7th SFS tops AFGSC as best medium security forces unit

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jerry Quintanilla, 7th Security Forces Squadron military working dog handler, runs his dog, Ppirro, through an obstacle course, March 24, 2016, at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas. Military working dog handlers train on a daily basis to ensure they are prepared for real-world scenarios. 7th SFS provides multiple MWD teams to support missions to help secure the president of the United States and the United Nations General Assembly. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Austin Mayfield/Released)

7th SFS tops AFGSC as best medium security forces unit

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Brandon Johnson, 7th Security Forces Squadron visitor control center clerk, processes a base pass, March 23, 2016, at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas. Security forces processed more than 72,000 visitors in 2015. These Airmen have the responsibility to defend Dyess personnel and assets. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Austin Mayfield/Released)

7th SFS tops AFGSC as best medium security forces unit

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Brandon Melencio, 7th Security Forces Squadron member, checks a visitor’s pass at the Arnold Gate, March 22, 2016, at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas. The 7th SFS recently won the Air Force Global Strike Command award for best medium security forces unit. 7th SFS improved the base identification process, which saved the Air Force annually more than $1 million and 240 man-hours. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Austin Mayfield/Released)

7th SFS tops AFGSC as best medium security forces unit

Published March 24, 2016
By Airman 1st Class Austin Mayfield
7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Airmen assigned to the 7th Security Forces Squadron recently received the 2015 Air Force Global Strike Command Security Forces Unit Award for the best active-duty, medium-sized unit during AFGSC's annual security forces unit competition.

Dyess Defenders competed against 12 other medium-sized units for the major command-level award. By winning the AFGSC award, the 7th SFS is now eligible to compete at the Air Force level.

"Our unit consists of more than 200 personnel," said Tech. Sgt. David Manke, 7th SFS NCO in charge of training. "I feel even though we have a small unit, with good leadership and good training we can be just as important as any other unit in the Air Force."

This award displays the hard work these Airmen put into their day-to-day operations, Manke added.

"Winning this award puts us in the forefront," said Senior Airman Tonish Williams, 7th SFS scheduler. "This award also lets the group know our unit means business. We are here to handle business, work and do our job to keep the base safe."

Manke mentioned all the training the squadron goes through helped to win the award. He also said it demonstrates they are going in the right direction and getting better all the time.

"I believe the amount of training this unit puts into our Airmen, the great leadership we have and taking care of each other makes us a great squadron," Manke said. "Our squadron can accomplish any task put in front of us. Our determination and work ethic was a major boost to help us get this award."

Manke was quick to talk about what he thinks really boosted the unit this past year.

"The fact that we successfully had a safe environment for 26,000 guests during the air show was a great feat," Manke said. "A unit this size that accomplished a task that large just shows how dedicated and well-equipped this unit is for all of its responsibilities no matter how large."

In addition to providing a safe environment for the air show, the 7th SFS also defended 41% of the nation's B-1B Lancer and C-130J Super Hercules fleet. Furthermore, they protected 17 billion dollars worth of facilities, deployed forces in support of five different operations, and developed an active shooter training program with the U.S. Marshalls that has certified 190 personnel.

Their squadron commander also had high praise for the Airmen of the 7th SFS and all of the outstanding work they accomplished over the past year.

"I'm very proud of all the Airmen assigned to the 7th Security Forces Squadron," Maj. Mark Breed said. "I could not be more appreciative of their hard work and dedication to the 7th Security Forces Squadron and 7th Bomb Wing mission. We have only been in Air Force Global Strike for five months, and they have already deemed us one of the best."