MERIDIAN, Miss. (Queen City Newsfeed) – Petty Officer First Class Teresa D. Ruiz was honored as the 2025 AC2 Whitney Powell Military Citizen of the Year during a luncheon held Tuesday, Feb. 25, at Weidmann’s Restaurant in downtown Meridian. The event, hosted by Naval Air Station (NAS) Meridian in partnership with the Mississippi Council of the Navy League, recognized her outstanding contributions to the local community.
Image: Petty Officer First Class Teresa D. Ruiz, NAS Meridian
Ruiz, representing the Naval Technical Training Center Meridian, dedicates much of her off-duty time to various community organizations, including Merrehope, Care Lodge, the Multi-County Community Service Agency, and numerous City of Meridian events. Her dedication to service has made a lasting impact in the area, contributing to the well-being of residents and enhancing community connections.
The annual award honors enlisted military members who go above and beyond in giving back to the local community while stationed at NAS Meridian. In 2025, the military personnel at NAS Meridian contributed an impressive 4,091 hours of community service to the local area.
Named in honor of Air Traffic Controller 2nd Class Whitney Powell, the award was first presented in 2013 following Powell’s tragic passing in a car accident on Feb. 7, 2013. Powell was widely admired for his active involvement in the Meridian community, and the award continues to reflect his commitment to service.
This year’s other nominees included:
- Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Molly Tice, who serves in the Public Affairs Office at NAS Meridian. Tice volunteers with a variety of local organizations, including the Armed Forces Day 5K, Tunnels to Towers 5K, and the 9/11 Stair Climb. She also supports Northeast Lauderdale schools, the Meridian Children’s Museum, the Threefoot Festival, and the East Mississippi Veteran’s Foundation.
Image: Mass Communication Speciality 2nd Class Molly Tice, NAS Meridian
The luncheon celebrated the service and dedication of these exceptional military members, underscoring the significant role NAS Meridian’s personnel play in the local community. Over 4,000 hours of service were logged by NAS Meridian’s military men and women in 2024 alone, demonstrating their ongoing commitment to making a positive impact in the area.
