Lt. Col. Joseph Richardson (right) accepts the 2007 Blacks in Government Meritorious Service Award, Aug. 17 at a ceremony in Nashville, Tenn. at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel from the 116th Air Control Wing commander, Brig. Gen. Tom Moore. The award is given annually to a military member or Department of Defense civilian employee who has distinguished themselves through significant contributions to their service, the advancement of African Americans and to our nation.