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Altus Airman named Airman of the Year

  • Published
  • By Kevin Chandler
  • 97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  A photographer formerly assigned to the 97th Air Mobility Wing, currently serving at Aviano Air Base, Italy, was recently named the Air Force Times' 2009 Airman of the Year. 

Staff Sgt. Mercedes Kimble Crossland was honored during a ceremony in Washington, D.C., July 9 with the award, established in 2001 by the Army Times Publishing Company, recognizing significant contributions from members of each service branch.

Sergeant Crossland, a New York native, volunteered for a year-long deployment to Iraq as a member of an Army intelligence team. Her deployed mission 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 training 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."