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JBSA News
NEWS | Jan. 5, 2018

Local NCO among Air Force nominees selected for 2017 GEICO Military Service Awards

By Kat Bailey Air Force Personnel Center Public Affairs

A member of the 433rd Security Forces Squadron at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland is among the four finalists nominated by Air Force officials for the 2017 Government Employees Insurance Company Military Service Awards, which recognizes enlisted total force members from all branches of service for contributions to military or civilian communities.

The categories and nominees are:

AFRC/ANG All Categories: Tech. Sgt. Lori Darling, 433rd Security Forces Squadron, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. Darling’s attention to detail boosted the effectiveness of both the unit and wing safety programs. As the safety director for a local military motorcycle club, she proved a vital source of information for wing motorcycle riders and through these actions, ensured zero traffic incidents occurred within the motorcycle safety program. 

Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Category: Tech. Sgt. Edward Mauss, 96th SFS, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. Mauss led a five-member team in investigating and deterring drug use and distribution affecting the Defense Department’s largest military installation. His team initiated 20 investigations, resulting in the seizure of 727 grams of Schedule 1 controlled substances. Through partnership with local police agencies, his drug suppression efforts eradicated a marijuana growing field, removed 222 pounds of prescription medication and identified drug houses in the local community. 

Fire Safety and Fire Prevention Category: Master Sgt. Corey Coleman, 612th Air Base Squadron, Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras. Coleman expertly managed the base’s fire prevention program that protected 1,300 personnel and 1,000 facilities valued at $120 million, covering 18.6 square miles, with a zero-dollar loss for 2017. He led 13 risk assessments with Honduran fire departments and established the base’s fire warden program, developing a hands-on training curriculum for more than 300 personnel.

Traffic Safety and Accident Prevention Category: Staff Sgt. Samuel Harrison, 78th SFS, Robins Air Force Base, Ga. Harrison liaised with four local law enforcement agencies in support of 65 events. His efforts ensured the protection of 22,000 personnel and resulted in zero safety mishaps and traffic accidents. Harrison corrected a four-year safety deficiency by developing two gate closure plans, rerouting 16,000 personnel daily. He also coordinated safe routes for 83 Congressional delegates and distinguished visitors, enhancing the partnership between Robins AFB and the local community.

GEICO will select recipients in each category from all nominees submitted by each of the military services, and those recipients will be honored at a ceremony in Washington, D.C.

The nominees are authorized to wear the Air Force Recognition Ribbon. Prior to publication, AFPC provided commanders with advanced knowledge of their Airmen’s selection to allow notification through the chain of command.