Barden presented with Mass. AFA award

  • Published
  • By Mark Wyatt
  • 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs
CHARLESTOWN, Mass. --  Senior Master Sgt. Joseph Barden, 66th Security Forces Squadron operations superintendent, was one of five Airmen recognized at an awards dinner hosted by the Air Force Association of Massachusetts at the U.S.S. Constitution Museum Oct. 24.

Barden was selected as one of the commonwealth's "Top 5 Massachusetts Airmen" by the AFA at the inaugural event.

"All five Airmen were selected for their mission contributions and outstanding performance," said Joseph P. Bisognano, AFA president. "This dinner was an opportunity to say thank you to five of our very best Massachusetts Airmen who have made tremendous sacrifices while supporting our nation."

Master Sgt. Kevin Walker, formerly the 319th Recruiting Squadron's first sergeant who is now assigned to the 502d Contracting Squadron, Joint Base San Antonio, Texas, was also selected as one of the five Airmen highlighted during the event.

According to Chief Master Gerald Nunes Jr., 66 SFS manager, Sergeant Barden was nominated for his "skill and leadership" to the squadron.

"Senior Master Sergeant Joseph Barden is an exceptional leader, mentor and the heart and soul of the 66th Security Forces Squadron," the citation read.

Among his many impacts on the squadron, he is credited with establishing Hanscom's first Emergency Services Team as well as earning a $12,000 grant to develop a SWAT-style response capability on base.

"This is a specialized trained team that responds to high-risk situations on base when needed," said Capt. Christopher McNamee, the team's officer in charge. "Through his efforts with this team, Senior Master Sergeant Barden's commitment to the security of this installation will be felt for years to come."

He is also responsible for networking with local police departments to establish a regional military and civilian police department operational network.

"His work with establishing this local network led to 120 hours of mutual training and interaction, resulting in 22 certifications from nine local agencies and a more capable regional security force team," McNamee said.

Indicative of his leadership skills, Barden was nominated for the Lance P. Sijan award that recognizes the accomplishments of Airmen who have demonstrated the highest quality of leadership in the performance of their duties and personal lives.

Other Airmen recognized at the event include: Master Sgt. Kim Brown, 102nd Intelligence Wing, Otis Air National Guard Base, Mass.; Master Sgt. Gregory Pauli, 439th Airlift Wing, Westover Air Reserve Base, Mass.; and Staff Sgt. Timothy Wachta, 104th Fighter Wing, Barnes Air National Guard Base, Mass.