Association, is the recipient of the Airline Pilots Association (ALPA) Superior Airmanship Plaque, given for "demonstrating extraordinary flying skills and professionalism in the face of adversity, for safely recovering an aircraft with severe flight control problems, exemplifying the best of what a pilot can offer to those who have placed their lives in his hands." Portela, who is also a chapter founder of League of United Latin American Citizens and co-chairman of the Defense Advisory Council on Hispanic Issues, he has also been Honored numerous times by the Senate and House of Representatives of Puerto Rico for "Outstanding Achievements". Portela, currently resides in Dallas, Texas, with his family. Military decorations and awards Among Brigadier General Portela's many military decorations are the following: Air Force Distinguished Service Medal with one oak leaf cluster Legion of Merit with one oak leaf cluster Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters Air Force Achievement Medal Joint Service Commendation Medal Joint Meritorious Unit Award Air Force Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters Combat Readiness Medal with seven oak leaf clusters Vietnam Service Medal with three bronze service stars National Defense Service Medal with oak leaf cluster Armed Forces Service Medal Humanitarian Service Medal Southwest Asia Service Medal with service star Air Force Longevity Service Award Armed Forces Reserve Medal Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon Air Force Training Ribbon Vietnam Campaign Medal Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Emblem with Palm and Frame Kuwait Liberation Medal (Saudi Arabia) Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait) Badges: US Air Force Command Pilot Badge Headquarters Air Force badge See also List of Puerto Ricans Puerto Rico Air National Guard List of Puerto Rican military personnel Hispanics in the United States Air Force References Further reading Puertorriquenos Who Served With Guts, Glory, and Honor. Fighting to Defend a Nation Not Completely Their Own; by : Greg Boudonck; 1949 births Living people Puerto Rican United States Air Force personnel Recipients of the Legion of Merit United States Air Force personnel of the Gulf War United States Air Force personnel of the Vietnam War Puerto Rican aviators United States Air Force generals United States Air Force reservists Puerto Rican military officers Naval War College alumni Recipients of the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal Recipients of the Distinguished Flying Cross (United States) Recipients of the Gallantry Cross (Vietnam) Recipients of the Meritorious Service Medal (United States) University of Puerto Rico alumni Puerto Rico National