LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas, - The 204th Security Forces Squadron, a geographically separated unit of the 149th Fighter Wing, has won 2009 Air Force Outstanding Security Forces Unit Award.
The squadron, based on Biggs Army Airfield at Fort Bliss, Texas, previously won 2009 Air National Guard Outstanding Security Force Unit Award.
"The operations tempo for the calendar year 2009 was unparalleled by any other security forces squadron," said Master Sgt. Loretta Streza, the squadron's first sergeant. "We competed against 96 other Air National Guard squadrons with two prevailing - the 204th SFS and the 183rd SFS out of Illinois."
Streza noted that the 112 Airmen of the 204th SFS comprise the only heavy weapons security forces unit in the Air National Guard and that they support U.S. military operations in many parts of the world.
The certification of the Desert Defender Regional Training Center, with which the squadron provides training in desert defense operations to both active and reserve military components, was also a big plus.
"Each member of the organization played a key role ensuring that our Desert Defender Regional Training Center students received the best training possible, providing combatant commanders with highly skilled and trained defenders," said Lt. Col. Carl Alvarez, 204th SFS commander.
The squadron will formally receive its ANG award during the Air National Guard Security Forces Leadership Workshop in Glendale, Ariz., April 20-22, and its Air Force award during the 2010 Worldwide Security Forces Symposium in San Antonio, Texas, April 27-29.
"We are honored to have been selected," Alvarez said. "This significant national-level recognition is a testament to the hard work, dedication to duty, and commitment to excellence demonstrated by the members of the squadron."
Col. Kenneth Nereson, 149th Fighter Wing commander, added his praise.
"The men and women of the 204th Security Forces Squadron reflect the best combat warriors our nation has to offer," he said. "We are so proud of all the work they do each and every day to prepare future warriors in support of our nation's military objectives. This distinction is well deserved."