Hanscom SFS personnel win AFMC top honors

  • Published
  • By J.C. Corcoran
  • 66th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
HANSCOM AFB, Mass. --  Capt. Christopher Robinson, operations officer for the 66th Security Forces Squadron, and Tech. Sgt. John Williams, Jr., noncommissioned officer in charge Operations Flight, have been selected by Air Force Materiel Command as nominees for two Air Force level awards.

Competing first at the AFMC level, Captain Robinson was selected by AFMC for the Colonel Billy Jack Carter Award and will now go on to compete at Air Force level.

Colonel Billy Jack Carter commanded the 377th Security Police Squadron, which distinguished itself at Tan Son Nhut Air Base, South Vietnam, during the Tet Offensive. Colonel Carter was the first career security police officer to be named the Air Force Director of Security Police.

Each Major Command may nominate one individual military member, civilian employee, contract employee, or host-nation member in any grade. The award goes to the individual judged to have made the most significant contribution to protecting Air Force personnel or resources during the calendar year. The award is for a specific act, contribution or event.

"The performance of both Captain Robinson and Tech. Sergeant Williams is indicative of the caliber of men and women who make up the 66th Security Forces Squadron here at Hanscom," said Major Tammy Mayer, 66 SFS commander.

"These two individuals are well deserving of this recognition for their professionalism, their dedication and service to their country. Both of them epitomize the Air Force core values of 'Integrity first, Service before self, and Excellence in all we do'" she said.

Captain Robinson was recognized by AFMC for his distinguished performance during his recent deployment to Iraq. As outlined in his nomination package to AFMC, Captain Robinson, while serving as Police Transition Team chief, demonstrated exceptional leadership preparing airmen from different bases to execute PTT operations, a unique mission for a Law and Order Air Force unit.

Further, Captain Robinson led in-depth inspections of seven Iraqi Police stations identifying numerous vulnerabilities and corrections. His stellar battlefield data collection identified two individuals with insurgent ties guaranteeing their removal and thwarting potential attacks against coalition forces or the Iraqi Police.

Captain Robinson's persistence, understanding and dedication ensured the main IP stations in the Area of Responsibility were properly trained and prepared to actively provide 24 hour coverage. This coverage was critical in repelling insurgents and ensuring the safety and security of the Iraqi people and those under his charge. Captain Robinson was awarded the Bronze Star by the Multi National Corps Iraq commanding general.

Tech. Sgt. John Williams Jr., NCOIC Operations Flight, 66th Security Forces Squadron was also selected by Air Force Materiel Command as its Outstanding Security Forces Support Staff noncommissioned officer award.

Sergeant Williams, while deployed to Iraq, directly supported Operation Iraqi Freedom which earned him an Army Commendation Medal. He helped stand up the first ever Air Force Provincial level Police Transition Team which helped to prepare Iraqi police for greater mission roles.

He conducting in-depth assessments of three Iraqi police stations; assisted in the development of deployed standard operating procedures and created strict guidance for the newly formed Air Force PTT mission; supervised 48 PTT/Iraqi Police training sessions building confidence for 570 IPs to fight anti-Iraqi forces.

Regardless of his location, Sergeant Williams' spirit always plays a major role as a leader in the community. While deployed, he formed a 24-person flickerball team helping to boost morale for over 800 combined Air Force and Army personnel; and, facilitated shipment of donated school supplies to help strengthen community ties while assisting the educational needs of Iraqi children.

"I'm very proud of the continued excellence shown by the men and women of the 66th Security Forces Squadron," said Col. Tom Schluckebier, 66th Air Base Wing commander.

"The recognition of these two individuals by AFMC confirms what we have always known -- our 66th Security Forces Squadron is filled with great professionals who do awesome work both here at Hanscom and while deployed to locations around the globe," the colonel said.