Tech. Sgt. Emanuel Dela Cruz

Tech. Sgt. Emanuel Dela Cruz is in charge of cargo operations at Joint Base Charleston, where he makes sure pallets are properly built for the aircraft on which they will be loaded and that the aerial porters are properly trained. While deployed as the Senior Controller/Duty Officer of the Air Terminal Operations Center (ATOC) at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, Tech. Sgt. Dela Cruz was engaged in the coalition humanitarian aid to 55,000 Iraqi refugees trapped in the mountains of Iraq due to Islamic State group advances. His efforts led to the airdrop of more than 300,000 pounds of food and water over 26 missions, within eight days. In a separate assignment, he helped transport 30 up-armored Humvees to Ukraine.

In his free time, Dela Cruz volunteers with the Summerville Miracle League, which teaches baseball to special needs children. He encourages the children to enjoy their time as he teaches them to bat, catch and run the bases.

Notable quote from his nomination form: "He continually sets the example for all airmen to follow."