Association Honors Amy Forsythe, Chas Henry with Dickson, Denig Awards

QUANTICO, Va. -- The U.S. Marine Corps Combat Correspondents Association (USMCCCA) presented two distinguished members with the Association’s highest honors, recognizing their exceptional contributions, steadfast leadership, and unwavering commitment to the organization and to Marine Corps storytelling.

Amy Forsythe received the Donald L. Dickson Memorial Award, honoring her decades of dedicated service, excellence in communication, and enduring support to the Association and its members.

"Receiving the Dickson Award from the U.S. Marine Corps Combat Correspondents Association is especially meaningful because it comes from the community that shaped me as a storyteller," said Marine veteran, author, and retired Lt. Cmdr. Amy Forsythe, who previously served on the USMCCCA Board of Directors from 2012–2025. "This award represents where my journey began and reminds me why, after all these years, I still believe so deeply in the power and responsibility of telling the stories of those who serve."

Chas Henry received the Brig. Gen. Robert L. Denig Sr. Memorial Distinguished Service Award for his significant contributions to the Marine Corps’ ideals, traditions, and achievements by authoring Fuji Fire: Sifting Ashes of a Forgotten U.S. Marine Corps Tragedy.

"Meeting Marines and Sailors who faced our Corps’ worst‑ever peacetime disaster, and having had the opportunity to tell their neglected story, has proved the most meaningful experience of my professional life," said retired Capt. Chas Henry, the USMCCCA’s first Lifetime Member. "As General Denig’s great achievement was ensuring that the nation would know more about its Marines, receiving this award bearing his name means the world to me. I am deeply grateful."

Forsythe and Henry received their awards during the USMCCCA’s annual banquet, held at the Clubs at Quantico on Aug. 4, 2026, where members, supporters, and guests gathered to celebrate the achievements and legacy of Marine communicators. The ceremony was further distinguished by the presence of Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Carlos A. Ruiz, who served as the evening’s esteemed Guest of Honor.

During the event, Association leaders highlighted the vital role Marine communicators play in preserving history, strengthening public understanding, and honoring the service of Marines around the world.

The USMCCCA Board of Directors extends its congratulations to this year’s award recipients and expresses gratitude for their continued dedication to the Association’s mission: to support, recognize, and advance Marine Corps communicators past and present.

For more photos from the event, visit the Association's official Facebook page.

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