Maj. Met Berisha, 455th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron commander, shares his condolences for six fallen airmen during a fallen comrade memorial ceremony, Oct. 3, 2015, at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan. Air Force photo by SrA. Cierra Presentado.

Airmen Killed in C-130 Crash Identified
Amy McCullough. Air Force Magazine, Monday, October 5, 2015 

​The Defense Department identified the six airmen killed when their C-130 crashed just after taking off from Jalalabad Airport, Afghanistan, on Oct. 2. They are: Capt. Jonathan J. Golden, 33, of Camarillo, Calif.; Capt. Jordan B. Pierson, 28, of Abilene, Texas; SSgt. Ryan D. Hammond, 26, of Moundsville, W.V.; SrA. Quinn L. Johnson-Harris, 21, of Milwaukee, Wisc.; SrA. Nathan C. Sartain, 29, of Pensacola, Fla.; and A1C Kcey E. Ruiz, 21, of McDonough, Ga. Golden, Pierson, Hammond, and Johnson-Harris all were assigned to the 39th Airlift Squadron at Dyess AFB, Texas, while Sartain and Ruiz were assigned to the 66th Security Forces Squadron at Hanscom AFB, Mass. During a fallen comrade ceremony in Afghanistan, Lt. Col. Mitchell Spillers, commander of the 774th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron, called the lost crew "one of my best," saying "they had a positive impact on everyone around them." Though he offered his condolences, he also urged airmen to honor the fallen by remaining focused on the mission. "We've taken a blow, but I'm proud of the way we've come together and supported each other. That must continue," Spillers said. "We're a tactical airlift unit that provides a lifeline to our forces [that no one] else can. Our mission will continue and we must carry on. Jordan, JJ, Ryan, and JH all loved what we do, and would expect nothing less."

Airmen from the 455th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron salute during a fallen comrade memorial ceremony for six Airmen, Oct. 3, 2015, at Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan. (Photo: (Photo: Senior Airman Cierra Presentado/Air Force)

Two Hanscom Airmen Who Died During Crash in Afghanistan Identified
Posted: Oct 03, 2015 12:32 PM CDTUpdated: Oct 03, 2015 12:32 PM CDT

HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass . (MyFoxBoston.com) – Military officials stationed at Hanscom Air Force Base have identified two of the airmen who died Thursday when their aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff in Afghanistan.

Senior Airman Nathan C. Sartain, 29, of Pensacola, Florida and Airman 1st Class Kcey E. Ruiz, 21, of McDonough, Georgia were both assigned to the 66th Security Forces Squadron at the base.

The men worked as part of the fly-away security team providing protection for aircraft, crew, passengers and cargo flying from one location to another.

"These Airmen were rock stars," 66th Security Forces Squadron Commander Maj. Joseph Bincarousky said. "Their enthusiasm and dedication inspired peers and unit leadership alike. This is the type of young Airman the Air Force needs more of; their absence is palpable. “

Four other military members were killed in the crash. Officials said their remains will be flown back at a yet-to-be-determined date.

Defenders vigilant during threat, receive commander's gratitude for quick response

By TSgt Stacia Zachary, 19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs, 9/14/15

(Photo caption: A C-130J flies overhead while Col. Charles Brown, 19th Airlift Wing commander, presents two 19th Security Forces Squadron Defenders the Air Force Commendation Medal for their acts of courage Sept. 14, 2015, at Military Operations Urban Terrain (MOUT) Village on Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark. The two members engaged and neutralized a threat July 15, 2015, protecting base personnel and government assets. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Scott Poe)

LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. -- U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Zachary Freese and Airman 1st Class Codee Smith, 19th Security Forces Squadron Defenders, received the Air Force Commendation Medal during a ceremony Sept. 14, 2015, at the Military Operations Urban Terrain (MOUT) Village on Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas.

What began as a normal day, June 15 quickly turned into a day that would prove training to be invaluable when dealing with life-threatening situations.

At approximately 9:15 a.m., after the peak of inbound morning traffic passed, the Defenders closed the entry control point on Vandenberg Drive to a single lane. In an instant, a calm situation turned chaotic when a person drove his car upwards of 80 miles an hour into the gate. Before ramming the gate, he hit a light post. At this moment, the Defenders reacted as if the person was seriously injured and immediately went to render first aid.

That was until the person got out of the vehicle brandishing a rifle.

The Defenders then went from first responders rendering aid to controlling a hostile situation. After a series of verbal commands, the suspect aimed the weapon at one of the Defenders with the intent to fire. And the Defenders reacted, containing the situation and ultimately stopping the suspect with deadly force.

Ten seconds. That's how long the Defenders had to react to the situation and regain control. 

"One thing that stays with me is how the events went from a vehicle accident to a man with a weapon," said Freese, a native of Jennings, Louisiana.  "It happened so quickly, but we were ready."

In those few split seconds between the vehicle crashing into a light post in front of the Visitors' Control Center and the suspect exiting the disabled vehicle brandishing a weapon, the Defenders stepped up and took control of the situation without hesitation.

"When the wolf came knocking at the door ... every one of you ran to the sound of gunfire. It's impressive that when civilians took cover, you ran toward danger," said Col. Charles Brown Jr., 19th Airlift Wing and installation commander, before the medal presentation. "You couldn't get there fast enough. When you come up to the base, there's a sign that says 'By order of the installation commander, no weapons allowed on base.' You took your charge seriously, and your actions quite literally saved lives."

For Smith, this instinct is something that was instilled in him from an early age.

"We brought him up in Alaska, and we taught him early on about guns and how to protect his family," said Tammy Smith, mother of Airman Smith, natives of North Pole, Alaska. "I'm so glad that when this happened ... he followed his training and didn't hesitate."

For the 19th SFS Defenders, their actions can best be attributed to not only instinct, but also to the regular training that is conducted to keep their skills sharp and prepare them on how to address given scenarios.

"Muscle memory played a large part in how we responded that day," Freese said. "We train to certain scenarios, and this was a perfect example of something we trained for and unfortunately had to deal with real-world. The thing about that day was everyone reacted - it wasn't just one person leading and others following along. We reacted as a unit. That's what training does."

One Defender ran so quickly to the defense of his fellow Airmen that he had to unleash his military working dog because he was outrunning him. All of these immediate actions were to ensure that the base perimeter was not breached and the safety of those on base and in the community directly outside the fence line remained safe.

"This proves that no matter how far you are from the flightline on Little Rock AFB, you are a Combat Airlifter," Brown said. "The base remains safe because of their vigilance. My appreciation will never be grander for you."

The 19th SFS worked closely with the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, Jacksonville Police Department and the FBI to bring a final resolution to the threat against the base.

ARGUS-National Security and Law Enforcement Federal Contractor
$18.95 per hour plus holidays and vacation – Service Contract Act Applicable

FORCE PROTECTION SPECIALIST – NATIONAL SECURITY TEAM
ARMED UNIFORMED SECURITY AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE SERVICES
Location: Moore Air Base (Edinburgh, Texas)

General Duties and Responsibilities:
*NATIONAL SECURITY SENSITIVE* THE ARGUS COMPANIES (TAC) is looking for highly-qualified ARMED FORCE PROTECTION SPECIALISTS (FPS) to provide deterrence against all wrongful acts, including the commission of criminal and acts of terrorism, committed against the U.S. Government and its facilities, employees, visitors, guests, and their persons and property at Moore Air Base located in Edinburgh, Texas. FPS personnel will aid in discovery of security violations and early reporting of emergencies, provide directions, and informational assistance to employees, visitors and guests. Work from a fixed post for access control, and/or conducts roving patrols (foot and vehicular) of facilities, grounds, parking lots, garages, and out buildings, as defined by Post Security Orders. FPS will remain alert to security risks and exposures and reports security, medical or other incidents requiring a public safety response and conducts joint support operations within a multi-federal agency environment to provide for the protection of National Security interests, or other hazardous conditions. FPS may monitor intrusion detection, personal security devices, CCTV, fire and aircraft facilities, screens employees, guests and visitors entering assigned area; controls, issues and records visitor passes; maintains duty logs, and records visitor ingress and egress. Prepares written reports detailing security related activity and incidents and is direct report to first-line supervisor; testifies in administrative hearings, civil and criminal proceedings; When appropriate provides assistance to federal, state, and local counterparts. This position requires personnel with experience dealing with National Security sensitive issues or projects. FPS personnel will be required to intervene when action to safeguard persons or property is appropriate. (Duties/Post Orders are subject to change without notice)

Additional Requirements:
- Active State of Texas Private Security Bureau “Armed” Guard license
- Basic First Aid, CPR, and AED certified
- Military, Law Enforcement, or Federal security experience required. (DD214 to be supplied)
- No disqualifying criminal record or associations
- Clean Driving Record, Credit Check, and Background Investigation (no exceptions)
- Physical Fitness under stress test and Medical Exam is required
- Demonstrated ability to read, write, and speak English perfectly.
- Testing includes scenario based “high stress” situations that mirror realistic potential events at project sites (shooting under stress with elevated heart rate, active shooter, confined spaces, and emergency preparedness).
- Must pass U.S. Government Background check for National Security positions

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The Argus Companies is a Veterans First employer.