The Naval War College (NWC) Monterey program for Joint Professional Military Education (JPME) recognized 17 graduates from its latest class earning academic honors for the 2020 Winter Quarter. Even though the usual ceremony was not possible given the distance learning environment this quarter, NWC at NPS Chair Fred Drake says the students’ collective performance is worthy of recognition. 

“Competition was keen,” he said. “Each graduate’s exceptional performance in the classroom and working with their peers significantly improved the educational experience for the entire class.”

Graduates earning “with Highest Distinction” honors by completing the JPME program in the top five percent of their class are Army Majs. Jared T. Helle and William T. Pitt; Marine Corps Maj. Benjamin A. Pimentel; and, Navy Lt. Evan K. Shorter.

Graduates earning “with Distinction” honors by completing the JPME program in the top 15 percent of their class are Army Majs. Sean Chang, Richard T. Hill, Riley McEvoy, Brandon P. Sirois, and Bradley W. Young; Army Capt. Welvin John Lucero; Navy Lt. Cmdr. Jacques A. Suyderhoud, Lts. Matthew G. Elliot, Darren A. Kurt, Juan Lopez, Evan Parrish, William J. Reinike; and, Marine Corps Capt. Patrick J. Gallagher. 

Through the NPS-NWC partnership, a total of 5,626 officers have earned their Joint Professional Military Education Phase I certification since the program’s inception in September 1999.