WASHINGTON, D.C. -- WASHINGTON — Five Guard Company Marines assigned to Marine Barracks Washington were recognized for their disciplined and decisive response after an armed individual pointed a weapon toward a guard post outside the installation.
Guard Marines Recognized for Composure, Decisive Action at 8th & I
Photo by Cpl. Brynn Bouchard
U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Ian L. Caudy, a rifleman with Guard Company, Marine Barracks Washington, shakes hands with Col. Jason Copeland, commanding officer of Marine Barracks Washington, left, after receiving the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal during an award ceremony at Marine Barracks Washington D.C., Sept. 3, 2026. Caudy was awarded for his decisive actions as part of a reaction team that safely neutralized an armed threat on the installation. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Brynn L. Bouchard)
Lance Cpl. Joshua Aikman, Lance Cpl. Anthony Verastegui, Lance Cpl. Caden Phillips, Lance Cpl. Logan Carpenter, and Cpl. Ian Caudy relied on their training, one another and the standards expected of Marines to quickly respond, communicate and gain control of the situation while protecting the Barracks and surrounding community. Their actions reflected the discipline required to perform under pressure and the steady character that allows Marines to exercise sound judgement when circumstances vary from the plan.
Guard Marines Recognized for Composure, Decisive Action at 8th & I
Photo by Cpl. Brynn Bouchard
U.S. Marines with Guard Company, Marine Barracks Washington pose for a photo with Sgt. Maj. Juan P. Segura, sergeant major, Marine Barracks Washington, left, and Col. Jason Copeland, commanding officer of Marine Barracks Washington, right, after an award ceremony at Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., Sept. 3, 2026. The Marines were awarded for their decisive actions as part of a reaction team that safely neutralized an armed threat on the installation. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Brynn L. Bouchard)
“There wasn’t time to think about anything except what we had been trained to do,” Aikman said. “Everyone knew their responsibility, communicated and stayed composed. The goal was to control the situation without anyone getting hurt. Trusting the Marine to your left and right goes a long way in a real-world situation like this.”
Guard Marines Recognized for Composure, Decisive Action at 8th & I
Photo by Cpl. Brynn Bouchard
U.S. Marines with 1st Platoon, Guard Company, Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., pose for a group photo at Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., Sept. 3, 2026. The platoon gathered to recognize Marines who were awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for their decisive actions as part of a reaction team that safely neutralized an armed threat on the installation. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Brynn L. Bouchard)
Col. Jason C. Copeland, commanding officer of Marine Barracks Washington, presented the five Marines with Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals in recognition of their actions. The awards recognized the Marines’ actions as well as the preparation, control, and trust that enabled them to act with composure when it mattered.
Marine Barracks Washington Guard Marines Awarded for Decisive Action at 8th & I
Photo by Cpl. Brynn L. Bouchard
U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Joshua Aikman, a rifleman with Guard Company, Marine Barracks Washington, center, with his father, Kevin Aikman, left, and step-mother, Rhonda Aikman, right, pose for a photo after receiving the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal during an award ceremony at Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., Sept. 3, 2026. The Marines were awarded for their decisive actions as part of a reaction team that safely neutralized an armed threat on the installation. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Brynn L. Bouchard)
Aikman’s parents, Rhonda and Kevin Aikman, traveled from Louisiana to attend the ceremony, underscoring the role Marine families play in the development and success of the force. “Recognizing deserving Marines is one of the greatest honors we have as officers,” Copeland said. "Families entrust their sons and daughters to the Marine Corps, and us by extension. With that comes the responsibility to care for them, develop them and set them up for success. We couldn’t accomplish our mission without the families who support them.”
Guard Marines Recognized for Composure, Decisive Action at 8th & I
Photo by Cpl. Brynn Bouchard
U.S. Marine Corps Col. Jason Copeland, commanding officer of Marine Barracks Washington, right, speaks to Guard Company after awarding Marines the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal during an award ceremony at Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., Sept. 3, 2026. The Marines were awarded for their decisive actions as part of a reaction team that safely neutralized an armed threat on the installation. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Brynn L. Bouchard)
The Marines’ response demonstrated how disciplined training, resilient minds, and trust among teammates has cultivated a legacy of honor. Whether safeguarding the “Oldest Post of the Corps,” or preparing to return to the Fleet Marine Force, 8th & I Marines remain steadfast in how they represent the Marine Corps when the Nation calls.