This award is presented by the district commander to a squadron commander who has shown outstanding leadership in the squadron and possesses attributes beneficial to District 26 and USPS. There is no specific point system of grading and the decision is left to the district commander who may collaborate with the district bridge. The criteria for selection includes: attendance of squadron members at district and national meetings; promptness in handling reports and correspondence (reports of appointments, reports to historian, distribution of D/26 Directory, and response to D/26 and national inquiries); prompt submission of merit mark recommendations; contributions to 026° TRUE and The ENSIGN correspondent; participation in projects to promote USPS; and, participation in D/26 affairs. Commander of the year is presented during the Spring Conference.