Technical Sergeant (Ret.) Miguel DeLeon was a mobility Non-Commissioned Officer and a Transportation Squadron Superintendent of Combat Readiness. He served in the Air Force from 1980 to 2001 during Operation ENDURING FREEDOM and IRAQI FREEDOM. As Superintendent of Combat Readiness, he led trainers who taught units how to deploy their people and equipment. Care, concern and a large dose of creativity have been DeLeon's approach to life and his mission. He was a great leader and an inspiration to most for winning a constant battle with Diabetes. Diabetes dealt this warrior a severe blow -- nearly robbing him of his sight. Of his former unit, he said it was a "great team, and I'm very thankful for them." One of those former team members said it was she who is thankful. "I've learned so much more than just the job from Sergeant DeLeon," said 2nd Lt. Kate Nenni, the squadron's combat readiness flight commander. "I have to take care of myself when I'm young," she said. "Having realized this through his example, I try to live life to the fullest and thank God for the gifts I've been given. Because in a flash it can all change."