Air Force reservist recognized as AFRL's best in Colorado

By Tech. Sgt. Rob Hazelett

6/16/2014 - DENVER, Colo. -  -- Aurora Chamber of Commerce officials, and other local organizations, honored Staff Sgt. Iris Morales as the Reservist of the Year in the Air Force Reserve category during the 38th Annual Armed Forces Recognition Luncheon at the Double Tree by Hilton hotel here June 13.

"I want everybody here to remember that because of our armed forces, we continue to enjoy a free country," said Kevin Hougen, president and CEO of the Aurora Chamber of Commerce. "For those of you who are seated with a service member, please take this opportunity to thank them for their service to continue to uphold the great traditions of our great nation."

The luncheon, sponsored by Colorado Technical University, included an awards ceremony that honored 11 military members and one civilian from the community for their outstanding achievements during the past year.

Morales, an Air Reserve Personnel Center contact center technician, said the award is just the beginning in her aspiring career.

"As a proud resident of Aurora, it is great to know that although you should never do things for the recognition, it feels amazing when your efforts are recognized by your community," the four-year Air Force veteran said.

As a contact center technician, Morales is responsible for providing world-class support for "Generations of Airmen" throughout their careers. Morales's civilian employer is Jackson Memorial Hospital where she directs the functions of the physician services department.

During her spare time, she completed her master's in health services administration and is currently enrolled in Masters of International Business Administration, which enabled Morales to be meritoriously selected as a 2nd lieutenant in the Air Force Reserves. In addition, she was also elected by her peers as the president of the ARPC Junior Enlisted Advisory Council, contributed as a squadron physical training leader, unit honor guard member and Aurora Youth Mentor.

The guest speaker for the luncheon was Kelly Sullivan Loughren, the granddaughter of Albert Sullivan, one of the five famed Sullivan brothers from Waterloo, Iowa who were killed during World War II when their ship sank Nov. 13, 1942. Albert was killed along with George, Frank, Joe and Matt.

Other ARPC finalists were:

Air Force Active Duty - Staff Sgt. Andrew Johnson
Air National Guard - Tech. Sgt. Amy Szpak
Air Force Reserve - Tech. Sgt. Bridget Smith and Senior Airman Lawrence Watson

ARPC finalists competed against members in their respective category from the 460th Space Wing, Aerospace Data Facility-C, 233rd Security Forces Squadron and 140th Air National Guard.