Executive Summary
- U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones was presented with the Defense Meritorious Service Medal for his exceptional military service as a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Air Force Reserve.
- The award recognizes his critical legal counsel on national security and counterterrorism matters to Headquarters U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM), supporting operations like MIDNIGHT HAMMER and ROUGH RIDER.
- Reding Quiñones maintains a dual commitment, leading the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida while continuing his service as a military officer.
Laws and Precedent
- The article highlights the dual legal functions of U.S. Attorney Reding Quiñones, first as a military officer providing senior legal counsel on national security and counterterrorism matters, a role that involves applying military and international law to complex operational decisions. In his civilian capacity, he leads a U.S. Attorney’s Office, which is a federal prosecutorial body responsible for enforcing federal criminal law across a broad spectrum of offenses, including violent crime, narcotics trafficking, corruption, and immigration.
U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones was presented with the Defense Meritorious Service Medal today for his exceptional military service as a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Air Force Reserve. The prestigious honor, recognizing his critical legal counsel on national security and counterterrorism matters, was awarded at a ceremony held at MacDill Air Force Base in Miami.
Recognition for Distinguished Military Service
The medal acknowledges U.S. Attorney Reding Quiñones’s distinguished performance while assigned to Headquarters U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM). Major General Richard A. Harrison, Chief of Staff for USCENTCOM, and Colonel Joseph M. Fairfield, Staff Judge Advocate, presented the award.
His service included providing senior legal counsel on national security and counterterrorism matters to the Commander, USCENTCOM. This vital support was instrumental in ensuring mission success during OPERATION MIDNIGHT HAMMER, OPERATION ROUGH RIDER, and other critical national security missions within one of the world’s most complex operational theaters.
U.S. Attorney Quiñones’s Commitment to Service
Reflecting on the honor, U.S. Attorney Reding Quiñones stated, “Serving in uniform remains one of the greatest honors of my life.” He added that while humbled to receive the medal, he attributed the true credit to “the extraordinary men and women of CENTCOM, whose dedication and sacrifice protect our nation every day.”
He further affirmed his continued dedication, stating, “As both a U.S. Attorney and a military officer, I will continue to defend the rule of law, safeguard our freedoms, and serve the American people.”
About the Defense Meritorious Service Medal
The Defense Meritorious Service Medal stands as the third highest award bestowed by the War Department for non-combat service. It is specifically designed to recognize exceptionally meritorious service while an individual is assigned to a joint activity.
In his civilian capacity, U.S. Attorney Reding Quiñones leads the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida. This office is one of the nation’s largest and most active federal prosecutorial bodies, responsible for overseeing cases involving violent crime, narcotics trafficking, corruption, and immigration offenses, among other national priorities.
A Career Dedicated to Public Service
U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones’s dual commitment to military service and federal law enforcement highlights a career profoundly dedicated to upholding the rule of law and protecting national security. His leadership and service reflect a deep commitment to the American people.
