NAWCWD reservists recognized for work in Iraq

Capt. Mark Storch, NAWCWD vice commander, center, recognizes PSC(AW) Anthony Edward Vega, left, and OS1 Joe Meekins for their recent service in Iraq in support of the NAWCWD Warfighter Response Center. Photo by Staci Mathews.

Date: 31-Jan-08
News Release Number: ECL200801311
By Staci Mathews NAWCWD Public Affairs

Capt. Mark Storch, NAWCWD vice commander, recently recognized two naval reservists who support the NAWCWD Warfighter Response Center with awards signed by Lt. Gen. Raymond T. Odierno by direction of the Secretary of Defense for their recent service in Iraq under the Rapid Attack Information Dissemination Execution Relay (RAIDER) Program.

"RAIDER has accomplished many tasks with persistence, consistency and the adaptability to change the way business operates with technology savvy folks," said Cmdr. Joel Welch, deputy program manager for RAIDER. "Our adaptabilities have changed our capabilities to reach more solutions to adopt systems to solve problems."

PSC(AW) Anthony Edward Vega was presented the Defense Meritorious Service Medal for meritorious service as the detachment operations chief while serving 10 months in Iraq. "Vega effectively blended leadership, management skills and technical expertise to support the success of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions for multi-national and coalition forces," read his award.

Vega's wife, Christy, and son, Alex, attended the award ceremony. "My husband has accomplished a lot, and my son and I are very proud of him," she said. "He has brought great credit upon himself and the Navy."

OS1 Joe Meekins was presented the Joint Service Commendation Medal for meritorious service as communications operator while serving 14 months in Iraq. "Meekins showed exceptional leadership, energy and vital communication with very little breaks within the detachment and was able to maintain the same level of competence while displaying precision and efficiency of multiple operations," read his award.

"Both Vega and Meekins showed great leadership and distinctive accomplishments for the Multi-national Corps-Iraq, the United States Navy and the Department of Defense," Storch said.

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