The president of the United States recently presented the Meritorious Service Medal to Major Benjamin J. Fiala, United States Marine Corps.
Fiala was instrumental in transforming thinking about aircraft and aircrew readiness and readiness reporting across the Marine Corps. Fiala alone conveyed aviation’s specific efforts to link dollars and readiness. He developed in-depth knowledge of the readiness system and understanding of key factors which uniquely impact each community. He wrote and edited aviation’s readiness narrative for congressional testimony, personally engaged congressional staff and the Government Accountability Office and briefed constantly on high complex issues.
During dynamic budgets and restructuring, Fiala’s superior leadership, knowledge and personal commitment resulted in billions in readiness funding being added to the naval aviation accounts, increasing the combat effectiveness of the Marine Corps. Fiala’s exceptional ability, steadfast initiative and total dedication to duty reflected great credit on the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.
