Master Sergeant Alvin Kuper awarded the Air Force Meritorious Service Medal Published Dec. 18, 2011 507th Air Refueling Wing TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Oklahoma -- Master Sergeant Alvin M. Kuper of the 465th Air Refueling Squadron, 507th Air Refueling Wing, Tinker A.F.B., OK recently received the Air Force Meritorious Service Medal. The award cited Sergeant Kuper for his outstanding professional skills, leadership and ceaseless efforts which contributed to the success and effectiveness of his squadron's refueling operations. Assigned to mission development, Sergeant Kuper single-handedly revamped the squadron's mobility section, resulting in the establishment of a comprehensive mobility requirements database. His professional approach on this project, lead to the successful tracking of more than 100 squadron members, resulting in the safe employment of forces and the unit achieving an outstanding mission-ready capability rating while deploying worldwide in direct support of Operation's Iraqi and Enduring Freedom and New Dawn. Additionally, Sergeant Kuper mobilized and deployed to Moron Air Base, Spain in support of Operation Unified Protector. His deployment directly contributed to the successful execution of the United Nations Security Council authorized Libyan no-fly zone. During his deployment, Sergeant Kuper refueled more than 40 attack and support weapons systems, off-loading more than 240,000 pounds of fuel. His efforts enabled combat aircraft sustainment of the NATO-led coalition mission. Finally, in 2010 Sergeant Kuper was nominated and selected as the Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Year for the 507th Air Refueling Wing.