SFS captures best in AF -- again

  • Published
  • By Mark Wyatt
  • 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  For the second year in a row, and the third time in four years, members of the 66th Security Forces Squadron here are celebrating their selection as the Air Force Outstanding Small Size Security Forces Unit award.

Hanscom's defenders beat out 24 other small security forces squadrons throughout the Air Force to earn the best in Air Force for 2015.

"Throughout this squadron there are military and civilian Airmen dedicated to accomplishing the security force mission at home and abroad," said Maj. Joseph Bincarousky, 66 SFS commander. "That commitment resonates at all levels throughout the squadron to make it literally the best security forces squadron in the Air Force."

In an email sent to the workforce, Col. David R. Dunklee, installation commander, recognized the accomplishment.
"Our defenders are the first to greet Team Hanscom to the base; first to respond to emergencies; and will always rush into danger to protect us," he stated.

Among the many notable achievements highlighted in the award citation was the high number of deployments the squadron was responsible for in 2015.

"Last year more than 50 percent of the Airmen assigned to the squadron deployed around the globe to protect, defend and fight," Bincarousky said. "Each Airman was charged with tasks such as defending air bases at home and abroad, law enforcement on those bases, combat arms and handling military working dogs."

Also included in the citation is the somber reminder of the sacrifice made by fallen defenders Senior Airmen Kcey Ruiz and Nathan Sartain, who were killed when the C-130J Super Hercules aircraft they were on crashed shortly after takeoff in Afghanistan.

"We continue to honor their legacy each and every day," said Bincarousky.

Locally, 66 SFS remained busy by preparing for a Unit Effectiveness Inspection last spring. During the UEI, Air Force Materiel Command inspectors recognized 11 defenders as outstanding performers.

In addition, the squadron's Logistics Flight was selected as the 66th Air Base Group's and Team Hanscom's team of the year. The Military Working Dog Section was lauded for their support to numerous senior government leader visits to the six-state New England region.

Also highlighted in the citation was the participation by many junior and senior enlisted members in force development programs such as First Term Airman Course and Airman Leadership School, as well as active involvement in private organizations such as the Patriot Enlisted Association, Top Three and many others.

Hanscom's 'top cop' added that the squadron's success is indicative of the high-caliber of individuals and teams that make up the squadron.

"Excellence is not a goal in this squadron, excellence is the standard for each and every Airmen assigned here," he said. "We had another banner year in 2015, and that success resonates throughout and makes us all better. I doubt this is the last time the 66th Security Forces Squadron captures this award."