Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal (MOVSM)

About

Award Eligibility

All military students assigned to USU are eligible for the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, or MOVSM.

To be nominated for this award, students are recommended to have at least 200 hours of documented sustained, direct, and consequential voluntary service. We suggest the Volunteer Log (below) for recording your hours if easier for you.

How to Apply

How to File/Submit the Award

You will be filling out the form yourself, as your own Submitter. However, your Company Commander will be your supervisor/recommender.

Download the MOVSM template (to the right)
Fill out the the required fields
Adjust the "(Branch)" in the Recommender's Comments
Email your Company Commander with the completed form, instruction for them to sign as your "Supervisor", and your volunteer documentation (i.e. a PDF printout of your USU Volunteer Log, personal documentation, or a letter of outlining your volunteer service from the organization you worked with.)

*Applications must be submitted more than 90 days prior to graduation/departure from USU

(see below for an example of an accepted MOVSM application)

MOVSM USU Award Nomination Template

MOVSM Temp.docx

Supporting Documentation

Volunteer Coordinator Log:

To help streamline the process of documenting and recording hours necessary to apply for MOVSM, we are happy to open a Volunteer Drive in your name that will give you a Submission Form, Record Sheet, and Documentation folder. This will give you the opportunity to have an easy place to record your hours, help see your totals, and compiled sheet ready to submit once you have reached 200 hours.

To have us create your Volunteer Drive, please email us at volunteer@usuhs.edu!

Personal Documentation Log:

Another option is to personally record your hours using a spreadsheet such as the one to the right. Feel free to use it as a template.

Last Name, First Name_Volunteer Hours Log

Letter from your Organization:

If your organization tracks volunteer hours feel free to ask them to write a letter stating the nature of your volunteer service and the number of hours (>200) that you have volunteered with them.

FAQs

Can I apply for this award if I volunteered with more than one organization?

Yes. While we would not suggest recording 20 different singular experiences since the volunteering should be sustained, if your experiences can be totaled into one category or within a few select organizations, we think this is totally fine. Please email us if you have further questions!

What timeframe do these volunteering experiences need to occur in?

Anytime while at USU and in uniform, but prior to application for the award!

Do I need to use the USU Volunteer Log to apply?

No! This was just a helpful tool we wanted to provide to individuals since it's an easy way to keep track of your hours and corresponding documents, that way you don't need letters from the organization(s) you applied with when you go to apply.

Are PHS students eligible for the MOVSM?

Yes!

Based on our PHS policy regarding Non-PHS awards:

"DoD, USCG and NOAA Awards – To be eligible, the officer must have been formally assigned or detailed full time to an authorized Department of Defense (DoD), U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), or National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) position."

If approved, it is recommended that it is then routed to the IHS liaisons Office and the IHS Awards program with possible inclusion of the PHS DoD Liaison Awards Program.

Does time in student leadership positions count towards the MOVSM?

While we understand that student leaders put forth a great amount of time and effort, the MOVSM is more directed at extracurricular volunteering as opposed to student leadership and involvement in USU programs. Any position that is part of a collateral duty or a command sponsored duty does not warrant a MOVSM.

Sample Approved MOVSM (redacted)

Sample MOVSM_Redacted.pdf

When can I apply for this award?

As long as you have your 200 hours, you may apply for this award at any time, as long it is 90 days before you depart from USU. Your approval for the medal does not depend on the award ceremony (in case you are down to the wire and would like this documented on applications, CVs, etc.).

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