Chris elevated the stature of the DoD as a leading federal agency in bird conservation by crafting strategies and actions that worked. Through his tireless efforts, Chris raised awareness of DoD conservation successes nationally and internationally; most notably with respect to endangered, threatened and at-risk bird species protection and “keeping common birds common.” He got the word out via numerous presentations at professional meetings, many peer-reviewed and popular publications, and his active role on the PIF Federal Agency Committee and the national PIF Management Steering Committee; he served as chair on both. In recognition of his impact and influence, Chis became the first DoD recipient of the International PIF Leadership Award in 2002 for “Outstanding Contributions to Bird Conservation.”

Dennis Herbert characterizes the very best of an installation natural resources professional. He helped our unique challenges within the profession grow and become recognized as important in terms of Department of Defense natural resources conservation and law enforcement during his 33 years at Fort Hood. Times were very challenging when Dennis stepped into the role of taking care of natural resources on a military reservation in 1972. Today’s nationally recognized Fort Hood natural resources program reflects the significance of Dennis Herbert’s pioneering efforts.

Larry Adams’ leadership bridged the National Military Fish and Wildlife Association from the its early more turbulent days to a period of improved relations with the Department of Defense, improved financial stability, and a truly representative governance…. in short to becoming a full-fledged conservation association that was professionally and publicly recognized by other national conservation organizations.

Linton Swindell’s 43 years of government service at Fort Stewart/Hunter Army Airfield, Georgia were unparalleled with regard to natural resources program development and Defense-influencing advances for managing ecosystems, providing excellent opportunities for natural resources recreation, and sustaining and improving the training of our nation’s soldiers. He was the ultimate team builder and achiever of innovations not dreamed possible by most others.

Chester O. Martin’s expertise, knowledge, and wisdom have had wide-reaching effects on the development and implementation of wildlife and habitat management programs that achieve conservation goals of Defense lands in a compatible manner with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Corps and military missions on many installations. His perseverance, ability to work collaboratively with peers, and eagerness to take on challenges allowed him to successfully resolve numerous controversial issues. Techniques and guidelines that Chester and his associates developed improved the ability of natural resources managers to achieve conservation goals nationwide, particularly regarding bats and their management. His accessibility and tireless devotion to duty was widely recognized. A founding member of the National Military Fish and Wildlife Association, he served in many capacities, including President during 2003-2004.

Mr. Gene G. Stout, CWB, was a leader of natural resources professionals on military lands long before there was a National Military Fish and Wildlife Association. In 1983, Gene was a co-founder of the Association and became its first President. He published its first newsletter. He worked tirelessly to bring the Department of Defense conservation community together. In the 1980’s, and again in the 1990’s Gene fought to improve the Sikes Act. It was Gene that suggested the phrase “ensure no net loss of military mission capability,” although he allowed Defense Department staff to think it was their idea. For his lifetime of work to improve conservation management on military lands, Gene G. Stout is inducted as part of the class of 2016, into the NMFWA Hall of Fame.

Thomas L. Warren embodies the professional and personal leadership traits to sustain the highest caliber of training for our nation’s military forces while enhancing those lands and resources needed to support such use. His volunteer services to the National Military Fish and Wildlife Association from its inception are unparalleled as were similar services to the National Wildlife Federation and its affiliates, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, The Wildlife Society, and other organizations and agencies. His devotion, personal sacrifices, and conservation warrior legends are the epitome of our profession.

General Thomas D. White, Air Force Chief of Staff, 1957-1961, was a pioneer of military conservation. His truly remarkable appreciation for the importance of protecting and conserving the natural resources on military lands has had a lasting effect on the stewardship programs that followed him. Using his authority and persuasive talents as the highest ranking officer in the Air Force, he was able to initiate lasting changes in the way natural resources were managed on Air Force lands. Those accomplishments continue to influence positively the natural resources programs that are so conscientiously managed today by members of the National Military Fish and Wildlife Association.

​Dr. Laurence R. Jahn’s personal time, energy, and support were critical in attaining national recognition for the National Military Fish and Wildlife Association in conservation and political arenas. Larry Jahn encouraged us as individuals. He supported our installation programs. He helped us improve the Sikes Act. He believed in our Association and actively helped it mature. Larry Jahn was, in many ways, our Association mentor during critical times.

Christina Ramsey, Defense Deputy Director of Environmental Policy, had an immediate and lasting impact on DoD’s 900+ installations during 1982-91. She worked tirelessly to coordinate Defense natural resources policies and to form new partnerships with other agencies and organizations. She personally met and came to understand specific issues faced by installation professionals involved in conservation on DoD’s 24 million acres. She was a vital supporter of the National Military Fish and Wildlife Association. Chris left behind an era of unprecedented advances. Under Christina Ramsey it was a time when anything was possible.

​The Sikes Act may never have come into existence if not for the dedication and hard work of Congressman Robert Lee Fulton Sikes, the third ranking member of the U.S. Congress House Appropriations Committee and Chairman of the Military Construction Subcommittee. The first version of the Sikes Act was signed into law on September 15, 1960. The first reauthorization to carry his name came in 1964. The Sikes Act has become the cornerstone of all that conservation managers on military installations do. It now includes not only fish and wildlife recreational opportunities, but active management of all natural resources. The influence of this singular piece of legislation upon the responsibilities and authorities of Department of Defense natural resource professionals cannot be overstated. The Sikes Act has changed from a simple authorization to prepare Cooperative Agreements and Wildlife Management Plans into a mandated requirement for Integrated Natural Resource Management Plans.

The Wildlife Management Institute (WMI) invited the National Military Fish and Wildlife Association to meet with them in 1986 at the North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference, an important step in the development of our young Association that allowed us to attain recognition as a viable conservation entity. WMI supported us during the Sikes Act reauthorizations in 1986 and 1997. Our long battle with contracting out natural resources positions within the Department of Defense was fought with WMI at our side. We were the benefactors of their organizational skills as they coordinated and presented their annual conferences. The Wildlife Management Institute empowered the National Military Fish and Wildlife Association and played a major role in defining who we are today.

Public employees are a unique force working for environmental enforcement. In the ever-changing tide of political leadership, these front-line employees stand as defenders of the public interest within their agencies and as the first line of defense against the exploitation and pollution of our environment. Their unmatched technical knowledge, long-term service and proven experiences make these professionals a credible voice for meaningful reform. Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER) works nation-wide with government scientists, land managers, environmental law enforcement agents, field specialists and other resource professionals committed to responsible management of America’s public resources. Our constituency represents one of the most crucial and viable untapped resources in the conservation movement. PEER supports those who are courageous and idealistic enough to seek a higher standard of environmental ethics and scientific integrity within their agency.