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JBSA News
NEWS | Jan. 11, 2008

SF six capture AETC accolades

By Airman 1st Class Katie Hickerson Wingspread Editor

Six Air Education and Training Command Security Forces personnel were recently selected for AETC-level Outstanding Security Forces individual awards. 

Capt. Robert Ford, Senior Master Sgt. Richard Sherman, Master Sgts. Jeffery Bachman and Frank Brown, Senior Airman LeeAnthony Porter and David Toler were all selected for their outstanding contributions within the security forces specialty. 

"These awards are presented annually to recognize those individuals that have best met the security forces warrior ethos in both peace and wartime," said Senior Master Sgt. 

Tim Ocnascchek, AETC/A7S. "The awards board reviewed nominations from each of the 13 security forces squadrons, including the three tech. training squadrons from Lackland Air Force Base, for each of the six categories." 

Captain Ford, AETC Programs and Resources Branch deputy chief, was selected to receive the Company Grade Officer award. 

Captain Ford was responsible for securing $2.6 million for new body armor for AETC security forces troops deployed down range, crafted the first-ever joint training program with police and guard units and commanded 117 troops while deployed. 

"Whether deployed down-range as a troop or the chief, Captain Ford's phenomenal leadership is the key to our success," said Lt. Colonel Richard DeMouy, AETC/A7S executive officer. 

Sergeant Sherman, 12th SFS operations superintendent, was selected for the Security Forces Support Staff noncommissioned officer award. 

Sergeant Sherman proved himself as a joint leader and crafted Army, Air Force and coalition forces into one cohesive unit with over 5,000 missions launched and recovered. He expertly planned and executed airfield security during the Iraqi prime minister's visit and guided the Security Forces investigations section through 85 cases with a 96 percent resolve rate. 

"Sergeant Sherman is a tremendous leader and has been instrumental to the success of the 12th Security Forces squadron," said Maj. Frank Hellstern, 12th SFS commander.
Sergeant Bachman, AETC Future Operations NCO in-charge, was selected for the Higher Headquarters NCO award. 

He created a new AETC action officer training guide, improving the action officer process, established a "way-ahead" for the operations branch as the "pointman" for the transformation management program and tracked, coordinated and provided input on critical Air Force initiatives and programs. 

Sergeant Brown, 12th SFS Training and Resources superintendent, was selected for the Air Reserve Component Senior NCO award. 

Faced with a huge responsibility, Sergeant Brown served as the flight sergeant for his flight during Operation Iraqi Freedom, securing more than 19,000 detainees at Central Air Force's largest internment facility. He directed and led more than 50 combat missions and 35 improvised explosive device sweep missions through known 'hot spots.' 

Airman Porter, 12th SFS instructor, was selected for the support staff Airman award.
He trained 90 Randolph Airmen on combat arms tactics during pre-deployment training preparing them for hostile activities. He attained a CPR and self-aid and buddy care instructor certifications, training 30 other Randolph Airmen, saving the Air Force $2,000 in training costs. 

Mr. Toler, AETC security specialist, was selected as the civilian employee of the year. 

He was selected as the civilian of the quarter, category III, in the second quarter of 2007 and built an Air Force process on how to convert 195 contract guards into GS employees, with the whole Air Force to follow suit by 2010. 

He led a team of colonels in the development of a security forces strategic planning project and secured $11 million to extend the contract guard program. 

"Dave is a tremendous asset to the A7S team and AETC," Colonel DeMouy said. "His efforts over the past year have catapulted the command to new Heights. We wouldn't be where we are today without him." 

All of the winners are scheduled to be recognized in an awards ceremony in the near future.