U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Shelly Black, deputy chief of Headquarters Air Combat Command’s Personnel Recovery Division, received the 2011 Federally Employed Women Military Meritorious Service Award July 18 at the 42nd National Training Program in Philadelphia, Penn., for her significant contributions in highlighting and improving women’s roles in the military. Black’s pioneering efforts in Air Force combat search and rescue made a significant impression on more than 1,000 members of the rescue community. As the first female rescue squadron commander and the first woman to lead a rescue squadron in combat, she paved the way for future Air Force women to follow. (Courtesy photo)