mission. Your support and hard work have set us up for a wonderful FY27!

09/25/2026

Always happy to help a recruiting partner fill up their MEPS visit punch card! Rear Adm. Forrest Young, Commander, Navy Recruiting Command, visited headquarters and Charlotte MEPS, 12th Battalion, USMEPCOM this week. Engagements like these ensure USMEPCOM and our recruiting partners stay connected, share information and strengthen relationships. Looking forward to the next visit!

09/23/2026

Congratulations to USMEPCOM's 2026 Military Members and Civilian Employees of the Year! This year saw 18 finalists compete across six categories over two jam-packed days at headquarters in North Chicago.

The 2026 USMEPCOM Military Members of the Year are:
Company Grade Officer: Capt. Edward Fulk, Louisville MEPS, 8th BN, US Military Entrance Processing Command
Senior Enlisted Advisor: Master Chief Petty Officer Howard Williams, Memphis MEPS, 8th BN, Military Entrance Processing Command
Enlisted Member: Petty Officer 1st Class Khalil Hancock, Omaha MEPS, 1st BN, U.S. Military Entrance Processing Command

The 2026 Civilian Employees of the Year are:
GS-06 and below: Ms. Toriana Woodruff, Kansas City MEPS, 11th BN, US Military Entrance Processing Command
GS-07-09: Ms. Darnisha Holloway, J-6 Information Technology Directorate
GS- 10 and above: Dr. Victoria Weaver, Spokane MEPS, 5th BN, U.S. Military Entrance Processing Command

Full story here: https://www.mepcom.army.mil/Media/News-and-Press-Releases/Article-View/Article/4610005/honoring-excellence-usmepcom-crowns-outstanding-personnel-of-the-year/