Bill Pearson Lifetime Achievement Award
This award is established in honor of the lifetime achievements of Bill Pearson, Deputy Under Secretary for Benefits, Veterans Benefit Administration, recognizing his dedication to improving the quality of service for veterans receiving educational benefits.
The award celebrates individuals who have made exceptional contributions through active and constructive participation in veterans' organizations, embodying the deep commitment and care for veterans exemplified by Mr. Bill Pearson. It is presented to a supporter of the Western Association of Veterans Education Specialists (WAVES) who has demonstrated sustained vision, service, and/or leadership within Veteran Education Services over an extended period.
Diana Davis Service Award
About:
This award is established in loving memory of Diana Davis, Supervisor of Education Compliance Survey Specialists at the Department of Veterans Affairs. Diana exemplified unwavering dedication to serving others, inspiring individuals to uphold the highest standards of service. Her profound commitment to active military members, veterans, and their families serves as a lasting legacy.
The award is presented to a Western Association of Veterans Education Specialists (WAVES) partner who has demonstrated sustained vision, exceptional service, and/or impactful leadership toward WAVES over an extended period.
John Murray Education Award
About:
The John Murray Education Award was established to honor the late John Murray of the Washington State Approving Agency for his decades of service, leadership, and unwavering advocacy for veterans in education. His legacy continues to inspire excellence and dedication among those who serve our nation’s military-affiliated students.
This $500 award recognizes outstanding military-affiliated students and trainees at WAVES member institutions who demonstrate exceptional commitment to their educational or training goals and meaningful service to their communities.
One award will be presented in each of the following categories:
- Institution of Higher Learning (IHL) programs
- Non-College Degree (NCD) programs
- On-the-Job Training (OJT) / Apprenticeship programs
WAVES Service Awards
2025
Recipients:
- Shane Ferrebee
- Desiree Butts
- Evelyn Andrews
Recipient:
- Firdaus Yusuf
Recipients:
- Ariel Williams
- Blason Taon
- Chelsea McElroy
2024
Recipients:
- Rose Tarazi
- Maria Padilla
- Ron Felix
Recipients:
- Joshua C. Garcia
- Jason T. Garcia
Recipients:
- Cheryl Iannello
- Jose Esparaza
- Melissa Barber
2023
Recipients:
- Ariel Williams
- Anna Hayman
Recipients:
- Cindy Watts
- Krista Nagao
- Tracy Copeland
Recipient:
- Gloria Kaufman
2022
Recipients:
- Cindy Watts
- Paula Barnes
Recipient:
- Jared Lyon
2021
Recipient:
- Jim Jones
Recipients:
- Cindy Watts
- Tracy Copeland
- Paula Barnes
Recipients:
- Bart Culver
- Vanessa Weber
- Charmain Bogue
2019
Recipients:
- Vannessa Weber
- Ralph Willingham
Recipient:
- Krista Nagao
Recipients:
- Michelle Nelson
- Laura Bach
- Donnie Prince
2018
Recipients:
- Deborah Crosby
- Terry Cahill
- Laura Bach
Recipients:
- Vanessa Quinones
- Bradley Barnes
Recipients:
- Suzanne Swafford
- Chris Rauschenbach
- Bernice Flett
- Terina Castero
2017
Recipients:
- Cindy Watts
- Cheri Norman
- Judy Galluzzi
- Aliki Escoe
Recipients:
- Joe Mercer
- Debra Crosby
Recipients:
- Sherry Scott
- Tammy Micallef
- Rod Davis
2016
Recipients:
- Vicki Henson
- Paula Barnes
- Michael Ball
Recipients:
- Cindy Watts
- Sheila White
- Veronica Griego
Recipients:
- Curtis Coy
- Terry Cahill
2015
Recipients:
- Michelle Nelson
- Annabelle Smith
- Michael Marks
- Family of Diana Davis
Recipients:
- Derrick Weddle
- Catherine Orozco-Christmas
Recipients:
- Terry Howell
- Joseph W. Wescott II
- Debra Crosby
2014
Recipients:
- Robert M. Worley II
- Debra Crosby
Recipients:
- Timothy Wheeler
- Ronnie White
- Diana Davis
2013
Recipients:
- Arlene Barnes
- Rose Bremenkamp
Recipients:
- Phyllis Curtis
- R.K. Williams
- Ralph Willingham
2012
Recipients:
- Steven W. Robinson
- Sally Thomas
Recipients:
- Noel A. Ysasi
- Sarah E. Minnis
- Chuck Rice
- Lane Anderson
2011
Recipient:
- Annabelle Smith
Recipient:
- Cindy Watts
2010
Recipient:
- Gail Reese
- Cindy Watts
Recipients:
- Mary Ann McMullen
- Fernando (“Fuzzy”) X. Conejo
2009
Recipient:
- Jesse Dillingham
Recipients:
- Sharon Maggard
- Michael Marks
- Danny Stewart
2008
Recipient:
- Michael Marks
- Sharon Maggard
Recipients:
- Robert (Bob) Craig
- William (BJ) Johnson
- John W. Westerbeck
2007
Recipient:
- Kecia Siegel
Recipients:
- Jerry Bates
- Tracy Copeland
- Michael J. Ball
2006
Recipients:
- Vicki Henson
- Tracy Copeland
Recipients:
- Loma Brannon
- Bill Fillman
- Flora D. Guevara
2005
Recipients:
- Jo Ann Hanley
- Valerie Vigil
Recipients:
- Bob Klaassen
- Dennis Douglass
- Donnie Sawyer
2004
Recipients:
- Bob Klaassen
- Roger Perkins
Recipients:
- Paula Barnes
- Michael Seymour
2003
Recipient:
- Paula Barnes
Recipients:
- Vicki Henson
- Hampton Fox
- John Connolloy
- J.D. Dillingham
- Valerie Vigil
2002
Recipients:
- Valerie Vigil
- Carol Hathaway-Pitts
Recipients:
- Aileen Moore
- Luanne Davis
2001
Recipient:
- Luanne Davis
Recipients:
- Annabelle Smith
- Lance Thompson
- Francie Wright
2000
Recipients:
- Celia Dollarhide
- Kay Krasovetz
- Dick Jennings
- Bill Pearson