TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- --
A Tyndall Airman received the 2013 Headquarters United States Air Force Battlefield Weather company grade officer of the year.
1st Lt. Melissa Emely, 325th Operational Support Squadron weather flight, flight commander, showed boundless leadership while deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
"As the Combat Aviation Brigade officer in charge, I was responsible for leading 18 Airmen across four forward operating bases," said Emely. "I secured NATO approval for a critical weather radar, which increased situational awareness and weather data for over 11,000 square miles."
Emely was the first 2nd Lt. to hold the position for division level weather operations.
"We are very proud of Lt. Emely," said Lt. Col. Clayton Bartels, 325th OSS commander. "Her outstanding joint service prior to joining us at Tyndall, was clearly recognized with an Air Force level award. We are extremely lucky to have her here on the weather team."
Although the award was given to Emely, she recognized it was a team effort.
"This award is a direct reflection of the amazing Airmen that worked with me in Afghanistan and at Ft. Bragg, N.C.," Emely said. "I wouldn't have been successful without them doing the mission."