Air Force Announces the 12 Outstanding Airmen for 2022
14 July 2022, by Staff Sgt. Kiana Pearson, Air Force's Personnel Center Public Affairs
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas (AFNS) --
Air Force officials have selected the service’s top enlisted members, naming the 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year for 2022.
An Air Force selection board at the Air Force’s Personnel Center considered 36 nominees who represented major commands, direct reporting units, field operating agencies and Headquarters Air Force. The board selected the 12 Airmen based on superior leadership, job performance and personal achievements.
The 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year (alphabetically, by command of assignment when selected) are:
Tech. Sgt. Brandon S. Blake, Air Force Special Operations Command
Senior Airman Demarion N. Davis, United States Air Forces in Europe - Air Forces Africa
Senior Airman Monica A. Figueroa Santos, Air Force Global Strike Command
Senior Master Sgt. Kade N. Forrester, Air Force District of Washington
Senior Master Sgt. Megan A. Harper, Air Combat Command, operations superintendent, 379th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar.
Tech. Sgt. Brianne E. Kelleher, Air Force Reserve Command
Tech. Sgt. Alexander W. Messinger, Air Education and Training Command, standardization evaluation noncommissioned officer in charge, 802nd Security Forces Squadron, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas.
Senior Airman Steven C. Peters, Air Mobility Command
Senior Airman Kristina L. Schneider, Air National Guard
Airman 1st Class Caden A. Soper, Pacific Air Forces
Senior Airman Christopher T. Thao, Air Force Materiel Command - Airman supporting Space Force
Tech. Sgt. Jennifer G. Thomas, Air Force Materiel Command - Air Force
The winners are authorized to wear the Outstanding Airman of the Year Ribbon with the bronze service star device on the ribbon. They are also authorized to wear the OAY badge for one year from the date of formal presentation.
The Outstanding Airmen of the Year program debuted at AFA’s 10th annual National Convention in 1956, and the association has continued to shine a spotlight on the outstanding Airmen from each major command every year since.
AFSFA Commissions 50 Commemorative Sig Sauer M18 Pistols
Between 1 June and 31 July 2023 any current AFSFA member may call in and place their name on a list for one of the military’s newest modular handguns … the Sig Sauer M18. These commemorative pistols will have the Security Forces shield outline engraved on the black plate just in front of the rear sight and bear our name, AIR FORCE SECURTY FORCES ASSOC, on the right side of the slide as pictured. The 9MM pistol is flat dark earth in color and comes with: a manual safety; (2) 17 round steel magazines; the SIGLITE night sights; and, an AFSFA certificate of authenticity numbered to the pistol. Pistols sell for $880.00 each which includes shipping but DOES NOT include transfer fees.
Interested AFSFA members MUST call the AFSFA office at 210-277-0448 or John at 505-414-2166 NO EARLIER than 1 June and NO LATER than 1 August 2023 and personally talk with Crystal or John to place their name on the list. Once current membership is confirmed the member’s name will be added to the list. Members may put their name on the list ONLY ONCE. The drawing will take place on 2 August 2023 and the 50 members names drawn will be notified that week. Delivery is anticipated to start in November 2023. Members will be contacted in early September to pay for the pistol and provide weapons dealer shipping information. Since these pistols are customized with engraving they may not be shipped to CA or MA. There are NO exceptions to this rule. Additionally, CO, DC, MD, NJ, NY and VT all have magazine restrictions for 10 rounds unless the member is an active Law Enforcement Officer in their state.
Zero Eyes; Helping 325th SFS Detect, Deter Potential Firearm Threats
Published March 29, 2022 by SSgt Magen M. Reeves, 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. –
A computer image demonstrates the capabilities of Zero Eyes, a new artificial intelligence software designed to detect and alert the presence of firearms, at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, Jan. 28, 2022. Zero Eyes utilizes digital images captured by cameras placed across the installation to alert the 325th Security Forces Squadron of potential adversaries or aggressors. (Courtesy photo)
The 325th Security Forces Squadron at Tyndall Air Force Base is leading the way in advancing technology and innovation by serving as the first unit to test revolutional, preemptive base security measures.
The squadron is partnering with Zero Eyes, an artificial intelligence, software-based system, that utilizes digital images captured by cameras strategically placed across the installation to detect and deter potential adversaries or aggressors.
“The AI software can identify weapons such as shotguns, rifles and other weapon models,” said Staff Sgt. Nicholas Murphy, 325th SFS technology and innovations noncommissioned officer in charge. “The software (detects) 360-degree visuals of various weapon models in a database which then triggers an alarm sent to security forces (who can dispatch responders) to get there as soon as possible in an active shooter situation.”
According to Murphy, the AI system is able to distinguish when a firearm is in a slung position, as it would be carried normally by law enforcement so an alarm isn’t being triggered by security forces Airmen during their standard shifts.
“The addition of this technology will add to and augment the installation’s Integrated Base Defense and, if it is determined by the Air Force Security Forces Center and higher headquarters as a good use case, then it could be deployed Air Force-wide, possibly even [throughout the] Department of Defense,” said Murphy.
Tyndall implemented the software earlier this year and currently remains in the testing and evaluating stage; working out kinks in the system and identifying potential improvements if the software is picked up throughout the service enterprise.
A computer image demonstrates the capabilities of Zero Eyes, a new artificial intelligence software designed to detect and alert the presence of firearms, at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, Jan. 28, 2022. Tyndall implemented the software in early 2022 and it currently remains in the testing and evaluating stage. (Courtesy photo)
“This innovation in technology is ‘early warning’ in nature and can help security forces Airmen save seconds that will save lives,” said Murphy. “It is fully mission capable and due to that presence, it is a deterrence to stop or mitigate damage. The AI meets our mission intent because these technologies are used to strengthen our multi-layered base defense capability and augment our manpower.”
The 325th SFS is working closely with higher-level units including the Air Force Security Forces Center, Air Force Research Laboratory, Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center and AFWERX, a technology directorate of AFRL, to accelerate change.
“Innovation is embedded in our culture as Airmen,” said Maj. Jordan Criss, 325th SFS commander. “From the inception of airpower to future conflicts, innovation is a must for the world’s greatest Air Force. We cannot fight tomorrow’s war with yesterday’s equipment. These types of innovations…ultimately protect our greatest resource: our Airmen.”
Major General Andrea D. Tullos Confirmed for her Third Star
Just before the Senate departed for their Memorial Day recess, they approved a number of nominations across the Air Force and Space Force including our own past Top Cop Maj Gen Tullos who will now become Lieutenant General Tullos! Congrats from all your Air Force Security Forces Association Defenders … well done!!!
Maj. Gen. Andrea D. Tullos is the Deputy Commander at Air Education and Training Command, Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas. The command is responsible for the recruiting, training and education of Air and Space Force personnel and includes Air Force Recruiting Service, two Numbered Air Forces and Air University. AETC operates more than 1,400 trainer, fighter and mobility aircraft, 24 wings, 11 bases and five geographically-separated groups. It governs approximately 60,000 active-duty, Reserve, Guard, civilian and contractor personnel who train more than 293,000 students per year.
General Tullos entered the Air Force in 1991 and received her commission through Officer Training School as a distinguished graduate. She is a career Security Forces officer and has previously served as a staff officer at the combatant command, Joint Staff, Air Staff and major command levels, most recently as the Director of Security Forces, Headquarters U.S. Air Force. She has completed multiple command tours at the squadron, group, wing, and numbered Air Force level.
Her complete biography can be found here: https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Biographies/Display/Article/936182/andrea-d-tullos/
National Police Week and the Security Forces Enterprise
A Commentary by Brig Gen Collins
The Department of the Air Force Security Forces, in conjunction with thousands of other law enforcement organizations, will pause and remember our heroes in honor of National Police Week, May 16-20, 2022.
National Police Week provides an opportunity for the community to pay special recognition to law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others.
As the Director of Security Forces, this week reminds me of those officers we have lost and the sacrifice that 38K Defenders, to include 5K DAF civilian Defenders, make every day to ensure the safety of the Nation and Installation at home and abroad. These Defenders are charged with the ultimate duty to ensure the safety of others on or off duty, and I have witnessed this call to duty personally as I humbly watch the thousands of base defense, security and law enforcement responses proficiently executed across the enterprise 24/7.
Chief Master Sergeant Donald Gallagher emphasized the importance of Police Week. “Think of the word and act of sacrifice this Police Week. Never take for granted those sacrifices made daily by our Defenders and other law enforcement professionals across the country and around the globe. Whether civilian or military, the work these brave men and women do every day to protect our bases and resources is unmatched. "Defenders, these brave men and women are you!” he said. “As you stand post whether it's the frozen missile fields of Minot or the desert heat of Africa and the Middle East, know that you are not taken for granted. Your sacrifices are well known and appreciated, and there is not enough thanks we can give to recognize the work and responsibilities you take on every day. Most importantly, let us never forget our fallen that have given the ultimate sacrifice in the defense of the force and our Nation. We must always and keep them and their families in our thoughts and prayers.”
This Police Week, we honor all Defenders for their bravery, sacrifices, and dedication to the safety of others. Deputy Director of Security Forces, Timothy Gerald agreed, saying, “As we quickly approach another Police Week, its significance cannot be over emphasized. The environment for law enforcement officers is challenging at best and extremely difficult at worst. law enforcement officers’ ability to maintain their professionalism and focus on protecting the public, while facing additional scrutiny, is to be applauded. The recognition that comes with National Police Week is just a small way in which the country can say thank you to officers for the difficult and important work they do. Sadly, it is also a time to honor those officers who lost their lives doing the work they loved. Thank you for all you do.”
Brigadier General Roy Collins will also be attending the 34th Annual Candlelight Vigil, which will take place Friday, May 13th on the National Mall (between 4th and 7th Streets and Madison and Jefferson Drives) in Washington, D.C. The Candlelight Vigil starts at 8:00 pm. During Police Week, we are reminded of the importance of each Defender and thank them for all that they do to protect and uphold the mission of the United States Air Force.
At this year’s event, three of our fallen Defenders: A1C Elizabeth Jacobson, A1C LeeBernard Chavis, and SSgt Travis Griffin will be honored among 17 other fallen heroes whose names were recently added to the Memorial. The Memorial honors federal, tribal, state, and local law enforcement officers.
Page 8 of 51