Airman accompanies base leaders to Capitol Hill

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Robert J. Volio
One member of Team V was recently selected to attend a trip to Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. with Col. Christopher Moss, 30th Space Wing commander and Chief Master Sgt. Robert Bedell, 30th SW command chief, to meet with Congressional Representatives for the Central Coast, Sept. 8 through 11.

For Airman 1st Class Cardell Morgan, 30th SW Judge Advocate civil law paralegal, it was his previous endeavors, both professionally and educationally, that culminated in his selection for the trip.

"I have a Bachelor's degree in Political Science and History," said Morgan. "I also lived in the D.C. metro area and worked on political campaigns for eight months prior to joining the Air Force."

Morgan's leadership believes he was the perfect candidate for this incredible experience.

"Airmen like Morgan, who are hungry for knowledge and self-improvement, deserve opportunities of a lifetime such as this," said Tech. Sgt. Jessica Bundles, 30th SW JA military justice NCOIC. "Showing our Airmen how they fit into the big picture is vital for their development, both professionally and personally. Morgan was able to communicate with senior Air Force leaders and Congressional Representatives - a priceless experience that only few get. It was a chance for him to witness strategic decision-making first hand. Truth is, I can see him in their shoes one day."

While Moss and Bedell were present to discuss the big picture with local Congressional Representatives, Morgan was there to provide insight from a junior enlisted perspective.

"The meeting was a chance for wing leadership to introduce themselves to our local representatives, and to discuss any issues or concerns," said Morgan. "I was there to represent the Airman's perspective. I discussed my work, what brought me to the Air Force and told stories about being an Airman at Vandenberg."

During the meeting, Morgan was recognized for his exceptional work by Lt. Gen. Christopher F. Burne, Judge Advocate General of the Air Force and Chief Master Sgt. Larry Tolliver, senior paralegal manager to the JAG.

"Lucky is the only word I can think of to adequately describe how I feel about the recognition," said Morgan. "I'm honored that people see my work and feel that I deserve recognition for it."

As a paralegal, Morgan's tasks include processing Article 15 cases, assisting with court-martials, processing claims and performing notary services - all vital duties to maintaining good order and discipline at Vandenberg.

"I help ensure that our force is the best it can be by providing vital services to military members," said Morgan. "Ultimately, my job is to aid commanders in maintaining good order and discipline to ensure that their units are stable."

All of Morgan's actions, both on and off duty, do not go unnoticed by his peers.

"Airman Morgan possesses a sense of mission accomplishment that goes well beyond his rank and experience," said Bundles. "He completes tasks in a timely manner and always takes initiative. The way he conducts himself inside and outside of our office has earned him a reputation with senior leaders, as well as his peers, as an Airman who is respectful, knowledgeable and hard-working. He is a model Airman who goes beyond the Core Values we are expected to live by every day."

Morgan credits his accomplishments to those around him, who he believes have paved a smooth road for him to succeed on.

"I could not have received any awards or recognition without the support and leadership of those in my office," said Morgan. "They believe in me and I appreciate them more than words could describe."