HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – The 66th Security Forces Squadron was recently selected as the 2019 Outstanding Security Forces Unit “Small Category” award winner.
The award, categorized by small, medium, large, and reserve component teams, recognizes the contributions Security Forces units have made to the Air Force’s ability to project airpower.
“This comes at a time when our defenders are more than ever standing on the front lines and ensuring the safety of our families, resources and missions,” said Brig. Gen. Roy Collins, director of security forces, in an email to the force.
The 2019 cycle marks the fourth year Hanscom defenders have beaten out 24 other units to win the Air Force-level award.
“Truly well earned, I couldn’t be more proud of what you all accomplish every day,” said Col. Chad Ellsworth, installation commander, in a message to the squadron and to all members of the 66th Air Base Group.
Maj. Shane Watts, 66 SFS commander, lauded his unit’s accomplishment, and said he was honored and humbled to be part of such an outstanding organization.
“I’m grateful to be on such an awesome team of selfless and driven professionals that continue to push the boundaries of defending and empowering the Department of Defense’s mission needs,” he said.
Chief Master Sgt. Michael Daly, 66 SFS manager, echoed the commander's sentiment.
"Our squadron entered the arena, focused on the defenders as the weapon system, and we broke the mold for the Air Force," said Daly.
The squadron’s dedication to the global acquisition mission positioned them as the Air Force Materiel Command nominee for the Air Force Association’s Verne Orr Award, and its collaboration and training efforts with local and state police set it apart from the competition.
“The professionalism our defenders exude and the adoration they have for the Hanscom community and the Air Force mission reflects loud and clear in this recognition,” said Chief Master Sgt. Stephen Leonard, 66 SFS individual mobilization augmentee to the security forces manager. “It is a testament to the hard work they put in every day to ensure, no matter what, the Hanscom community and deployed locations downrange are safe and secure.”
Leonard said that, while squadron leaders are extremely proud of the organization, he was not surprised by the accolade at all. He believes the unit stands out because its defenders consistently work as a team to ensure mission accomplishment and unit success.
“It is apparent to me that from the commander to the Airmen on post, and everyone in between, it’s a complete team effort,” he said. “The fact the unit received this award only further validates what the Hanscom community already knows; the 66 SFS is the best in the Air Force.”