NASIC Airman earns Distinguished Hispanic Ohioan Award

WRIGHT PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- A National Air and Space Intelligence Center Airman received recognition as a Distinguished Hispanic Ohioan and was the recipient of Ohio “Latino Military Service of Distinction Award” during a gala event Oct. 16, 2015 in Columbus, Ohio.

Maj. Pedro Munoz, an individual mobilization augmentee for the Information Exploitation Squadron, received the honor from the Governor’s Latino Affairs Commission. Nominations packages highlighted nominees’ achievements and contributions to the Hispanic community through outstanding military tenure and civic service and the differences they made in the state of Ohio.

Munoz’s contributions to the community and the state of Ohio include giving educational lectures at local schools discussing the benefits of staying in school and seeking higher education. He also translated for Latino patients needing medical attention at local hospitals.

“As a major with the U.S. Air Force, you are a remarkable individual, combining civic concern and dedication with selflessness to become a dynamic leader in the Bellbrook area, and this prestigious honor is a fitting tribute to you for the outstanding efforts you have displayed in all your endeavors,” according to the citation written by the State of Ohio House of Representatives. “You are never content to take a passive role in life, because of that you have gained the respect and admiration of your comrades, family and community.”

Members of the Ohio Latino Affairs Commission and the Latino Empowerment Outreach Network presented Munoz with the award. The Commission began presenting the Hispanic Service Awards in 1980, which later became the Distinguished Hispanic Ohioan Award.

“I feel very appreciative; it has opened doors for others like me,” said Munoz, a Brooklyn, New York native who was raised in Ponce, Puerto Rico. “I appreciate the fact that people recognize the work I have done, the many days of long hours and the sacrifices I have made. It makes me feel like the system works, and helps motivate others to contribute to community.”

Another one of Munoz’s contributions to the Ohio community is providing support to Latino students attending Wright State University; he and his wife were formally recognized by the President of WSU in May for these efforts. This semester WSU has 18,059 students, with 4 percent of those being of Latino decent, according to the university’s website. Eight of the students he mentored went on to work at NASIC.

“My wife and I love to be role models and to help others be successful in their education,” Munoz said. “It is a passion of ours to assist others in reaching for opportunities to chase their dreams.”

Thirty seven family members, friends and NASIC co-workers attended the awards ceremony to support Munoz. The Governor of Ohio, the Ohio Senate and the U.S. Senate sent him letters congratulating him on his accomplishments.