U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Ryan C. Munoz, an online student in security studies at Angelo State University, has been awarded one of 10 “Heart of a Hero” scholarships by the New Jersey Heroes organization.
A resident of Bordentown, N.J., Munoz will receive $5,000 to help fund his studies toward an ASU master’s degree in security studies. He and the other nine New Jersey military personnel who received the scholarships were announced and honored on Sept. 16 by New Jersey First Lady Mary Pat Christie.

Speaking from Trenton, N.J., Christie said, “The governor and I offer our sincere congratulations and heartfelt thanks to these outstanding New Jerseyans for their commitment and service to our state and nation.”

Munoz, 27, has served two combat deployments in Afghanistan and Iraq. In addition to his Air Force duties and graduate studies, he is studying for his private pilot’s license and volunteers in his community with the Special Olympics and several relief organizations focused on rebuilding and recovery in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.

New Jersey Heroes is a private, nonprofit organization formed in 2010 in Mendham, N.J., and chaired by Christie. Its mission is to recognize, celebrate and promote the heroes of New Jersey who inspire fellow New Jerseyans to give back to their community. More details are available online at http://newjerseyheroes.org.

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