PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. --
PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. – A section chief in the 21st Civil Engineering Squadron, was announced as the U.S. Space Force recipient of the Jewish Institute for National Security of America Grateful Nation award, July 28, 2020. Recipients of this award are recognized for having distinguished themselves through superior conduct in the war on terrorism. Only six service members are chosen for this award each year.
Master Sgt. Ya’acov Mosly, a 21st CES section chief, joined the Air Force in 2004 from Miami and has been at Peterson Air Force Base for over three years.
In support of Operation Inherent Resolve, Mosly deployed to the Middle East for seven months where he managed a multi-million dollar contract supporting several combatant commands as well as a $10 billion aircraft fleet.
One of his missions was to lead his team of seven military personnel and 57 contractors in overseeing the base operations support contract and other contracts.
The requirements of the contracts included maintaining waste distribution, ensuring water was properly navigated to the desert, supporting the flight line with aircraft arresting systems, and the facility management of buildings in high visibility areas.
While at Peterson AFB, he contributed to critical infrastructure upgrades supporting national missile defense assets which resulted in his selection as the squadron’s Senior Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year award winner.
Mosly credits the success of sustaining the infrastructure of Peterson AFB and installations overseas to working with a strong team.
“Having people with vested interest to make things better, not just sustain, is a great tool to have,” he said. “You pick your subject matter experts and you empower them with everything you can.”
To describe his ability to not get complacent and maintain his focus Mosly says, “self-motivation is key, and you have to find short-term and long-term goals.”
Mosly values the honest advice given by his mentors and the way they treated him with humility. Their words and his experiences have helped him stay focused on the mission while maintaining resiliency.
“There’s always going to be negativity around you,” said Mosly. “That type of stuff helps form you as an individual, a manager, a leader. You just need to have that one thing you can refocus on and remember why you’re doing this.”
Mosly derives his motivation to consistently work hard from his wife and kids.