Air Force Times recognizes Altus Airman

  • Published
  • By Kevin Chandler
  • 97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  Staff Sgt. Mercedes Kimble Crossland, a photographer formerly assigned to the 97th Air Mobility Wing, was recently named the Air Force Times 2009 Airman of the Year. The award, established in 2001 by the Army Times Publishing Company, recognizes significant contributions from members of each service branch.

Sergeant Crossland will be honored during a ceremony in Washington, D.C. today.

Sergeant Crossland, a New York native, volunteered for a year-long deployment to Iraq as a member of an Army intelligence team. Her central mission while deployed was photographing unexploded improvised explosive devices used by hostile forces to educate military leaders on techniques and tactics. Photos from the 120 missions Sergeant Crossland participated in were crucial to the creation of an IED database to train incoming personnel.

U.S. Senator James Inhofe (R-Okla.) was particularly impressed with Sergeant Crossland's actions while deployed.

"I am so proud of the many service men and women who courageously serve our nation in the United States military, but I am especially proud of those like Staff Sgt. Crossland whose honor, commitment and dedication are an inspiration to us all," Senator Inhofe said. "Her courage has helped to preserve our freedom and I am sincerely grateful." 

According to her former supervisor, Sergeant Crossland is an inspiration to all those who want to make a difference with their lives. She joined the Air Force to strive for greater things, and serves as a daily role model to those around her.

Sergeant Crossland is currently the Assistant NCO in Charge in the 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs office at Aviano Air Base, Italy.