The Information Professionals Association (IPA) is proud to recognize COL Gerald Dezsofi (left) and LTC Nicholas Parker (right) for the Order of Hermes (OoH) on December 5, 2020. The Order of Hermes (OoH) is an honorary award from IPA to recognize individuals for exceptional service and contributions in the field of cognitive security and information operations. The Order of Hermes can be awarded to individuals from the military, government civilian or private sector positions.
Nominees for the Order of Hermes should demonstrate significant and/or long-lasting commitment and service to the information operations and cognitive security community. They should have demonstrated the highest standards of integrity, moral character, ethical conduct, professional competence, and dedication to duty.
Information about our awardees:
COL Gerald Dezsofi has been an Information Operations Professional for over a decade and a senior plankholder in the IO community, serving as a National Guardsman for more than 37 years. Highlights of his IO positions include the 156th Information Operations Battalion Commander, Field Support IO Team Lead for a mobilization, STO Planner, Theater Information Operation Group (TIOG) S2 and XO culminating in the 56TH TIOG Commander. His IO contributions spanned a myriad of mobilizations in INDOPACOM and CENTCOM, support to multiple INDOPACOM exercises, and input into IO doctrine and force structure. COL Dezsofi’s MEMO for consideration is attached above and below are links to documents (too large to attach) that further describe his impacts.
LTC Nicholas Parker has provided unparalleled service to the IO community for more than eight years. He is a distinguished plank holder within the community. During his tenure, his actions have resulted in exceptional contributions in both day-to-day activities and while deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Inherent Resolve. Highlights of his IO positions include the 156th Information Operations Battalion XO, S3, Field Support IO Team Lead for mobilizations, ASCC DET Commander culminating in the 156th IO BN Commander. His IO contributions spanned a myriad of mobilizations in INDOPACOM and CENTCOM, support to multiple INDOPACOM exercises, and the creation of a IO BN MRX model and FST IO Olympics lauded by the WAARNG Commanding General and 1st IO.