Army Maj. Sandra D. Washington has been awarded the Joint Service Commendation Medal.

The medal is awarded to members of the U.S. Armed Forces, as authorized by the Secretary of Defense, who have distinguished themselves by meritorious service or outstanding achievement while assigned to multi-service, joint activities of the Department of Defense.

Washington received the medal in recognition of her services performed as a member of Joint Task Force-Katrina. She assisted in disaster relief efforts and provided humanitarian aid to victims and survivors of the Hurricane Katrina at Camp Shelby, Miss., and in Belle Chasse, La., along the Gulf coastline.

She is a training officer regularly assigned to Headquarters First U.S. Army at Fort Gillem, Forest Park, Ga. The major has served in the military for 20 years.

Washington is the daughter of Dorothy L. Mack of Fayetteville, Ga., and Henry E. Mack of Red Springs, N.C.