March security forces awarded AFRC Best Full-Time Unit

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Bari D. Yonkers
  • 452nd Air Mobility Wing
Congratulations to the 452nd Security Forces Squadron for earning the 2012 Air Force Reserve Command Outstanding Security Forces Full-time Unit Award. They were recognized by Lt. Gen. James Jackson, chief of Air Force Reserve, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Washington, D.C., and commander, Air Force Reserve Command, Robins Air Force Base, Ga.

Competition was tough but these defenders proved, through teamwork and dedication, they deserved the award.

Some highlights of the unit's accomplishments are the 452nd SFS members' outstanding force protection abilities, security and law enforcement support for the 8,500 people who make up Team March, protection of $2.72 billion in aircraft, Fourth Air Force headquarters and nine tenant units. Furthermore, they deployed to several hot spots around the globe, supported Superstorm Sandy relief efforts here at home, and provided security for the 500,000 guests who attended the March AirFest - the base's largest air show in 30 years.

"When I assumed command, I challenged my squadron. They answered the challenge and then some," said Maj. Ryan Robin, commander, 452nd SFS. "I am very proud of the squadron. We are honored and humbled to represent the wing in this manner and this award means more than any individual award because it was earned by the entire unit."

The members of the 452nd SFS also exhibit the core value of Service Before Self, by giving back to their community. Many security forces members donated their time to various charities to include The American Cancer Society and Habitat for Humanity. They also collected and distributed $250 in donated gifts to Toys for Tots.

In addition to the unit's team recognition, Airmen were singled out and recognized for their individual achievements.

Master Sgt. Juan Rodriguez, Tech. Sgt. Nelson Brown III and Senior Airman Andrew Reynoso, were selected as the 2012 AFRC Flight-level SNCO, NCO and Airman of the Year respectively. They also produced two SNCOs of the Quarter for the 452nd Air Mobility Wing, Rodriquez and Master Sgt. Corinius Hill; three NCOs of the Quarter, Brown, Staff Sgts. Luz Gonzalez and Mark Estorga; and an Airman of the Quarter, Reynoso.

"It confirms what I thought after my first week here, during the airshow in 2012. The squadron has some of the Air Force's best and brightest," Robin said. "This is also a win for Team March because without the support and interaction from the rest of the units on base, this would not have been possible."