This year nine orienteers received Golden Service Awards, announced at the 2025 Annual General Meeting. The purpose of the Orienteering USA Golden Service Award is to recognize those individuals who have provided exceptional service to the sport of orienteering that extends beyond the local club level. Read on for bit about each of this year’s awardees!
Caroline Sandbo, Cascade Orienteering Club (COC)
Caroline has dedicated herself to advancing orienteering at both the local and national levels, serving as a coach at multiple Junior World Orienteering Championships, leading training camps, and playing a key role in OUSA’s Youth Development Program. Her leadership, coaching, and event organization have had a lasting impact on the growth of athletes and the strength of the orienteering community.
Howard Montgomery, Northeastern Ohio Orienteering Club (NEOOC)
Howard has devoted more than 25 years to building and leading the Northeastern Ohio Orienteering Club, serving as president for over two decades while organizing hundreds of events, expanding venues, and mentoring new leaders. His vision, dedication, and tireless efforts have left a lasting impact on orienteering in Northeast Ohio and beyond.
Allison Brown, Grizzly Orienteering (GrizO)
Allison has been a driving force behind Grizzly Orienteering since its founding, serving as co-president, e-punch expert, event director, and leader of countless local and national events. Her dedication, organization, and welcoming leadership have been essential to GrizO’s rapid growth and ongoing success. It is not an exaggeration to say that GrizO would not exist without Allison’s involvement.
Amy Lamborg, Orienteering Cincinnati (OCIN)
Amy has played a key role in organizing Flying Pig NREs, advising OUSA on grants, and directing major outreach events that introduce hundreds of newcomers to orienteering each year. Her leadership, expertise, and hands-on support at local events have made a lasting impact on both OCIN and the wider community.
John Phillips, Los Angeles Orienteering Club (LAOC)
John, longtime President of LAOC, has strengthened the club through his leadership, course setting, and dedication to supporting youth orienteers. His efforts to build the LAOC youth team and secure resources for juniors to compete at NREs highlight his lasting impact on regional orienteering.
Jeff Brucker, Tuscon Orienteering Club (TSN)
For more than 30 years, Jeff has shaped the Tucson Orienteering Club through prolific course setting, mapping, event directing, and leadership, while also guiding the club’s adoption of new technologies. His expertise and dedication have benefited not only local members but also countless visitors to Southwest Spring Week. Anyone who loves orienteering in Arizona has benefited from Jeff’s dedication year after year!
Lisa Carr, North Texas Orienteering Association (NTOA)
Lisa has been a leader and volunteer at both the club and national levels, serving as NTOA president, OUSA board member, and director of major events. Known for her skill in promotion and outreach, she has led website redesigns, managed social media, and created engaging initiatives that raise the profile of orienteering and strengthen the NTOA community.
Sam Kolins and Lena Kushleyeva, Delaware Valley Orienteering Club (DVOA)
Sam and Lena are incredibly active members of DVOA. So far in 2025, they have been course setters, vetters, or event directors at 7 events, including the Billygoat, with 3 more on the
schedule for the fall. They handled Registrar duties as well as heading up Results for our NRE in 2021
and were again in charge of results for the 2024 US Nationals. They can always be counted on to help and are a vital part of DVOA.