Connecticut Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz presents the Air Force Meritorious Service Medal to Maj. David Monico, during a Freedom Salute Ceremony at Bradley Air National Guard Base, East Granby, Conn. Jan. 4, 2020. Monico served as the director of operations for the 779th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron and led the daily operations of two Air National Guard squadrons which were melded into one max-efficient Air and Space Expeditionary Force. (Photo by Tim Koster, Connecticut National Guard Joint Force Headquarters Public Affairs)