AUGUSTA — Col. John R. Mosher, of Waterville, joined by his family and friends, was recently awarded the Legion of Merit during a ceremony at Camp Keyes.

The Legion of Merit is a military award of the U.S. Armed Forces that is given for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements. It ranks sixth in the order of precedence, according to a press release.

Col. “Jack” Mosher served the Maine Army National Guard as the deputy chief of staff of Operations G-3 and on the Joint Staff from 2006-13. During an unprecedented period of National Guard activations Mosher led the mobilization of over 1,200 Soldiers.

Mosher spearheaded several initiatives during his tenure including organizing Annual Resiliency Runs in Washington, D.C. Resiliency offers strength-based, positive psychology tools to aid soldiers, leaders and families in their ability to grow and thrive in the face of challenges and bounce back from adversity.

Mosher was the first Maine Army National Guard Officer to complete the Contingency Dual Status Command certification program and the Joint Task Force Commanders Course. Under his vision and guidance he led the state in all Direct Support to Civil Authority missions. His meticulously crafted All Hazards plan was instrumental in the execution of the 2007 Patriot’s Day Flood, 2009 Northern Maine Flood, 2011 Hurricane Irene relief and more recently the regional support to New York during Hurricane Sandy.

Brigadier General James D. Campbell, the adjutant general of Maine, presented the award. “Colonel Mosher’s commitment and leadership to the Maine Army National Guard continues to be an invaluable asset and this medal reflects the level of his dedication to the organization. I was pleased when he recently accepted the position as my chief of staff and I have complete confidence he execute his duties in an exemplary manor.”