Service members, Congressmen, friends and families gathered Thursday in Washington, D.C., to celebrate the 2016 Military Times Service Members of the Year.

The winners, nominated by their peers, were recognized for exceptional achievement not only on the job, but also in their communities. In addition to a celebration on Capitol Hill, the service members each received a scholarship from Kaplan University, transferable to a spouse or college-age child.

"You remind us what is good and honorable about our nation," said Peter Lundquist, President and CEO of Sightline Media Group, the parent company of Military Times.

SOLDIER OF THE YEAR: CAPT. ZACHARIAH FIKE

Lt. Gen. Flora Darpino, the Army's 39th Judge Advocate General, presented Fike with his award.

"Taking care of soldiers never stops because we are soldiers for life," she told the crowd. "And as soldiers for life we take care of those who come before us."

Purple Hearts Reunited has been successful in returning more than 200 lost medals to veterans or their families. By April 2017, Fike, himself a Purple Heart recipient, hopes to return 100 World War I medals, in time for the war's 100th anniversary.

MARINE OF THE YEAR: GUNNERY SGT. BRIAN DOWNING

When he learned the living conditions his platoon was dealing with, Downing worked to renovate the building structure to meet the Marines' needs. Downing, enlisting the help of his Marines, repaired 90 barrack rooms, common areas and duty posts.

For this effort, Downing is noted as improving the quality of life for than 1,000 Marines.

Downing's own men have called him "the greatest mentor" and "a father figure." He'll soon be joining them on deployment. They are alread en route to the Mediterranean aboard the  amphibious assault ship Wasp.

SAILOR OF THE YEAR: HOSPITAL CORPSMAN 1ST CLASS SAMUEL JOHNSON

Jonhson, a member of Navy Environmental and Preventitve Medicine Unit 2 in Norfolk, Virginia, knew just how hard it was for veterans returning from tours overseas.

After having deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan four times over a 10-year career, Johnson found it difficult to readjust back at home.

Withdrawn and feeling alienated, Johnson found strength and camaraderie through Team Red, White & Blue, an organization that plans social and sports functions for the veteran community.

Johnson assumed a leadership position in the local chapter and grew the Hampton Roads chapter from a small to group to more than 1,200 members. 

"I don't think you could find anyone more humble about being a great human being," said Chief of Naval Personnel Adm. Bill Moran.

AIRMAN OF THE YEAR: STAFF SGT. CLIFFORD 'DYLAN' CRAWFORD

In April 2015, Crawford volunteered to assist rescue efforts in Nepal following two severe earthquakes that ravaged villages across the area.

A pararescueman from the 31st Rescue Squadron at Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan, Crawford dug out trapped civilians and evacuated them to a hospital via helicopter.

Over the course of three weeks, Crawford was responsible for saving the lives of 44 Nepalese people.

On May 12, 2015, Crawford was called to respond to a missing U.S. helicopter that contained U.S. Marines, Nepalese soldiers, and injured civilians. The wreckage was eventually discovered. Everyone on board was killed, and Crawford helped to recover their remains and bring them home.

COAST GUARDSMAN OF THE YEAR: LT. CMDR. MEGAN DREWNIAK

Drewniak is a role model for fellow Coast Guardsman even when she is not in uniform.

Responsible for creating Sector Miami's mentorship program and women's leadership program, she sought to support her fellow Coast Guard women in balancing their lives as mothers, wives, and service members.

Drewniak was also awarded this year's Coast Guard John G. Witherspoon Award for Inspirational Leadership.

"She is a person who exudes passion…confidence…[and] a love for their neighbor," said Vice Adm. Fred Midgette, the deputy commandant for operations.

Off-duty, Drewniak volunteered her time as a fitness instructor and encouraged her fellow members to take charge of their lives through exercise. She opened a free CrossFit gym on-base.

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