82nd SFS is the best in the Air Force

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Adawn Kelsey
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  During the April 2010 Security Forces Symposium at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, the 82nd Security Forces Squadron was awarded the 2009 Best Air Force Small Security Forces Unit award.

This was no small task for the 82nd SFS. Deployments, volunteer work, dedication and much more went into earning the award. He said being the Outstanding Small Security Forces Unit in the Air Force, is truly an honor. He said it is both humbling and fulfilling.

"This is a great reflection of all the tremendous work and dedication that my Airmen, NCOs and officers have invested into the squadron. The personnel in this unit have made a tremendous impact on the Air Force mission, and it is terrific that the career field and senior leadership chose to acknowledge and reward that accomplishment."

The major said he is extraordinarily proud of all his Airmen. He said every member of the unit contributed in some form or fashion for the award.

"I feel extremely lucky to be part of a squadron of such highly motivated and capable airmen. From the numerous deployments, to the technological improvements in security infrastructure here at Sheppard; to all the community events like the Airshows and Hotter'N Hell; the unit has proven itself both at home station and abroad."

Senior Master Sgt. Mark Hyden, 82nd SFS chief of operations, said he thinks being the best means more than just doing the job.

"Being the best means having the highest trained, equipped and organized force in the Security Forces career field ready and willing to execute Sheppard's and the Air Force's mission," he said. "It is a great feeling to know the hard work of your unit is validated at the end of the day and to see the pride in the unit's personnel when they first hear they earned the title as best in the Air Force."

Major Wildman said the award confirms that the 82nd SFS is a unit of excellence.

"I knew from the moment I took command what a remarkable organization I had, and I recognized that excellence from the onset," Major Wildman said. "The award is simply confirmation of what I already believed."