The Federal Asian Pacific American Council (FAPAC) awarded Lt. Drew Austria the FAPAC Military Meritorious Service Award, at its 32nd National Leadership Training Program in Rockville, Md., on May 17, 2017. FAPAC, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, is the oldest and largest Asian American Pacific Islander affinity group for federally employed Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. FAPAC works to promote equal opportunity and cultural diversity for Asian Pacific Americans within the Federal and District of Columbia governments. The Federal Asian Pacific American Council (FAPAC) awarded Lt. Drew Austria the FAPAC Military Meritorious Service Award, at its 32nd National Leadership Training Program in Rockville, Md., on May 17, 2017. FAPAC, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, is the oldest and largest Asian American Pacific Islander affinity group for federally employed Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. FAPAC works to promote equal opportunity and cultural diversity for Asian Pacific Americans within the Federal and District of Columbia governments.

The FAPAC Military Meritorious Service Award honors military members who have supported the DoD mission, overseas contingency operations, or whose attributes best epitomized the qualities and core values of their respective Military Service or other DoD Components. The FAPAC Military Meritorious Service Award honors military members who have supported the DoD mission, overseas contingency operations, or whose attributes best epitomized the qualities and core values of their respective Military Service or other DoD Components.

"When I found out that I was selected, I was extremely humbled and honored by the fact that my leadership team nominated me for this award," said Austria. "Capt. Andrew House and Ms. Rebecca Snyder fully supported my efforts to help create a more inclusive environment in the Office of the Judge Advocate General (OJAG) and across the Washington Navy Yard. "When I found out that I was selected, I was extremely humbled and honored by the fact that my leadership team nominated me for this award," said Austria. "Capt. Andrew House and Ms. Rebecca Snyder fully supported my efforts to help create a more inclusive environment in the Office of the Judge Advocate General (OJAG) and across the Washington Navy Yard.

Growing up in a Navy family, it is extremely important to me that each of our Sailors and Marines are given equal opportunities to succeed and advance. I hope that by receiving this award, it will inspire others to support efforts that create a more inclusive environment for our Sailors and Marines across the Fleet." Austria earned a Bachelor of Arts in Government and American Studies from the University of Virginia in 2007 and graduated from Vanderbilt University Law School in 2012. Growing up in a Navy family, it is extremely important to me that each of our Sailors and Marines are given equal opportunities to succeed and advance. I hope that by receiving this award, it will inspire others to support efforts that create a more inclusive environment for our Sailors and Marines across the Fleet." Austria earned a Bachelor of Arts in Government and American Studies from the University of Virginia in 2007 and graduated from Vanderbilt University Law School in 2012.

Austria currently serves as an Appellate Defense Counsel in the Appellate Defense Division of the Navy-Marine Corps Appellate Review Activity. Prior to reporting to the Appellate Defense Division, he served as a Law Clerk to the U.S. Navy-Marine Corps Court of Criminal Appeals. Austria currently serves as an Appellate Defense Counsel in the Appellate Defense Division of the Navy-Marine Corps Appellate Review Activity. Prior to reporting to the Appellate Defense Division, he served as a Law Clerk to the U.S. Navy-Marine Corps Court of Criminal Appeals.