​The US airspace is the largest and busiest in the world. It takes 520 air traffic control (ATC) towers and 14,000 air traffic controllers. ATC maintains order on the runways and skies for seamless takeoffs, flights, and landings.

ATC functions like a well-orchestrated opera as airplanes move through different flight phases. It relies on systems and human resources to control airport operations and air traffic flow. Air traffic controllers communicate and coordinate with each other radar through ACT towers, terminal control centers, and radar systems.

The US airspace has 21 zones (centers). Each zone has its sectors and a distinct airspace measuring 50 miles in diameter, called Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON). Each TRACON has several airports, each with a distinct airspace. ATC system command center monitors planes as they move through different zones.

In the preflight or the first stage of every flight, the pilot conducts preflight checks and files a flight plan with the ACT. A flight plan captures aircraft particulars, such as the airline name, flight number, type of aircraft, equipment, intended airspeed cruising altitude, and route flight. At the ATC, a flight data person checks the flight plan, reviews it against the weather, and then enters it into the FAA host computer.

The host computer generates a flight progress strip, which contains all the necessary details about a flight and goes from one controller to the next across the flight’s path. Once ATC approves the flight plan and flight, the flight data person clears the pilot and passes the strip to the ground controller, who is responsible for all ground traffic.

When the ground controller ascertains that it’s safe, they direct the pilot to push back the aircraft from the gate. The ground controller uses radar to track all the taxiways, ensuring a pilot doesn't taxi to an active runway. They then direct the pilot on which way to tax and which runway to take off.

The local controller clears pilots to take off. Even with clearance, it’s up to a pilot to decide if it’s safe to take off. As the plane lifts off, the pilot activates a transponder, which relays information on airspeed, flight number, altitude, and destination. At the same time, the local controller hands over the reins to a TRACON-based departure controller. From there, the pilot talks with the departure controller.

The departure controller monitors a flight through TRACON airspace. Once it leaves TRACON airspace, the ARTCC controllers take over. Whenever a plane passes to another controller, the FAA host computer updates the flight strip and sends it to the new controller.

An ARTCC involves at least two center controllers. The radar associate controller reviews the flight strip and coordinates with that sector’s radar controller. The radar controller ensures a safe distance between flights in a sector by specifying cruising speed and altitude. Once the flight leaves a sector, the next sector’s controllers take over.

As the aircraft approaches the destination airport (50 miles), that zone’s TRACON approach controller takes over. They advise the pilot on the approach direction, speed, and altitude. When the plane is within 10 miles of the runway, the local controller at the airport takes over. Once the pilot has landed, the ground controller takes over and directs the pilot to the right terminal gate.

Passing planes from sector to sector and center to center helps ease air traffic. The alternative would be for just the departure and arrival ATC to coordinate flights, which would lead to collisions on the runway and in mid-air.

​In 2015, the US government allowed Lieutenant Generals to approve the Legion of Merit (LOM) award. Previously, only four-star generals, the chief of staff, and the Secretary of the Army approved the award. A prestigious award, the LOM recognizes individuals who have significantly contributed to combat and non-combat service.

The medal is among the military's highest honors, ranking higher than the Distinguished Flying Cross but below the Silver Star. Its design resembles the Medal of Honor. The medal has five white spokes with red borders, and the center comprises gold stars forming a six-point star on a blue background. The medal hangs from a red ribbon outlined in white.

An honoree can receive multiple awards in different categories with varying degrees of merit. Service members designated as combat recipients have fought in combat against an enemy of the country, participated in conflicts that involved opposing forces, or saw hostile or high-risk combat environments. Service members who received the award but did not have a combat designation served in situations where they significantly improved mission-critical operations, leadership, or performance.

When nationals of other countries received the medal, they received it for their significant contributions to joint operations or alliances with the US. The medal acknowledges exceptional service within these honors, with Combat C and Remote R designations signifying exceptional achievement during battle or as part of operations in remote locations, respectively.

Honorees come from all walks of service. Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) John Smith received an LOM honor after 25 years of service in the military. LTC Smith's contributions to the Department of Defense, the US Army Reserve, and the US Army include his participation in Operation Freedom in Afghanistan. As part of his tour with USARCENT in Kuwait, he became integral to the command's decision-making. He also received recognition for his leadership skills.

Sergeant First Class Hazael D. Hernandez received an LOM honor for his meritorious 24 years of service as a Senior Movements Noncommissioned Officer. The award recognized his team-building, communication, and mentoring skills. He also received accolades for his managerial skills as he oversaw the welfare and maintenance of 39 service members and over $15 million of equipment. His organizational skills led to his selection as the deploying Unit Movement Officer who shipped tons of vehicles to Kuwait without any losses.

First Sergeant Edgar Matthews received the LOM after nearly 30 years of service in the Army. His outstanding leadership, commitment to excellence, and dedication increased the effectiveness of his units as he became the First Sergeant for Company B at the 212th Combat Support Hospital. In this role, he led the training, readiness, and health and welfare for the 84-bed deployable hospital. 

Illinois Army National Guard Colonel Michael Eastridge received the LOM for his command leadership. The colonel successfully led the National Guard's 33rd Brigade Combat Team from June to December 2022 and guided the National Guard's COVID-19 response in Illinois.

Recipients receive an honor that reflects their inspiration, leadership, and character. It signifies that the recipient has exceeded the call of duty to meet operational goals in achieving strategic objectives, enhancing operations, or saving lives. The LOM upholds the country's values, making it one of the most revered.