Command selects top SERE specialist Published May 8, 2013 ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Air Force Reserve Command announced the winner of the 2012 Outstanding AFRC Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape Specialist Award in April. The winner is Senior Master Sgt. Howard T. Smith, 306th Rescue Squadron, 943rd Rescue Group, Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz. The award recognizes the accomplishments and contributions to AFRC's SERE program. Smith professionally managed and conducted SERE operations in support of personnel recovery across the full spectrum of military operations as an integral member of a Guardian Angel tactical recovery team. He trained 372 high-risk of isolation personnel. Additionally, he streamlined deployed command and control processes and increased the capability for rescue assets to conduct 163 combat missions, which saved 69 lives. USAF. (U.S. Air Force Graphic by Rosario "Charo" Gutierrez) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res USAF. (U.S. Air Force Graphic by Rosario "Charo" Gutierrez)