Fallbrook-born Petty Officer Meza awarded Air Medal

FALLBROOK − Naval Aircrewman Helicopter Second Class (aviation warfare) Vincent O. Meza, born and raised in Fallbrook, received an Air Medal (Gold Numeral One for the First Award) on March 29. President Donald Trump awarded the medal.

Petty Officer Meza received the honor for "meritorious achievement" while participating in aerial flight as rescue swimmer of Sideflare 67, an MH-60S assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron Two One, Detachment Four, deployed on the USNS Mercy in support of Pacific Partnership 2016 on May 27, 2016.

Meza launched as the rescue swimmer supporting the perilous med...