434th SFS makes history, wins AFRC award back-to-back

One Grissom squadron took aim at history when it hit the bullseye twice in a row.

The 434th Security Forces Squadron hit the mark recently when they were selected as the Air Force Reserve Commands Outstanding Security Forces Squadron of the Year for 2016. It the second time in a row, and an achievement that had never occurred before.

“It’s no coincidence the squadron won this award twice in a row,” said Maj. Matthew Garvelink, 434th SFS commander. “It’s a testament to the quality of people we have here at Grissom,”

The squadron’s primary mission is protecting the bases' 1,200 acres of land and more than $2 billion of real property, a task that continually changes and requires reassessment due to evolving mission requirements.

“Protecting the base and its assets is an evolving process that requires constant review,” explained Garvelink. “Last year we made several physical security improvements to the base that made us stand out from other bases.

“We take a proactive approach to base security and are constantly providing training to our Airmen to ensure they have the tools and resources to complete the mission,” he added.

That training and mission effectiveness not only was noticed locally but also from support the unit provided throughout the world-wide area of responsibility.

“Our security forces members deployed to several locations providing support to different contingencies during the last two years,” said Master Sgt. Michael Kamp, 434th SFS supply and mobility noncommissioned officer-in-charge. “During those deployments our Airmen constantly received praise for their professionalism and ability to get the job done.”

While the 434th SFS proved themselves while supporting the mission, those accomplishments couldn’t have been successful without superior trainers and supervisors, said Garvelink.

“We have an amazing training program,” said Gravelink. “When we are not supporting the mission we are training so we can do our best when the next mission comes around; it’s what makes us stand out from other units.”

That same message was not only heard from the 434th SFS commander but also echoed by the junior enlisted members of the team.

“We have great instructors with years of experience who really make sure you know your job and walk through the details with you,” said Staff Sgt. Manuel Paredes, 434^th SFS fire team member. “We’re a really close knit community, and winning this award really made us feel good about the job we do and our leadership.”

While Garvelink credited the hard work that earned them the award to his team he also said that the entire first responder community contributed.

“Our relationship with local law enforcement and the entire first responder community really helps us elevate our job performance and contributed to us winning the award,” said Garvelink. “I’m so proud of everyone; proud to be part of such a great team!”

Grissom is home to the 434th ARW, the largest KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command, but also three Army Reserve units and a Marine Corps Reserve communications detachment.