Plainview Air National Guard Captain Awarded Bronze Star Medal

PLAINVIEW, NY — A Plainview captain in the New York Air National Guard was recently honored with a Bronze Star Medal for her service and actions while commanding security forces in Iraq.

Capt. Katelin Morrissey of the 106th Air Rescue Wing was awarded the medal Oct. 4. She is the daughter of former Plainview Fire Department Chief John Morrissey.

The Bronze Star Medal, created in 1944, can be awarded by the secretary of a military department, military commanders and certain other appropriate officers to any person who, while serving in or with the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Coast Guard, distinguishes themselves by "heroic or meritorious achievement or service," according to the Navy.

Air National Guard units are mobilized during war time by the federal government and also help during national emergencies, such as during natural disasters and civil disturbances. During peacetime, the combat-ready units and support units are assigned to most Air Force major commands to carry out missions compatible with training, mobilization readiness, humanitarian and contingency operations such as Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.