100th SFS wins '2015 Best Large Security Forces Squadron for USAFE-AFAFRICA' award

  • Published
  • By Gina Randall
  • 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
RAF MILDENHALL, England --  The men and women of the 100th Security Forces Squadron work day and night, rain or shine, defending the base and those who live and work there. They defend the gate and stand between danger and the Airmen as they carry out their daily duties. They protect the families of those serving their nation and enforce rules to keep people behind the wire safe.

Recently, the efforts of the 100th SFS were recognized when they won the "2015 Best Large Security Forces Squadron for U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces in Africa" award.

The squadron leadership couldn't be prouder of the achievements of their Airmen. It was a unit effort and couldn't have been won without contributions from all, from the brand new Airmen learning the ropes, to the highest ranking officer responsible for the welfare of his personnel.

"The 100th SFS is extremely unique in that there is so much raw talent in this organization, starting from our Airmen on the gate to the NCOs' on patrol, and all the way up to the commander; just sheer greatness across all ranks," said Chief Master Sgt. Steven Koehler, 100th SFS Security Forces manager.

The competition for this award was tough and this is the first time in many years the unit was able to bring the award to England.

"We are extremely humbled to be recognized with this prestigious award, especially when you consider the great USAFE units we serve with," Koehler added. "It has been 9 years since we have been recognized with this honorable award."

A winning unit needs a leadership that values its Airmen, and takes pride in what their personnel achieve each day.

"Our defenders work extremely hard in protecting the base populace and executing Team Mildenhall's intricate mission; and I think we do extremely well on these aspects," said Lt. Col. Johnathan Bennett, 100th SFS commander. "Our young Airmen defend 'the line' so others may execute their portion of the air refueling and special operations missions, allowing them to rest easy knowing they live in a highly protected environment, no matter the environmental conditions. It's both very sobering and inspiring to watch."

Taking home this award means a great deal to the Airmen of the squadron, and to the leader who made sure his Airmen are the best at what they do and are proficient at defending the base each day.

"We have faced some really tough challenges, both here at home and deployed over the past year; so being named USAFE-AFAFRICA's Best Large Security Forces Squadron for 2015 is quite an honor. It's a direct result of our defenders' hard work, determination and precise mission execution," Bennett added. "I couldn't be more proud of the men and women of the 100th SFS!"

Just as the leadership value their Airmen, those with boots on the ground checking IDs at the gate, keeping their self-aid buddy care up to date, patrolling the flightline, and much more to protect the base community, value the leaders put in place to ensure they are able to carry out their duties.

"I've never been in a unit where the leadership has shown so much support and dedication to mentor and mold future defenders," said Senior Airman Rebecca McCarthy, 100th SFS Base Defense Operations Center controller. "I feel blessed knowing I am surrounded by some of the best defenders in USAFE."

The Airmen working on the tankers work day and night, and the Airmen supporting them, work round the clock, keeping those tankers in the air when called upon to fuel the fight. The defenders on base ensure those men and women have a safe, secure place to carry out their duties.

"We as defenders work 24/7 to protect this base and its personnel, and it's motivating to know our hard work and dedication has been recognized," McCarthy said. "I'm deeply honored to serve under the leadership who have developed us into the unit we are, and I'm impressed that my peers have upheld these standards."

Any military unit needs cohesion to excel, and this couldn't be truer for the defenders entrusted with protecting their wingmen across the various units on base.

"Make no mistake, this award is only possible due to the solid teamwork, dedication and the 'blue collar' work ethic of our Airmen," Koehler said. "The special element to this award is that we have earned this as a team with a total collaborative effort, and I am honored to serve alongside of them."