Lawrence received The Corporal Jan Bender Award for his article “On the Ice with Marines Preparing for War in the Arctic.” He also received The Major Megan McClung Award for his article “Supply or Die: Sustaining Marines in the High North so They Can Fight and Win a Future War.”
Lawrence is a defense reporter with DefenseScoop and a former Military.com journalist, where he specialized in covering the Marine Corps. An Army veteran and former Armor officer, he is a recipient of the Order of Saint George, recognizing distinguished service to the Armor and Cavalry branch. His reporting, which reflects a commitment to telling the truth about the experiences, challenges, and sacrifices of service members, has earned honors including a Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation Award, a Military Reporters & Editors Best Podcast award, and recognition from Military Veterans in Journalism.
Lawrence is among 20 recipients recognized this year for their exceptional portrayal of Marine Corps history, traditions, and culture across a range of disciplines, including photography, documentary filmmaking, journalism, poetry, nonfiction, and fiction writing.
"Through their exceptional talent and authenticity, these outstanding writers, artists, and photographers explore the rich history, traditions, and culture of the Marine Corps,” said MajGen James W. Lukeman, USMC (Ret), the Foundation's President and CEO. "We are privileged to highlight their remarkable work at our Foundation's Annual Awards and hope that their example inspires others to tell the story of our Marine Corps.”
Annual Awards recipients are selected by a panel of accomplished Marines and civilian experts. Past honorees include celebrated novelists, bestselling authors, national columnists, network producers, and active-duty Marines whose work reflects a deep commitment to accurately telling the Marine Corps story, often through firsthand experience in challenging and dangerous environments.
Each award recipient receives a gold medallion, a commemorative brick along the Semper Fidelis Memorial Park pathway adjacent to the National Museum of the Marine Corps, and a cash prize.
The full list of award recipients is available on the Foundation’s website. For interviews with award recipients, please contact Haylee Sigafoose at hsigafoose@susandavis.com.