Rep. Kaptur Hosts Toledo Native for Prestigious Military Times Award
Senior Airman Joseph Moreland recognized as Air Force Times Airman of the Year
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-9) escorted Toledo native Senior Airman Joseph Moreland this afternoon as he was awarded the 2015 Air Force Times Airman of the Year award. Military Times Service Member of the Year awards recognize “service members who demonstrate pride, dedication and courage beyond what is expected.”
“My heartfelt congratulations to Senior Airman Moreland for earning this prestigious recognition,” said Rep. Kaptur. “His exemplary record shows a selfless dedication to service and a special ability to perform under pressure. These qualities make him a natural leader and have already made him indispensible to his fellow service members. Northern Ohio could not be happier or more proud of him for his exemplary service, highlighted today by this impressive national distinction.”
Moreland was introduced at the award ceremony by General Larry O. Spencer, U.S. Air Force Vice Chief of Staff;Air Force Times News Editor Markie Harwood presented the award.
According to Colonel Christopher Ireland, who commanded Moreland during his 2014 deployment in Afghanistan, “[Senior Airman] Moreland, while young, is a leader. Plain and simple… He embraced his combat role in Afghanistan, and we empowered him with responsibility and authority beyond his rank.” Ireland noted that Moreland was responsible for creating new tactical communications for the Special Operations Air Component to control air and ground assets.
In addition, during his deployment, an Army Special Forces team’s fiber-optic line was destroyed, “essentially isolating them from the rest of the world.” Moreland was deployed and had their communications back up and running within 24 hours.
Moreland is an active community servant and charitable fundraiser. While on base he piloted a reintegration initiative “Operation Homecoming” to speed up in-processing for returning deployed service members.
Congresswoman Kaptur with Senior Airman Moreland and Family
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