379th ESFS honor National Police Week at AUAB

By 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs, 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs / Published May 22, 2015

Photo caption: Al Udeid Air Base 2015 Police Week combat challenge put participant in several situations in which they had to compete as a team May 14, 2015 at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar. The 379th Expeditionary Security Force Squadron put together the event to help raise awareness for National Police week. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Alexandre Montes)

Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar -- Members of the 379th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron share a laugh with Airmen during their vehicle and weapons display May 12, 2015, at Memorial Plaza on Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar. The 379th ESFS held other various events during National Police Week consisting of an opening ceremony, a fallen officer memorial 5K run, and a "Defender Challenge".(U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Douglas)

AFSFA along with others contributed AFSFA logo gifts and MSgt Jason Adams offered the following thanks: "The gifts received from you and Pete Piazza, John Probst at the AFSFA, Dave Broeker at the VDHA, Greg Cain, Sheila Gervase-Cain, and Van and Joyce Digby at the VSPA were a huge hit and made a major difference in the success of National Police Week here at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar. Due to circumstances beyond our control, we had to cancel the ruck march and the retreat service, however we were still able to hold our opening ceremony, 5K Memorial run, police equipment/weapons/vehicle display and MWD demo, and the Defender's Challenge. We decided to use the donated gifts as prizes for the top finishers of the 5K run. And as you can see from the photos, we had a fantastic turn out! Thank you all for the donations, and thank you for your support to all of Defenders down range. Many of us will begin rotating back to the US in June and July, and thanks to you we have "left our mark" on this rotation. Again, thank you all."

Photo: The Vice Presidential Service Badge is awarded to Staff Sgt. Peter Velez, former 811 Security Forces Squadron NCO in-charge of vice presidential aircraft security, Staff Sgt. Leonard Antonio, 811 SFS vice presidential aircraft security team leader, Staff Sgt. Sorhaindo Peter, 811 SFS vice presidential aircraft security team leader, Senior Airman Albert Ritterbeck, 811 SFS vice presidential aircraft security team members at Joint Base Andrews, Md., May 21, 2015. Only 473 people have been awarded the VPSB since its establishment in July, 1970. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Joshua R. M. Dewberry)

811th Airmen awarded VP Service Badge

Posted 5/21/2015
by Senior Airman Joshua R. M. Dewberry, 11th Wing Public Affairs

5/21/2015 - JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. -- Four members of the 811th Security Forces Squadron have been awarded the Vice Presidential Service Badge for their mission support of the Vice President of the United States, May 21, 2015.

The badge was awarded to 811 SFS members Staff Sgt. Peter Velez, former NCO in-charge of vice presidential aircraft security, Staff Sgt. Leonard Antonio, vice presidential aircraft security team leader, Staff Sgt. Sorhaindo Peter, vice presidential aircraft security team leader, Senior Airman Albert Ritterbeck, vice presidential aircraft security team member.

"The 811th Security Forces Squadron is responsible for securing any aircraft transporting the Vice President of the United States," said Capt. David Nugent, 811 SFS operations officer. "Our Airmen secure Air Force Two all over the world. We're incredibly proud of their accomplishments and expect continued success in their careers."

The VPSB is awarded to members of the uniformed services, to include the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Corps and the Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, who serve as full-time uniformed service aides to the Vice President. It was established under Executive Order by President Richard Nixon on July 8, 1970 and was modified by President Gerald R. Ford on July 19, 1976.

The VPSB is considered a permanent decoration and is authorized for continued wear throughout a uniformed service career, even when no longer directly serving the Vice President. The badge is very similar to the Presidential Service Badge, authorized for uniformed service personnel assigned to the staff of the President of the United States.

"This is something not all security forces will be able to get to do," said Tech. Sgt. Cody Stollings, 811 SFS NCO in-charge of vice presidential aircraft security. "No one in our unit has been given this badge in over two years, so this is a big deal for our defenders. It's a huge honor, not just because it is well deserved, but because only 473 people have earned this badge since its inception in the 70s. So, it's a small club to be a part of."

DEFENDER NAMED JOINT STAFF ACTION OFFICER OF THE YEAR!
From the Top Cop: Defenders, earlier this week, I attended an amazing event at which a fellow Defender, Lt Col Robert "Bobby" Ford, Jr., was recognized by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff as the Joint Staff Action Officer of the Year. To be specific, our nation's top military officer, General Martin Dempsey, hailed Bobby as the Pentagon's top action officer because of the outstanding work he did for the J3 (Ops) Directorate in direct support of the President and SECDEF. Also, this distinguished him as the best of the best amongst his Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps peers. All this from an officer who started his career working gates as a young enlisted SP!! It further proves my belief that, given the opportunity, Defenders can do anything … and do it superbly. Lt Col Ford is leaving the Joint Staff this summer and headed to command of the 802 SFS at Lackland where they quickly appreciate what a great leader he is. Thanks for making us proud, Bobby – HOOHA!!!

  Barksdale defenders stop armed robbery suspect

by Senior Airman Joseph Raatz
2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs

4/8/2015 - BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- When Barksdale defenders Senior Airman Michael Clark and Airman 1st Class Jack Andersen checked in for entry-controller duty March 25, they expected to spend their shift checking ID cards and directing traffic as usual.

 But their day took an unusual turn when one particular car rolled up to the gate.

 "When this gentleman pulled up to the gate we scanned his ID through DBIDS like we do with everyone else," Clark said. "Unlike most other people, his name popped up for outstanding warrants."

 The Defense Biometric Identification System, or DBIDS, is a database Security Forces uses to verify the identity of every person who enters an Air Force installation. The system contains information such as the person's photo, address, height and weight and whether there are any items of interest such as suspended licenses or warrants.

 "When his scan came up positive for outstanding warrants, I immediately knew something was up," Clark said. "I told him to standby while we cleared up something with the law enforcement desk."

 After Clark radioed the desk and informed them of the situation, the Security Forces personnel at the desk conducted further research and discovered the individual was wanted in connection with an armed robbery. The desk personnel then instructed Clark to detain the suspect until Bossier Parish Sheriffs could arrive to take custody.

 "When Clark told me what was going on, I stepped in to provide backup and direct traffic away from the suspect," Andersen explained. "The suspect then drove off, cutting through the visitor's center and search pit. We don't know if it was because of a misunderstanding or because he was trying to get away, but we were able to secure him in the area and hold him there."

 Generally, when DBIDS flags people for an outstanding warrant, the warrant is for things such as failure to appear for a court date or to pay child support. Clark said this is the first time he's seen anything as serious as armed robbery.

 "It just proves you have to be on your toes at all times," he said. "You never know what's going to happen at any given moment."

 "I'm glad we have DBIDS," Andersen said. "You obviously can't let someone like that on base, but just looking at the guy you never would have known."

 During the incident, traffic backed up at the gate. These delays inconvenience those waiting in line to get on base, and are often a source of frustration for the thousands of people who use the gates on a daily basis.

 "When there are delays at the gate, this is often the kind of thing our entry controllers are doing," said Tech. Sgt. Alfred Eide, 2nd Security Forces Squadron NCO in charge of installation gates. "They do this to keep our base and personnel safe and secure. I understand people waiting in line can become frustrated with the delay, but I would ask them to remain calm and try to be patient with us while we accomplish our law enforcement duties."

 Next time you're sitting at the gate, frustrated and waiting for traffic to clear, keep in mind that those Security Forces personnel may just be keeping your office or home safe from a violent criminal; security and peace-of-mind are surely worth a short delay, Eide continued.

 "These Airmen did a fantastic job," he said. "They kept a rough customer off the installation and away from its people. It's just another example of the excellent job they do every day."