Annual Awards
2025 UFAMA Awards
The University of Florida Association of Military Alumni recognized six military-affiliated alumni Nov. 21, 2025 for their contributions to the University of Florida and their communities during its 2025 annual awards banquet in Gainesville, Fla. The 2025 award recipients are:
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Service Member of the Year – Cmdr. James Walsh, U.S. Navy; Jacksonville, Fla.
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Veteran of the Year – Gregory Weiss; Jupiter, Fla.
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Reservist of the Year – Lt. Jamal Sowell, U.S. Navy Reserve; Orlando, Fla.
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Family Member of the Year – Melissa Campbell; Jacksonville, Fla.
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Dept. of War Civilian of the Year – David Koch; Albuquerque, N.M.
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Lifetime Achievement Award – Lt. Jamal Sowell, U.S. Navy Reserve
In addition, William “Bill” Emerson was inducted into the University of Florida Association of Military Alumni Hall of Fame as the inaugural recipient of the award in recognition of his distinguished military service and significant contributions to the University of Florida. Jake Emerson, Emerson’s grandson, accepted the award on his late grandfather’s behalf.
A 1946 graduate of the university, Emerson served as a Marine Corps combat pilot during World War II before embarking on a successful decades-long career in the financial services industry. During their lifetimes, he and his wife, Jane, became major benefactors of the University of Florida, to include gifting the Emerson Courtyard to the university’s business school. Their contributions to the university ultimately resulted in the construction of Emerson Alumni Hall. Emerson, who also served from 1990-1992 as the President of the University of Florida Foundation, passed away in 2017 at the age of ninety-five.
“The University of Florida Association of Military Alumni congratulates all of our 2025 award winners,” said retired Marine Corps Col. Curt Ebitz, UFAMA president. “A key purpose for our association is to recognize Gators who serve — to connect generations of military-affiliated alumni, including service members, family members, and the civilian professionals who support them — and to preserve the legacy of service that runs through the University of Florida’s history. In that regard, this year’s awards and hall of fame banquet was a great success.”
This is the second year of the annual UFAMA awards and hall of fame banquet, which was attended by approximately 140 military-affiliated alumni, family members, and their friends. University of Florida Athletics Department ambassador and renowned college football coach Steve Spurrier provided the keynote remarks for the event, and UF Air Force ROTC Det. 150’s Billy Mitchell Drill Team and Arnold Air Society provided ceremonial support.
Award Winner Profiles
CDR James “JB” Walsh, U.S. Navy
Jacksonville, Fla. | 2008 B.S. Exercise and Sports Sciences
James earned his Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sports Sciences from the University of Florida in 2008. During his time as a student at UF, he was a member of the UF Varsity Swim Team and competed in both the 2004 and 2008 Summer Olympics. He was also awarded UF’s Bill Harlan Spirit Award during his senior year – an award given to individuals who most exemplify a genuine commitment to the University of Florida Swimming Program. James is a lifetime member of UFAA and the Gator Splash Club.
Commissioned as a U.S. Navy officer in 2010, James currently serves as an active-duty flight surgeon for the U.S. Navy’s Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 40 in Jacksonville, Fla., where he oversees the medical readiness of more than 600 personnel, including over 120 pilots and student pilots.
Well known through the naval aviation community as a top performing flight surgeon who cares deeply about his patients, James continues to proudly represent the University of Florida through his proven track record of professional and academic excellence. In 2018, he was recognized as the Naval Air Force Atlantic (AIRLANT) flight surgeon of the year and Naval Hospital Jacksonville’s resident scholar of the year in 2021. James was also awarded first place in the 37th Annual Naval Medical Forces Atlantic Academic Research Competition in 2022 and received the Ashton Gabriel Award in 2023 for outstanding contributions to medical literature.
Gregory Weiss
Jupiter, Fla. | B.A. 1995 Political Science | 1998 Juris Doctorate
Greg earned his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Florida in 1995 and was commissioned through Army ROTC as a U.S. Army second lieutenant upon graduation. He is a lifetime UFAA member.
Greg was provided an educational delay to attend law school at the University of Florida College of Law immediately after graduation and received his Juris Doctor in 1998. After law school, he served on active duty from 1999-2005 in the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps. His military career included assignments with the 82nd Airborne Division, U.S. Army Forces Command, the Defense Language Institute, and as a legal advisor to U.S. Special Operations Command Pacific. Additionally, he deployed to Iraq for Operation Iraqi Freedom from February 2004 to February 2005, serving as the Chief of Military Justice for the U.S. Army 13th Corps Support Command. Following his deployment, he departed active duty and served in the Army National Guard for several years, obtaining the rank of Major.
In his civilian career, Greg has carried forward his dedication to veterans and the military. He has provided pro bono legal support to veterans’ families, including a landmark appeal that secured lifetime benefits for the widow of a Vietnam veteran affected by Agent Orange exposure. This case exemplifies Greg’s ongoing commitment to justice and advocacy for those who have served. His military service, combined with his legal expertise and continued support for veterans, underscores a career defined by service, leadership, and a deep respect for those who have worn the uniform.
Melissa Campbell
Jacksonville, Fla. | 2018 B.S. Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience
Melissa earned her Bachelor of Science in Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience from the University of Florida in 2018. During her time at UF as a student, she served as an Inclusive Fitness and Unified Sports (IFUS) Member (2014-2018), IFUS Committee Leader (2016-2018), and Gators for Haven Hospice Event Coordinator (2014-2017). Additionally, she was a member of the UF Psychology Club (2014-2016) and Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society (2018). Melissa was also an active member of the Emerald Coast Gator Club from 2018-2020.
Married to an active-duty U.S. Naval aviator, she has navigated the life of a military spouse with courage and purpose — three moves, two deployments, and countless moments where she chose to lift others up, even when the road wasn’t easy for her own family. She has been a steady hand behind the scenes — building support networks, encouraging other spouses, and helping them access important benefits and opportunities. Melissa is the kind of person who makes others stronger just by being in their corner.
True to form, when Melissa saw an opportunity to serve her alma mater and give back to University of Florida Association of Military Alumni, she didn’t wait to be asked. She volunteered to lead UFAMA’s social media efforts, and in just a few short months, has transformed how the organization connects with military-affiliated alumni. Her creativity, energy, and consistency have reignited engagement, reconnected alumni, and helped breathe new life into the UFAMA mission.
David Koch
Albuquerque, N.M. | 2009 B.S. Eastern Asian Languages and Literature
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David earned his Bachelor of Arts in Eastern Asian Languages and Literature from the University of Florida in 2009 and is a lifetime UFAA member.
From 1999 to 2004, David served on active-duty in the U.S. Air Force, to include an assignment in Japan as an F-16 crew chief. This experience sparked a deep appreciation for Japanese language and culture, ultimately leading him to UF to formally pursue those studies.
After graduating, David returned to Japan and began applying his education directly to service. He worked as a Japanese translator for U.S. Air Force contractors and personnel, bridging language and cultural gaps between the U.S. military and the local community. His ability to connect people, facilitate communication, and support mission readiness made an immediate impact.
Today, David serves at Kirtland Air Force Base as the Deputy Director for Force Support. His leadership, professionalism, and service have earned him recognition at the highest levels. He has recently been selected to start the Air Command Staff College Master’s Degree program, Executive Leadership Development Program, and Civilian Strategic Leadership Program. David is selfless, humble, and consistently places the well-being of others above his own. He exemplifies what it means to be a Florida Gator and a proud veteran.
LT Jamal Sowell, USNR
Orlando, Fla. | 2004 B.A. Religion
Jamal currently serves as a Lieutenant and Intelligence Officer in the United States Navy Reserve, where he has worked with SEAL Team 18 and a CENTCOM Reserve unit.
He is a lifelong Gator known for his signature bow ties, custom UF-themed suits, and unmistakable esprit de corps. He graduated from the University of Florida in 2004 with a Bachelor of Arts in Religion and later earned a law degree with a certificate in constitutional design from Indiana University Bloomington’s Maurer School of Law.
A third-generation military service member, Jamal comes from a proud lineage of service: his grandfather served in World War II, his father in Vietnam, and his brother in Iraq. In 2005 he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he served until 2011. Prior to his deployment in Operation Enduring Freedom–Afghanistan, he commissioned as an officer and completed his Marine Corps service as a Captain. He was also selected as a 2014 Pat Tillman Scholar.
His commitment to the University of Florida spans decades. As a student, he served as UF Student Body President (2004) and held leadership roles within the Florida Student Association. After graduating, he served as Assistant to UF President Bernie Machen and as UF Assistant Corporate Secretary during the same period. During his time in the President’s Cabinet, he assisted with the management of a multi-billion-dollar university budget and supported the oversight of more than 50,000 students across 16 colleges. In 2011, UF recognized him as an Outstanding Young Alumnus (40 Under 40). He also served on the University of Florida Alumni Association Board of Directors in 2018.
Jamal’s dedication to service extends beyond UF and the military. He was appointed by the Governor of Florida to the Florida Defense Support Commission, a legislatively mandated council committed to preserving, protecting, and enhancing Florida’s military missions and installations. He is a member of the American Legion and serves on the Board of Directors for Team Red, White & Blue – a nonprofit focused on promoting healthy lifestyles and meaningful connections among veterans.
His lifelong commitment to higher education—and his belief that accessible, equitable educational opportunities should be available to all—has shaped his professional path. This passion for expanding access and ensuring strong advocacy for all institutions at the governmental level ultimately led to his role at Florida A&M University as the Vice President of Government Relations. In that role he was an advocate for the institution’s priorities, and supported the president’s strategic vision across local, state, and federal arenas.
2024 Awards Ceremony
UFAMA's Annual Awards honor top alumni in the military community!
For our inaugural event, we gathered at Emerson Alumni Hall on November 15, 2024. We were honored to have Brandon Siler, Captain of the Florida Gators 2006 National Championship team and founder of Love4Vets, as our guest speaker.
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