From Soldier to Guardian: Honoring 50 years of Service

ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) -- The U.S. Space Force honored Ed Mornston, associate deputy chief of Space Operations for Intelligence, for his 50 years of combined military and civilian service during a ceremony, Sept. 3, at the Pentagon.

"Ed has spent 18,262 days - that's more than 438,000 hours - serving this nation," said Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman. "He has been a gifted intelligence officer, a voice of reason and a leader whose balanced demeanor and mentorship have influenced generations of service members and civilians."

Mornston began his career in 1975 when he enlisted in the U.S. Army. He graduated from the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, New York, in 1980. Over the next two decades, he served as an infantry officer in both light and heavy units, including 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), Army Staff and the Joint Staff, before retiring from the Army with a distinguished record.

After his military service, he transitioned into civilian intelligence leadership roles at several agencies, including the National Imagery and Mapping Agency, the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, the Defense Intelligence Agency and the Joint Special Operations Command. In 2024, he assumed the role of associate deputy chief of Space Operations for Intelligence at U.S. Space Force Headquarters.

Saltzman presented Mornston with the Space Force's first-ever 50-year federal service pin, a symbol of his historic longevity and lasting impact. During his remarks, Mornston reflected on the meaning of his career.

"Service in the Department of Defense and intelligence community isn't just a job, it's a calling," Mornston said. "It means standing watch over our nation, often quietly and without recognition, so that others may live freely and securely. The real secret is persistence and always knowing your part of a team that pulls together."

Mornston expressed his gratitude for the support of his wife, Dr. Lisa Whitzig, and for the example set by his late father, who was an Air Force officer and an intelligence leader. "Service comes in many forms and is often a family endeavor," Mornston added.

Over the course of his career, Mornston has earned numerous honors, including the National Intelligence Distinguished Service Medal, Distinguished and Meritorious.

Presidential Rank awards, the DIA Director's Award, the MacArthur Leadership Award, and the Defense Meritorious Service Medal.

As the event concluded, Mornston reminded attendees that the recognition represented more than one person's career - it was about a collective legacy of commitment.

"Today is not about me and 50 years," he said. "It's about us, and the thousands of cumulative years of service we represent. This is how we rise to the challenges we face."