ATC1 Kiger mil.citizen of year

Air Traffic Controller 1st Class Patrick Kiger was named the AC2 Whitney Powell Memorial Military Citizen of the Year during a luncheon in Meridian on Feb. 27. He was presented with the award by Rick Justice, president of the Mississippi Council of the Navy League. Other nominees included Logistics Specialist 1st Class Jason Leyva of NTTC and Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Dakota Neel of the NASM Branch Health Clinic. AC1 Kiger is a dedicated volunteer firefighter for the Russell Volunteer Fire Department, where he has assisted with motor vehicle accidents, commercial and residential structure fires and emergency calls. He has played a pivotal role in Meridian’s local Fleet Reserve Association (FRA) Chapter 264, helping with the Veteran’s Day Parade, FRA Chili Cook-off and Thanksgiving Meal preparation. He also volunteered to rebuild Jeanie’s Place at Planet Playground. (NAS Meridian 03/05/20)