Rep. Mike Kelly, R-16th, honored Butler native U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Zachary Sessa, who received the Military Times “Marine of the Year” honor this week in Washington. Kelly presented Sessa with a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol during a meeting in his Washington office recently to thank him for his service. Submitted photo

U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly, R-16th, presented Marine Maj. Zachary Sessa, a Butler native, with a flag in honor of Sessa being named the 2025 Military Times Marine of the Year.

The Military Times, an independent new organization that covers the military, and Military Times Foundation honored Sessa, 33, at a ceremony Wednesday, Sept. 3, in Washington D.C.

Kelly, on Thursday, presented Sessa with a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol in honor the award.

“Maj. Sessa has committed his life to serving our great country. He is most deserving of the title of ‘Marine of the Year,’” Kelly said. “Prior to our meeting today, I spoke with Maj. Sessa’s family, and they couldn’t be prouder. I know the Butler community is proud to call him a son, as well.”

Sessa, 33, served as the lead weapons and tactics instructor for Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 314 during its historic 2024 deployment aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln.

In November, under his guidance, the squadron executed the F-35C Lightning II’s first combat missions, striking Houthi weapons storage facilities in Yemen in response to attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. Sessa flew critical nighttime combat sorties while mentoring the next generation of F-35 leaders and instructors, according to the Times.

As a third-generation aviator, Sessa brought a deep-rooted passion for flight and service to his role. He was instrumental in qualifying multiple section leads, division leads and mission commanders, helping build a high-performing team ready to meet operational demands. His leadership helped VMFA-314 earn the title “Marine Fighter Attack Squadron of the Year,” according to the Times.

“Maj. Zachary Sessa’s trailblazing contributions in the F-35C Lightning II’s first combat operations exemplify the Marine Corps’ highest ideals of courage, innovation and excellence,” said Michael Reinstein, Military Times Foundation chairman. “We are honored to recognize him as the 2025 ‘Military Times Marine of the Year.’”

The Times’ annual award honors one service member from each branch whose contributions reflect extraordinary dedication and impact. Proceeds from the Military Times Service Members of the Year Awards benefit nonprofit organizations supporting military families and veterans.